Seeds are remarkable vessels of life, containing the potential to sprout into vibrant plants. However, gardeners and farmers sometimes face the frustration of failed seed germination. Despite following proper planting techniques and providing optimal growing conditions, seeds may refuse to germinate.
Understanding the various factors that contribute to unsuccessful seed germination is crucial in ensuring successful plant propagation. In this article, we explore some common reasons why seeds may not germinate as expected.
1. The wrong season
Sowing seeds in the wrong season can have a significant impact on the germination of your seeds. Different plants and crops have specific temperature requirements for seed germination. Sowing seeds in the wrong season may subject them to temperatures that are too hot or too cold for successful germination. If the temperature is too high, it can inhibit germination, while extremely low temperatures can cause seed dormancy.
The solution:
- Check the back of your MayFord seed packet for a guideline on when you can plant the specific plant or crop.
- Know whether you live in a Frost or a Frost-Free zone. MayFord’s sowing time instructions are specific to Frost and Frost-Free zones.
2. Sowing depth and pressing down
Planting seeds at an incorrect depth can significantly affect their ability to germinate. Seeds that are buried too deepmay struggle to reach the soil surface, deplete their energy reserves and fail to germinate altogether. On the other hand, seeds planted too shallow, especially when you haven’t pressed down, may lack the necessary moisture for germination or be more prone to disturbances from wind or animals. Each seed type has its recommended sowing depth and following these guidelines guarantees the chances of successful germination.
The solution:
- Check the back of your MayFord seed packet for a guideline sowing depth.
3. Overwatering / underwatering
Overwatering and underwatering can both have negative effects on seed germination. When seeds are overwatered,the soil becomes excessively saturated with water. This can lead to the following problems:
- Oxygen deprivation: Seeds require oxygen to breathe and germinate. Excessive water can fill the air spaces in the soil, reducing the availability of oxygen to the seeds. Lack of oxygen can hinder germination or cause the seeds to rot.
- Fungal and bacterial growth: Conditions that are too wet promote the growth of fungi and bacteria in the soil, which can affect the seeds and cause diseases such as damping-off. Damping-off refers to the decay and death of seedlings before or after emergence.
- Nutrient leaching: Overwatering can wash away essential nutrients from the soil, making them less available to the seeds. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies, negatively affecting germination and subsequent seedling growth.
- Overwatering in combination with sowing medium that is too coarse (eg. Potting soil), results in seed disappearing between the particles.
Insufficient or underwatering can also have detrimental effects on seed germination:
- Lack of water can cause the seeds to dry out. The combination of seed exposed to the correct soil temperature which will initiate germination but is then underwatered can lead to germination failure.
The solution:
- Regularly check the moisture content of the soil to assess if watering is required. You can do this by sticking your finger about an inch into the soil. If it feels dry at that depth, it’s time to water. If it feels moist, you can hold off watering for a little longer. Be sure not to rely solely on the surface appearance of the soil, as it can be deceiving.
- The frequency of watering depends on factors like the seed type, environmental conditions, and soil composition. As a general rule, it’s better to water deeply and less frequently rather than giving shallow, frequent watering. Deep watering encourages the seed’s roots to grow deeper into the soil, promoting stronger and healthier plants.
- When watering seeds, use a gentle and fine spray or a watering can with a fine rose head to avoid dislodging the seeds or causing damage to the delicate seedlings. Aim to moisten the soil evenly but be cautious not to saturate it excessively.
- Ensure that your planting containers or garden beds have adequate drainage to allow excess water to escape. Proper drainage helps prevent waterlogging, which can lead to overwatering issues.
4. Windy conditions
Sowing seeds in windy conditions can lead to poor germination, especially for small, light seeds. Wind can blow seeds away from where you sowed them or disrupt the soil surface, leaving seeds exposed and vulnerable. Even if the seeds remain in place, the drying effect of strong wind can quickly dehydrate the top layer of soil, making it difficult for seeds to absorb the moisture they need to germinate.
The solution:
- Avoid sowing seeds on windy days. Choose a still day or sow in the early morning or late afternoon when wind tends to be calmer.
- If wind is unavoidable, consider sowing seeds indoors or in a sheltered area and transplant later.
- Use fine mulch, seedling soil mix or a light covering of vermiculite to help keep seeds in place and prevent the topsoil from drying out too quickly.
- For very small seeds, gently press them into the soil to ensure contact and reduce the risk of them being blown away.
5. Position
Direct sowing:
Make sure you provide your seeds with a correct position, i.e full sun, semi-shade or full shade. This information can be found on your seed packet.
Seedlings trays:
Adequate light is crucial for seedlings to develop properly. Place your seedling tray in a spot that receives bright, indirect light. A covered patio is the perfect spot to provide ambient temperature and indirect light. Ideally seedling trays should be exposed to an hour or two of direct sunlight per day. Keep an eye on the moisture levels and never let it dry out.
6. FAQ: Can seeds be to old, or have exceeded the expiry date?
Seeds that are old or improperly stored are more likely to suffer from reduced viability, rendering them incapable of sprouting.
The solution:
- Purchase seeds from reputable sources and check the Best Before date on your seed packet. This will ensure freshness and improve the chances of successful germination.
- Store your seed in a cool, dry place, such as a drawer or cabinet in an even temperature environment. Make sure to keep them away from moisture and extreme temperature fluctuations.
- MayFord seeds are proud to have pioneered the famous hermetically heat-sealed seed packet. This provides the seed packet with an air-tight seal, sealing out moisture, oxygen and light, ensuring the seed stays fresh for longer.
- Because MayFord seed packets are foil-based and heat-sealed, you can simply use a cool iron to re-seal the packet. Alternatively, fold the seed packet over and close with a clothes peg.
In conclusion, creating the best environment for your seeds to germinate is of crucial importance. Once you have mastered this skill, the reward thereof will be greatly fulfilling. We wish all home gardeners the best when doing what you love!