Seeding More than You Need

     In my excitement about planting new varieties in my raft bed I forgot about one of the most important rules of starting new plants.  I only planted what I needed in the raft bed and I didn't have any extra seedlings in my seeding cabinet.  The reminder that it's extremely important to plant more than you need came quick.  After losing several plants to damping off I'm behind where I'd like to be already.  This could have easily been avoided.
     Seeds cost money, so it makes sense that we would only want to use what we think we'll need.  But the fact is that there is a lot out there for our plants to survive against.  Pests and diseases can wreak havoc on a crop, and less than favorable environmental conditions can cause just as much trouble.  By seeding more than you'll need you leave a margin for plant loss so that even when some plants are lost you don't fall behind or produce less than you want to.  I'd go with 25% more than you think you'll need.  It leaves plenty of wiggle room.
     If you're worried about losing money to this method then you can collect seeds from your harvested crop for the next season.  By the time you harvest you've already paid off a seed packet, so you can plant as many seeds next season as you'd like without feeling guilty about wasting seeds.  And if you don't end up using your extra seedlings you can always give them away to others, which is almost always a welcome gift.  So plant extra and keep on schedule.  Don't fall victim to the thought that all your plants are going to thrive.