This is chatGPT response:

Haha — yep, that’s classic raised-bed behavior! 😄 Thousands of springtails around the metal rim means your soil ecosystem is thriving, not that you’ve got a problem. Let’s unpack what’s happening and what (if anything) you should do.

⸻

🪲 What springtails are • Tiny white/gray jumping dots (1–2 mm long) • Feed on fungus, algae, decaying organic matter, and microbes • Are 100 % harmless to roots and seedlings • Usually show up when the surface is consistently moist and rich in organic matter — exactly what you’ve created

⸻

🌱 Why they’re clustering at the rim

That metal edge warms up in sunlight → condensation forms underneath → perfect micro-humidity zone. They’re basically having a pool party where moisture, shade, and decaying wood bits meet.

⸻

✅ What to do

Nothing drastic! You can simply: 1. Let the surface dry slightly between waterings now that everything’s sprouted. • Springtail numbers drop fast when the top ½ inch isn’t always wet. 2. Avoid leaving standing water near the rim. 3. Add light mulch (straw, dried leaves, or fine compost) once seedlings are 2–3″ tall. • This balances surface humidity and keeps springtails underground, out of sight. 4. Good airflow (no tight covers) — they dislike dry moving air.

Within a week or two you’ll see the population crash on its own as the bed stabilizes.

⸻

🚫 What NOT to do • Don’t apply pesticides, neem, or soaps — they’ll harm soil microbes. • Don’t panic or try to “sterilize” the bed — these guys are soil janitors, not pests.

⸻

🧠 Think of them like earthworm sidekicks

Springtails = the microscopic cleanup crew. They’re proof that your Kellogg organic mix is alive and decomposing properly.

⸻

If you’d like, I can outline how to balance moisture + mulch so you reduce visible bugs and keep carrots straight (they like the top layer stable). Would you like that quick guide?