Growing plants from seeds boasts many benefits. It is a great way to reuse what you have left over from last year, save money, and enjoy knowing that you have grown something entirely on your own. Though growing from seeds requires a few trials and tribulations, your plants will usually succeed with the right care, time, and attention.

Whether it is your first time growing plants from seeds or something that seems amiss, you might be struggling to get your seeds to germinate. While there are a few different things that might be the issue, they are usually simple fixes. Learn how you can identify what is wrong with your seeds and how you can get them to germinate.

Improper Watering

Sprouting seeds in container

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As with many plants, improper watering techniques can be detrimental to the health of your seeds. Without adequate moisture, seeds won't germinate. On the other hand, too much water can result in rot.

If they are brown and mushy, your seeds are rotten and need replacing. Keep the soil evenly moist in the future by misting it with a spray bottle. Hold the bottle far enough away so the seeds and soil aren't moving around.

Pro Tip: Water in the early morning to prevent evaporation. Check the soil each day to ensure it is adequately moist.

Lack of Light and Oxygen

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Proper planting techniques are essential to your seed's health. Planting too deep can deprive your seeds of light and oxygen, while planting too shallow can expose them to the elements.

Though the general rule of thumb is to plant seeds at a depth twice their diameter, different seeds require different soil depths. For example, you should not cover seeds like begonia, lettuce, and petunia in soil, as they benefit from direct light exposure. You should cover calendula, annual phlox, and verbena, as they require darkness for germination. Check the soil requirements for the type of seeds you have and adjust soil depth as necessary.

Because seeds require oxygen for germination, a well-draining medium is essential. Use a sterile, soilless mix to ensure no weed seeds or pests are present. You can make your own seed starter by mixing 4 quarts of shredded sphagnum peat moss, 4 quarts of vermiculite, and 2 tablespoons of ground limestone. Do not use garden soil, as it is too dense.

Incorrect Temperatures

Flowerpots with young seedlings in greenhouse and thermometer on windowsill

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Planting before the last predicted frost can damage seeds, resulting in a lack of growth or no growth at all. You can begin germinating seeds indoors about six to eight weeks before the last predicted frost and transplant them outside once it is warm enough for the specific plant. Otherwise, you can sow the seeds outdoors as long as temperatures are suitable.

Different seeds also require different temperatures to grow. That said, most seeds require temperatures around 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the type of seeds you have and their temperature requirements. Wait until it is warm enough outside, or start them indoors on a heating mat.

Issues With the Seeds

Seeds in bags on the soil. Selective focus. Nature.

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Sometimes it isn't watering, planting techniques, or temperatures stopping your seeds from germinating. Instead, there might be an issue with the seeds themselves. First, animals like birds, mice, and voles find seeds delicious! If you've planted your seeds outside, animals might be eating them. Check to make sure the seeds are still there. To prevent this in the future, either start your seeds indoors or use row covers or cold frames.

If the seeds are still there, the issue might be that the seeds are expired. Check the package or perform a germination test if you have seeds left over. Take 10 seeds and place them on a paper towel. Roll it up and put it in a jar with some water at the bottom. Place it in a bright and warm location. In 10 days, if there are, for example, seven seeds germinated, you have a 70 percent germination rate. If you have a low germination percentage, you must buy new seeds and plant again.

Wishing You "Seed"sess

From improper watering to incorrect temperatures, there are several things that might be stopping your seeds from germinating. Luckily, you can still get the seeds to germinate once you provide the right conditions. If all else fails, something might be wrong with your seeds, and it is time to invest in or harvest some new ones!

Do you know of any reasons seeds might not be germinating? Share in the comments below! And as always, pass this along to any friends or family struggling to find "seed"sess on their own!