Seeds Won't Sprout

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Seeds not germinating is always a frustration for gardeners

Sometimes even several times a day we are staring at the dirt, hopeful for any sign of something emerging. The biggest problem we gardeners have with seed sprouting is patience. But if we understand a bit about the process we might not become quite so impatient! And, are we really paying attention to the instructions on the seed packet? Our trusted seed suppliers really do know what they are doing, we should pay attention to what they put on that packet.

So, these are some of the things that can affect seed germination:

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  • Remember that seeds are a true marvel, they have everything they need right inside that tiny capsule. They know just what conditions they need to open up their shell. So we need be sure they get the necessary conditions.

  • Monitor soil temperatures before sowing seed outdoors, and plant when recommended on the seed packet. If you plant a warm soil seed when the soil is till cold, it may rot before the soil warms up.

  • Do not over water. This is easy to monitor indoors but you cannot control rain outdoors. It is helpful if your soil has plenty of organic matter to aid drainage. Most seed like to remain consistently moist until sprouted, so do monitor carefully when seeding indoors or out. Inconsistent moisture will absolutely delay sprouting and kill seedlings.

  • Don’t use old seeds. When stored in unstable or incorrect conditions the seeds can be “killed”. In any case seeds tend to lose viability each year that passes in storage. Seed packets often have a “sow by” date, indicating the best viability.

  • Plant at the right depth. Some seeds need total darkness, some need light. Give them what the seed packet calls for.

  • Some seeds are fussier than others. If the packet says sow outdoors, do not try to coax them indoors. If they need a winter for cold stratification don’t sow them in spring

  • If almost nothing is sprouting it could be your seeds were eaten. If it becomes a common problem you can use netting to cover the garden.

  • Be patient!

Keep in mind too that every single seed you sow will not germinate. Some only have about a 50% germination rate but generally you should expect about 70% or better. And until you have more experience with seeding, you may want to wait to try seeds that need special treatments. Some seeds require certain techniques such as soaking, chipping, or scarifying.

Sharon Dwyer