5 Causes of your seeds not germinating

seeds not germinating & how to fix it

When you sow your new seeds enthusiastically, it is very frustrating to find that the germination rate is low. You may encounter a problem where no seedlings appear. You need to find out why your seeds are not germinating.

Fortunately, the cause is very easy to diagnose, and there are many simple steps you can take to solve the problem, whatever it is.

Environmental problems with poor seed germination

The first thing you need to do is think about environmental issues. Environmental problems are often the cause of germination problems. Various environmental factors are important in determining how successful seeds germinate.

1. Too little water

Seed germination usually requires water. When the seeds mature, they dry out. For these mature seeds to germinate successfully, a lot of water is required. Cellular metabolic processes and growth can only take place when they absorb enough water.

As the seeds absorb water, the heterolytic enzymes begin the process of converting stored food resources into the chemicals needed for germination.

The seeds need frequent watering to break the coating of each seed so that the seedling emerges.

If you have a poor germination rate, it may be because you do not provide enough water for these processes to take place. If the soil in your seedbeds, containers, or planting areas is very dry, you can easily see or feel this.

Water well, take care not to wash your seeds or push them too deep into the growing medium and your seeds may germinate in a timely manner.

2. Excess water

Generally, the goal is to provide enough water to moisten the seeds. But you don’t want to soak them. Of course, the amount of water needed depends on the type of seed you are trying to germinate.

Excessive watering is one of the main reasons for poor, stunted, or absent germination. Excessive irrigation can cause water stagnation and shrinkage, which connects to the bottom point. High humidity environment, you may have trouble mitigating - after a while in this article.

If you water too much, you can restore things by letting the seed growing medium dry a bit. However, unfortunately, if excessive watering has caused any of the other problems described below, it may be too late to save them and you may have to start all over again.

3. The seeds do not get enough oxygen

A germinated seed needs oxygen for metabolism until the photosynthesis process is complete. Before a seedling leaves form, it receives its energy from anaerobic respiration.

Oxygen needs are interconnected with water needs. The coatings of some seeds must be broken down before they can absorb water and oxygen from the environment.

Both irrigation and over-irrigation can cause the seeds to not get enough oxygen to germinate. Problems may have occurred because the coating did not break under irrigation. Excessive irrigation can cause water stagnation and compaction in the soil. Wrinkles make it very difficult to get oxygen.

But another mistake means that the seeds do not get the oxygen they need. You may have buried your seeds too deep.

Look at the seed packet, gardening books, or online at what depth the seeds should be planted. Then, if you feel that this may be the mistake you made, go one more time.

You may also have chosen the wrong growing medium for the seeds you are trying to grow. This can also lead to problems with the lack of oxygen (or water) needed for the seeds to germinate. Make sure you know what kind of growing media is needed and change your growing medium if you made the wrong decision last time.

4. The temperature is very low

Other common problems with seed germination revolve around temperature. The temperature has an impact on cellular metabolism and growth rates.

Seeds usually germinate within a certain temperature range. They do not germinate outside this temperature range, and at the ends of the temperature range, germination rates can be significantly reduced.

Many common garden crops germinate effectively in warm houses (60-75 degrees F.) at average room temperature. However, there is a wide range of temperatures required.

Some seeds germinate at temperatures slightly above freezing, while others are remarkably cool when the soil warms up considerably. Some seeds require vernalization to break the dormancy. Meanwhile, others germinate only in response to sudden fluctuations in temperature (which indicates a change of seasons).

5. The temperature is too high

If you start your seeds indoors or in hot weather at the peak of summer, you may have the opposite problem. Many seeds fail to germinate above about 90-95 degrees F. If they are too close to the temperature for those in your home or garden, that may be the reason they are bad or not germinating.

If you are starting to sow seeds indoors, check to see if any heat sources near your seed growing area are causing the problem. Sometimes, very severe temperature fluctuations can be a problem.

For example, are your seeds too close to the radiator, stove, or oven? If your greenhouse or polythene is too hot, be sure to open the structure to create adequate ventilation.

If you are trying to germinate seeds in a very hot summer, try to provide shade to reduce the temperature. Make sure the soil mulch is laid to reduce evaporation and ensure that water requirements are met and cool soil and air temperature are created.