Seed Germination
Seeds need the right depth, steady moisture and warmth to sprout.
What you may notice
- No sprouts after the time on the seed pack
- Seeds soft, mouldy or washed out
- Only a few sprouts from many seeds
First steps
- Check the pack date and test a few seeds on damp tissue.
- Sow at about twice the seed's width unless the pack says otherwise.
- Keep soil moist, not soggy.
Common causes
- Old or poorly stored seeds
- Sown too deep or too shallow
- Too much or too little water
- Temperature outside the seed's range
How to tell them apart
No sprouts and soggy soil suggest rot; no sprouts in dry soil suggest water; a few sprouts only suggest old seed.
Common mistakes
- Sowing too deep
- Letting seeds dry out or sit in water
- Using old or poorly stored seed
Prevention
Buy fresh seed, use a light seed-starting mix and check the pack for sowing season.
FAQ
How long should I wait?
Check the pack. Many vegetables sprout within one to two weeks.