Seeds are magic to gardens. Tuck them in soil, add a little water and you are on the way to a beautiful bloom or tasty harvest. Start seeds indoors to jump-start your garden. Whether or not you have experience starting seeds, you will improve your success by avoiding these common errors.
Seed-Starting Mistake #1: Catalog Hypnosis
It is tough to resist the beautiful pictures and glowing words in seed catalogs. Even experienced gardeners struggle to resist the allure. That is the first mistake most seed starters make: ordering too many seeds. A simple secret to success with seed-starting is exercising self-restraint. If you are new to the practice, do not start too many different types of seeds. Stick with simple ones, such as Tomato, Basil, Zinnia or Cosmos.
Seed-Starting Mistake #2: Starting Too Soon
In many regions, sowing seeds gives you a chance to get your hands dirty when it is too cold to garden outdoors. Do not start your seeds too soon. Most plants are ready to shift into the great outdoors in 4-6 weeks.Learn more aboutperfect timing for seeds.
Seed-Starting Mistake #3: Planting Too Deep
Read seed packets carefully, for detailed information about how deep to plant seeds. The rule of thumb is to plant seeds at a depth equal to two or three times their width. It is better to plant seeds too shallow than too deep. Some seeds, such as certain Lettuces or Snapdragon, need light to germinate and should not be covered at all.
Seed-Starting Mistake #4: Not Labeling Trays
Once you start sowing seeds and get dirt on your fingers, you will not want to stop and make labels. Before planting, prepare labels and add them to containers as soon as the seeds go into soil. Otherwise, it can be tough to tell seedlings apart. Be sure to include sowing date on your labels.
Seed-Starting Mistake #5: Soil Is Not Warm
Seed packets specify the temperature seeds need to germinate – soil temperature, not air temperature. Most seed germinate at 78ºF. You will have sure success if you use a waterproof root-zone heating mat. Once you start germinating seeds in soil, aim to keep soil temperature in the 65-70ºF range.
Seed-Starting Mistake #6: Too Little Light
In the warmest regions of the country, there is enough ambient light in a south-facing window to grow stocky seedlings. In northern areas where winter brings persistent cloud cover, you will need supplemental lights. Purchase or build an illuminated plant stand to start seedlings. For stocky, healthy seedlings, provide 14-16 hours of light daily. Suspend lights 2-3 inches above seedlings.
Seed-Starting Mistake #7: Water Woes
How much water do seeds need? For seeds to germinate, you need to keep the growing soil damp but not too wet. Learning how to water seedlings is pivotal for success. Many seed starters cover the container to keep soil moist until seeds germinate. Once seeds sprout, do not miss a watering. Unlike established plants, seedlings do not have an extensive root system they can rely on for vital moisture. At the same time, it is important not to overwater and let seedlings sit in water.
Seed-Starting Mistake #8: Not Enough Pampering
Seedlings are delicate creatures. They need daily attention and lots of tender loving care, especially when they are young. If you cannot monitor seedlings daily, checking on germination, soil moisture, temperature, and lights, you will definitely reduce your chances of success. Seedlings do not survive neglect.
Learn More About Starting Seeds
Not sure you want to start seedlings? Learnwhy you should consider starting your own seeds.
Seedlings must be prepared for the transition to life in the garden. Learn how tostrengthen seedlings before planting.
Some seeds can be sown directly into soil outdoors.Learn more about the process and which seeds are best for this method.
FAQs
That is the first mistake most seed starters make: ordering too many seeds. A simple secret to success with seed-starting is exercising self-restraint. If you are new to the practice, do not start too many different types of seeds.
What do some seeds fail to germinate? ›
A seed might fail to germinate due to multiple reasons. Water is a key factor in promoting seed germination. Very less or too much water content can affect germination. Lack of oxygen also inhibits seed germination and oxygen availability is directly linked to water availability.
What is the most difficult seed to germinate? ›
Some seeds like Allium 'Purple Sensation' and Eryngium giganteum need a long period of cold-moist stratification with alternating temperatures. These are the most difficult seeds to germinate.
