WHY YOUR SEEDS AREN’T GERMINATING

Are you struggling to get your seeds to sprout? Staring at bare soil for weeks, only to realise your seeds just aren’t doing anything? I know how frustrating it can be.

But don’t worry, there’s always a reason why seeds fail to germinate. Over the years, I’ve learned the most common pitfalls gardeners face and, more importantly, how to fix them. In this guide, I’ll walk you through 10 common reasons why your seeds aren’t germinating and what you can do to get them growing. Plus, stick around to the end for three bonus tips!

1. Your Seeds Are Too Old

Did you know that seeds don’t last forever? Over time, their viability declines, meaning fewer will germinate. Some seeds like parsnips and onions lose viability quickly (within a year), while others like tomatoes can last five years or more if stored properly.

Fix It:

Check the age of your seeds. If they’re old, do a germination test by placing a few seeds on a damp paper towel in a plastic bag. If they don’t sprout in a few days, it’s time for fresh seeds.

Store seeds properly** in a cool, dry, airtight container to extend their lifespan.

2. Poor Seed Quality

Not all seeds are created equal. If seeds have been stored in damp conditions or come from an unreliable supplier, their germination rates plummet.

Fix It:

Buy seeds from a trusted supplier and check expiry dates.

When buying seeds in-store, avoid packets that have been stored in direct sunlight or near a window. Temperature fluctuations can damage viability.

If you save your own seeds, make sure they’re completely dry before storing them in an airtight container.

3. Your Seeds Need Special Treatment

Some seeds **won’t germinate unless they go through a natural process**—like experiencing cold, soaking, or even passing through an animal’s digestive system (yes, really!).

Fix It:

Soak seeds like sweet peas overnight to speed up germination.

Cold stratify seeds like certain wildflowers by placing them in the fridge for a few weeks.

Scarify tough-coated seeds by rubbing them lightly with sandpaper.

4. Poor-Quality Compost

What you sow your seeds into really matters. Some seeds are unfussy, but others need fine, well-draining compost.

Fix It:

Use a fine-textured seed-starting mix or sieve multipurpose compost to remove lumps.

Avoid heavy composts with large particles, which prevent small seeds from making good contact with moisture.

Ensure the compost is moist but not soggy before sowing.

5. You’re Sowing Too Deep

Burying seeds too deep can prevent them from reaching the surface before they run out of energy.

Fix It:

Check the seed packet for recommended sowing depth.

A good rule of thumb: sow seeds at a depth twice their own size.

Tiny seeds (like lettuce or foxgloves) should be surface-sown and barely covered.

6. Inconsistent Moisture

Moisture is key for germination, but it needs to be consistent. If seeds dry out even for a short period, the germination process stalls and often can’t restart.

Fix It:

Mist seeds regularly or cover trays with a propagator lid to retain moisture.

If sowing outdoors, cover the soil with fleece or cardboard to prevent drying out.

Check daily and water gently if needed.

7. Overwatering

Too much water can be just as bad as too little. Overwatering suffocates seeds by cutting off their oxygen supply, leading to rot.

Fix It:

Ensure your seed trays have drainage holes.

Water from below (placing pots in a tray of water) or use a mist sprayer to avoid washing seeds away.

Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

8. Wrong Temperature

Some seeds like it cool, while others need warmth to germinate. If conditions aren’t right, they won’t sprout.

Fix It:

Cool-weather crops like peas and brassicas will germinate in lower temperatures.

Heat-loving crops like tomatoes, peppers, and courgettes need warm soil (around 20-25°C).

Use a heat mat or propagator if your indoor space is too cold.

Warm outdoor soil by covering it with black plastic for a few days before sowing.

9. Your Seeds Need Light to Germinate

Some seeds require light to sprout, but many people bury them too deeply.

Fix It:

Press light-dependent seeds (like lettuce and foxgloves) onto the surface and only lightly cover them.

Use vermiculite or perlite instead of compost to lightly cover seeds while still allowing light through.

If starting seeds indoors, use grow lights to prevent leggy seedlings.

10. You’re Being Impatient!

Some seeds germinate in a few days, while others take weeks. If you’re constantly checking and disturbing the soil, you might be giving up too soon!

Fix It:

Check the seed packet for expected germination times.

Be patient - parsley and chilies can take up to three weeks to germinate.

If unsure, do a germination test before resowing.

Bonus: 3 Extra Tips for Seed Success

1. Watch Out for Pests

Slugs, mice, birds, and even ants love freshly sown seeds. If your seeds disappear overnight, pests might be the problem!

- Protect with cloches, netting, or row covers.

- Look up online your suspected pest and how to deter it, then re-sow.

2. Don’t Tip Seeds Back Into the Packet

Moisture from your hands can ruin the rest of your seeds.

- Always pour out only what you need.

- Avoid tipping unused seeds back into the packet.

3. Prevent Fungus in Propagators

Warm, humid propagators can breed fungus and kill seedlings before they even start.

- Sterilise compost before use.

- Provide good airflow by slightly opening propagator vents.

Conclusion

If your seeds aren’t sprouting, don’t panic! Identifying the issue is half the battle, and now you have practical solutions to fix the most common seed-starting mistakes. Now that you know how to get your seeds germinating, it’s time to put it into practice. Check out this guide to the best plants to sow right now for ideas and inspiration!