I have been chitting seeds for a number of plants, figuring that already-sprouted seeds will yield greater success in raising seedlings. It has mostly worked. Except for aubergines (eggplant over here).
Apparently the issue is heat. Lots of sites recommend bottom heat (such as a heating mat) to get the seed to sprout. But, I'm a cheapskate (or skinflint, mizer, tightwad, whatever compliment you prefer, that's me!). I don't want to BUY a heating mat!
I often look for cheap or free alternatives to avoid shelling out cash for stuff I would prefer not to "collect". I looked online for free options to solve my heat problem. One website said, place the seedlings (or in my case, chitting container) on top of the refrigerator, the rising heat will help. It did to a certain extent (it was slightly warmer, 2 seeds sprouted). But it was not the ideal temperature range (26 to 32 C). I searched around the house for a better spot; found it! The top of my television's cable TV box is right in the middle of the proper temperature range! So, I moved my chitting container there.
I will keep a close eye on that container, and will probably move seeds out of it and into pots as each sprouts. My containers for tiny seedlings are free stuff also, I use short sections of plastic pipe as "pots", placed in containers with a clear lid. The containers started out as grocery store recyclable deli, egg, produce, or "take-out" food containers; I use the containers once for seeds, then recycle them.
