If it's honestly that chunky just move the wood pieces out of the way of the path of the seed. Never had an issue unless it was sitting on the seed. After I go into soil, I only cover maybe 1/8 to 1/4in with soil, lightly.But you all by-passed my issue, I have read it is good for bigger plants and after started then place in soil XYZ. The issue is from a white tail seed to a growing medium then until it emerges and gains the first set of leaves . Just all wood in most of the custom soils.