Successful seed and seedlings growth depend on moisture,
warmth, air, and light. Seeds and seedlings, as well, require optimal
temperatures, even watering, open air circulation, and bright light to thrive.
When vegetable seeds fail to sprout or when seedlings
wither and die what could the problem be? Often the answer is simple.
Seeds
Fail to Sprout. The
cause is likely one of these:
• Temperature is
too low or too high. Check the seed packet for the seed's optimal
germination temperature. Most vegetable seeds prefer soil temperatures between
70° and 80°F for germination.
• Soil was allowed
to dry out. Seeds must absorb moisture to begin germination. The seed coat
expands with water and allows the embryo to begin growth.
• Seeds planted to
deep. As a rule of thumb do not plant seeds greater than the width of their
diameter; this if often just ¼ to ½ inch deep and sometimes less. Most seeds
require light to germinate.
• Too much water.
Watering caused seeds sown just below the soil surface to become exposed and
float away. Dampen the soil before you sow seed then be careful not to
overwater after sowing.
• Insufficient soil
contact. Seed coats are tough. Beneficial bacteria and fungi in the soil
along with moisture help break down the seed coat and allow germination and
growth to begin. Gently press down on the soil after you sow seed to make sure
the seed and soil come in contact.
Successful seed and seedlings growth depend on moisture, warmth, air, and light. Seeds and seedlings, as well, require optimal temperatures, even watering, open air circulation, and bright light to thrive.
When vegetable seeds fail to sprout or when seedlings wither and die what could the problem be? Often the answer is simple.
Seeds Fail to Sprout. The cause is likely one of these:
• Temperature is too low or too high. Check the seed packet for the seed's optimal germination temperature. Most vegetable seeds prefer soil temperatures between 70° and 80°F for germination.
• Soil was allowed to dry out. Seeds must absorb moisture to begin germination. The seed coat expands with water and allows the embryo to begin growth.
• Seeds planted to deep. As a rule of thumb do not plant seeds greater than the width of their diameter; this if often just ¼ to ½ inch deep and sometimes less. Most seeds require light to germinate.
• Too much water. Watering caused seeds sown just below the soil surface to become exposed and float away. Dampen the soil before you sow seed then be careful not to overwater after sowing.
• Insufficient soil contact. Seed coats are tough. Beneficial bacteria and fungi in the soil along with moisture help break down the seed coat and allow germination and growth to begin. Gently press down on the soil after you sow seed to make sure the seed and soil come in contact.