WHY HAVEN'T MY SEEDS GERMINATED

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BBC Radio 4's long running radio show 'Gardeners' Question Time' has recently released the top 10 questions asked by their audience. Coming in at number 1 is:

'...why haven't my seeds germinated?..'

On this outing, the question has been answered by popular panelist Anne Swithinbank

Seeds must be fresh and alive to germinate and will vary as to how long they last in average storage conditions. Carrot and parsnip seeds for instance, are notorious for losing viability quickly and it is always best to buy these fresh each year.

In theory, all a seed needs is ideal conditions regarding light, water and temperature. While most seeds germinate readily within a week, others may have turned dormant because they have adapted to avoid harsh conditions in the wild. To break this, some seeds need to experience a cold winter with periods of frost before they will come up. Others may need soaking to soften the seed coat and in some cases to wash away inhibitors. Gardeners often hasten things along by putting seeds in the fridge, or even soaking them in chemicals that mimic ash in the soil (several South African and Australian plants germinate after fires). If you've had problems with seeds of unusual plants, they probably just needed more time.


But what if you've failed with easy seeds like sweet tobacco sown into a pot, or lettuce seed in a drill? The most common pitfalls involve creating the correct seedbed:

In a pot, press seed or multipurpose compost down lightly using a flat disc of wood, so the seed lands on a firm, moist surface and can't fall down chinks and channels in the compost.


It is then covered lightly with a mere dusting of compost no deeper than the size of the seed.


Press this again.


Larger seeds can be watered from the top with a light whisking of water through a very fine rose (sprinkler) on a can.


With smaller seeds, I tend to water the compost before sowing. Or stand the pot in water so it is taken up from below


Seeds that fall or are washed too far down into the compost don't have enough energy reserves to push their first shoot above the surface


Another fault can lie in cooking seeds in un-shaded, heated propagating cases.


Direct sowings follow the same principle. Make shallow drills into firm, not fluffy seedbeds and water the base of the drill during dry weather. Lightly cover the seed and pat down gently over the seeds. Try to avoid watering from the top unless absolutely necessary.

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Photo care of http://kidstong.blogspot.com/2009/04/1st-week-april-what-is-inside-seed.html and http://www.thefiftyfiftyclub.co.uk/gardening/annes-biog