Seed Starting Problems: Seeds Don't Sprout
We all agree... seed sprouting should be easy. Well, for some seeds, sprouting
certainly is fast and easy. For, others it can be difficult, and takes
weeks to occur.
Are you providing ideal seed sprouting conditions for your seeds? Let's find
out....
The Symptoms:
You planted seeds (indoors or out). But, they are not coming up....yet.
The Causes of Seed Sprouting Problems:
By far, the most common reason seeds do not sprout, is that they are planted
too deeply. If it is too deep, the seedling struggles to emerge.
Heavy, clay soils makes it difficult, impossible for a seedling to break
through the cement-like soil..
Soil and temperature conditions may not be ideal. This can delay germination,
or result in the seeds not sprouting at all.
Another "cause" is the anxious gardener, who is unaware of how long it takes
to sprout a particular seed. Some seeds sprout in as little as three days.
Others, take two or more weeks.
The Remedies:
First and foremost, plant seeds at the proper depth. Consult the seed packet,
for this information. We also, recommend, sowing seeds, slightly LESS deep
than indicated. You can always add soil around a seedling after it has grown
a couple inches.
TIP: Fine seeds can wash too deeply into the soil, by just watering
them.For fine seeds, sprinkle them on top of the soil. Then, add a dusting
of starter soil on top. Water lightly.
When planting outdoors in heavy clay soils, mix in ample amounts of compost,
to make the soil lighter and looser. When you dig the hole or furrow, drop
in the seeds, then cover with a layer of starter soil.
Moisture levels are very important. The best rule of thumb, is to keep the
soil moist, but not wet. If the soil is dry, then moisture doesn't penetrate
the seed cover to begin the germination process. Wet soils, results in rotting
of the seeds.
Soil temperatures are too hot or too cold. It takes a minimum temperature
for a seed to germinate. There is a maximum temperature for successful
germination, over this temperature, the seed "cooks". The ideal temperature
range varies by type of seed. The ideal range for most garden plants
is 70-85 degrees. Cool weather crops germinate at the lower range. And, warm
weather crops germinate at higher temperatures in this range.
For outdoor plantings, try a raised bed, or a raised row. This helps to warm
the soil, and helps avoid overly wet soils.
See Raised Beds.
Heated germination mats are highly recommended for indoor starts.
Buy a heated germination mat.
Consult the information on the back of the seed packet. It should tell you
how long it germination will take before sprouting, under ideal circumstances.
Old seeds may no longer be viable. This shouldn't be the cause of the germination
problem, if you bought fresh seed from a reputable seed company. But, it
could be the cause for older, leftover seeds, or seed harvested by you or
a gardening friend. See Seed Germination
Tests.
Seed Tays and Seed Starting
Supplies Learn about the types of seed starting supplies, from seed trays
to to peat pots and peat pellets.
Buy Guarden Raised Garden Bed Frames Attractive, long
lasting and affordable. Guarden raised bed frames are the strongest in the
industry. A greenhouse system can be added to them, too.
Buy Flower, Vegetable and Herb Seeds Take the worry
out of seed starting. Use the finest quality Ferry Morse and Lilly Miller
seeds, with their famous "guarantee to grow".
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