Have you tried starting some seeds, but you're still staring at a pile of soil weeks later?
Here are some of the most common reasons your seeds aren't germinating.
Not Enough Light
Starting seeds early in the season can be a tricky but rewarding endeavour.
One of the many issues that can arise is a lack of light getting to your seeds.
Some seeds need light to germinate, whereas others require darkness. Ensure you check the seed packet before planting!
This is where grow lights can be helpful and "trick" the seeds into thinking the days are longer, that spring has arrived, and that they should start sprouting.
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Incorrect Temperature
Seeds can be very fussy about temperature and germination. Many seeds will not germinate until they hit a certain temperature, whereas a select few will not germinate if it is too hot.
Again, the seed packet is your lifeline here and should include important information like this. If it doesn't, or if you have lost the packet, then a quick Google for your seed and variety will generally do the trick.
Most seeds do tend to like warmer conditions; this is especially true of more exotic plants like chillis, which are used to warm growing conditions.
That is why many growers use a heat mat to help get their seeds started.
A heat mat provides gentle but constant heat and is placed under seed trays to warm the soil up.
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Not Enough Water
Seeds need water to kick-start a lot of the processes that begin germination.
If they aren't getting enough water, then germination won't happen.
Ensure you check on your seeds every few days and that the compost is moist.
Please don't overdo it, though, as you don't want your seeds sitting in water, as this can cause issues of its own.
Old Seeds
![Sowing Seeds In A Seed Tray]](https://patientgardener.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Sowing-Seeds-In-A-Seed-Tray.jpg)
As seeds get older, they cease to be viable and won't germinate no matter what you do.
If you are sowing from an old packet and nothing seems to be happening, this is likely the cause.
Check the packet to see if it has a use-by date, and always try to use your oldest seeds first.
Many seeds will be viable for at least two years, some even longer.
Natural Poor Germination
Some seeds just have poor germination rates no matter what you do.
Different plants have different methods for seed germination, and this results in some being excellent germination while others are poor.
That's just the way it is.
Seed companies will often include the expected germination rate on the packet, so look out for that.
Not Enough Humidity
Some seeds need really humid conditions in order to germinate. Chillis, particularly the really hot ones, are prime examples of this.
If you are sowing seeds that need high humidity levels, try using a propagator to get them going!
Too Much Water
I know I said earlier that not enough water can cause poor germination, but the same is true the other way, also. This turns watering seeds into a gentle balancing act.
If the water is constantly wet, then some seeds can rot, and then they will never germinate. Certain seeds are more prone to this than others, I find peas and cucurbits very susceptible to rotting. But in truth, it could happen to any seed.
The best way to achieve the right balance when it comes to watering is to let the top layer of the soil dry out, only watering again once this has happened.
Wilkinson Ladd Stephanie says
Thank you for sharing your advice on plants it's a great help 😀
Barry Hickley says
Hello Daniel, thanks for sharing your gardening expertise. Like you I started my working life in gardening with the Portsmouth Parks Department although it's been a long time since, I still enjoy gardening at home. However, trying to emulate UK successes when growing plants from seeds in Spain has often resulted in poor results, but I still get a lot of pleasure from our garden. Please keep the tips coming.
Jean Mazzella says
i love growing from seed and watching them grow, i am housebound so growing veg etc keeps me busy and i can't wait for the warm weather to start planting outside, i don't have much luck with flower seeds , don't know why?but enjoy reading all your tips and advice, i never ever thought of removing pepper flowers to make the plants stronger , so i will do that with mine ,thank you pet for all the great tips . x
Graeme Stockdale says
"If the water is constantly wet" - errmmm! I think I know what you meant to say but maybe this needs correcting or clarifying. Thank you for your helpful advice though - always worth reading and heeding.