Is it game over for my grow

[fdriven]

I need help and expert advise. I purchased 10 seeds of durban posion and received 10 unknown free seeds. I germed all the seeds for 4 days in a tupperware container. After the 4 days 12 of the 20 had split open and were showing a root. At this point I went to my hidden outdoor growing spot and where I placed organic soil for the seeds. I watered the soil with a little water and let it rest for about 15 min, then i turned the soil a few times to make sure the water is spread evenly. I planted my seeds about an inch down and covered them. I came back to my site 5 days later to check on my babies but nothing has grown yet. I examined a few of the spots where I planted and the top layer of the organic soil I purchased was dried out and pretty much a large hard solid lump up to a depth of one inch. Beyond the one inch depth the soil was very slightly moist and fluffy, pretty much perfect. Now is my grow screwed because my seeds couldn't grow through the hard lump? Is there anything I could do to salvage this or should I buy new seeds and start over. What should I do to avoid the hard lump forming on top of my soil?

[D Rock]

Mabey try growing them inside first and then when they are about 2 weeks old then put them outside.

[Lord_voltan]

Yeah moisture control is critical. sprouts stay on my window sill so I can make sure they sprout and not dried out. Then I keep mine under a cool blue cfl for a week. then outside. you could try watering the patch but I think you may have to start over. For the future, its not a good idea to leave sproutlings alone for that long. Outdoor plants are like an infant. They always need constant attention.

[hootskers420]

Not neccessarily. Just keep the soil wet for the next week and I bet at least a couple of them will pop up. Also next time dont plant them so deep. half an inch is plenty deep.