Should broadcast seedlings be covered with clear plastic?

[David Mitchell]

I can't seem to find the answer to this in the previous posts.

When broadcast seeding, in hydroton, do you need to cover the area with plastic or a dome to keep it moist while germinating?

I've done both with and witout and it seems to help to cover the area, but some seeds molded in this scenario. Just a beginner.

Any advice appreciated

[Jonathan Kadish NYC AA Chair]

In my experience The hydroton retains enough moisture between flood and drain cycles for the seeds to germinate. If you put plastic on, the 1-2 inches of dry hydroton could develop problems like you mentioned because it too would become moist.