Why do some seeds fail to start a new plant? ›
Different seeds have different needs to germinate. For a seed to germinate, it needs the right amount of water, light, and warmth. Some seeds require lots of light whereas others require more darkness. Some seeds have an ideal temperature to germinate in; it may be too warm or too cold where you are testing your seeds.
Is it better to germinate seeds in soil or paper towel? ›
The paper towel method creates prime conditions for seeds to germinate in less time. Depending on the type of seed, the controlled moisture and heat conditions within the bag can enable seeds to germinate in a few days. You'll have a home or garden filled with bright new leaves in no time!
Why are my seeds not germinating after 7 days? ›
Too much or too little water is the most likely reason for seeds not germinating. With too little or no water, seeds remain dormant. With too much water, seeds become susceptible to rot or infection from soil-borne fungi (also referred to as "dampening off").
Do seeds need darkness to germinate? ›
Some seeds don't need light to break through their seed casings and sprout. Most seeds germinate best with controlled amounts of UV generation, but there are seeds that germinate in the absence of light. Furthermore, there are plants that get enough just light in highly shady areas of a garden or even in darkness.
How do you germinate a stubborn seed? ›
The three basic methods for "encouraging" the hard-to-start seeds to germinate are:
- Scarification - scar or scratch or nick the hard seed coat.
- Stratification - exposure to a period of cold temperatures.
- Soaking - hydrates seeds with tougher seed coats.
Here are some simple gardening tips for getting better, faster germination for all types of seeds.
- Pre-Soak Your Seeds Before Planting. ...
- Begin by Starting Your Seeds Indoors. ...
- Monitor Your Seed's Environment. ...
- Keep Them Well-Watered. ...
- Change Seed Sources.
Slow Germinators: Some seeds naturally take longer to break dormancy and start growing, often 2-4 weeks or more. Examples include parsley and some perennial flowers like geums.
For seeds to germinate, you need to keep the growing soil damp but not too wet. Learning how to water seedlings is pivotal for success. Many seed starters cover the container to keep soil moist until seeds germinate. Once seeds sprout, do not miss a watering.
What to do if seeds aren't germinating? ›
Inconsistent soil temperatures can cause spotty germination, slow growth or if too hot frying of the seed/seedling. If soil temperature is too cool, put seedlings in a warmer area or on a heating mat with a dome lid. If soil is too hot, put in a cooler spot and remove from heat mat.
Why not start seeds in potting soil? ›
These seeds are of a smaller size and would have a difficult time getting started in most potting soils. The coarser texture of the potting soil or the garden soil may inhibit growth by not providing the correct amount of continuous moisture.
Does soaking seeds improve germination? ›
Some seeds take a long time to germinate, and seed soaking can help to speed up the process. By soaking seeds in lukewarm water for 8-12 hours (some can go up to 24 hours, but never more than that), you help the seed to break dormancy and germinate faster.
How long does it take for a seed to germinate? ›
Some are quick to germinate, taking 1-2 weeks at most, such as chillies, beans, sunflowers and pumpkins. Some seeds take more like 2-4 weeks, such as mango and parsley. Others, depending on how warm/cold it is, take closer to 2 months, for example avocado.
Why are certain seeds so hard to germinate? ›
Seeds that are hard to germinate often have a tough seed coat. If you are not sure if the seed needs scarification, soak a seed in water overnight. If it swells up, no need to scarify. To "scar" or abrade the seed coat and allow more water inside, use a pair of nail clippers or a file.
What will prevent your seeds from germinating? ›
There are a number of reasons for poor germination in the garden. Seeds need just the right ratio of water, air, temperature, soil texture, planting depth, and intrinsic seed vigor in order to grow, and any one of those elements out of balance can sabotage the process.
Why do seeds fail to sprout? ›
Seeds require moisture and also air for sprouting. When the seeds are boiled moisture content will be lost and enzymes or proteins are being killed. Boiling the seeds destroys the cell organelles which are required for germination. Therefore, they fail to grow.
How do you know if a seed won't germinate? ›
HERE ARE THE STEPS TO TEST GERMINATION RATES:
Roll up the paper towel and place it inside a plastic bag. Place the bag in a warm spot. Feel the paper towel every couple of days and spray it with a water bottle as needed. After 7 to 10 days, check to see how many of the seeds have sprouted.
