What the heck is this golden little ball?

Greetings!

I just signed up for this forum in the hopes of getting as much feedback as I can from you all.

I'm brand new to germinating my own seeds and have a little mystery.

I have a tray of different seeds germinating in little cups (that will turn into compost when planted).
I have been finding these golden colored balls in my seed cups.
At first I just pinched them between my fingers and they burst. And honestly I burst quite a few.
Then I thought, well maybe my seeds have a disease.
And finally I thought, 'is this the process of seed germination?"

I'm including a pic of my tomato plant and you can see a golden round little egg-like ball (my mint also has one of these balls).
What the heck is this?
Thanks for your feedback!!

And here's a picture of that little golden ball found also in my mint seedlings.

Suzy: What kind of potting mix are you using? It kind of looks like a slow-release fertilizer bead (something like Osmocote). Miracle Grow potting mix and some others have these slow-release fertilizers.

Linda

Not sure specifically (someone else will know), but it is one of the ingredients in your potting mix. Not sure if it's part of the fertilizer or one of the ingredients that helps the soil moisten easier or what, but you'll make yourself crazy popping them...LOL. Someone will come along to tell you specifically what it is, but in the meantime, no disease...it's good stuff. My Pro-Mix doesn't have it, but my indoor houseplant mixes and some soil mixes I've purchased when I'm giving the plants away always contain it.

Cross-post...Hi Linda!

I'm using Miracle Gro Potting Mix with Microgrow

Suzy....I think you're safe in assuming it's part of your potting mix. Don't make yourself crazy trying to pop them. There are too many other garden chores to attend to. :)

If it is the fertilizer pellets, you don't want to over-fertilize your seedlings....they will do much better with a slower gradual release.

Hiya, Barb--haven't seen you for a while!