Top layer of soil gets really hard after i water it?

[cody8892000]

i just planted a few seeds and i couldnt figure out why they werent sprouting and then i decided to dig one up and when i did a big chunk of dirt came off the top layer of soil it wasnt a deep chunk it was like the top layer just needed to be stirred up and now that i took that top layer off its starting to grow fine and i figure once it gets to an ok size i wont have to worry about the top layer of soil but what do you think could be causing it to do this and no its not soil from my yard but im not sure exactly what kind it is just know its potting soil i got from a friend

[DonLuigi]

Does the soil have any perlite or vermiticulite in it? That would help loosen the soil.

[cody8892000]

yea it has some perlite in it but not a whole lot its not like its sticking together because its muddy but after i water it and it starts to dry the top layer becomes a really hard "crust" not like compacted mud though

[deepgreensea]

get some seedling soil I germed 40/40 in it with paper towel method

anything high in fine peat is good