Image placeholder
Poor germination
EnvironmentalHigh impact
Seeds are emerging unevenly or not at all. Usually caused by soil temperature being too low, seeds sown too deep, poor seed-to-soil contact, or old seed stock.
Outside typical active season.
Key facts
- Type
- Environmental
- Active season
- Feb - Jun
- Peak season
- Mar - Apr
- Vulnerable stages
- Sown
- If confirmed
- Act soon
Signs & symptoms
- -patchy or absent emergence after the expected germination window
- -empty rows or sections in the growing area
- -some seedlings emerging but others failing nearby
Management
Do now
- -Check soil temperature - most vegetables need at least 10-12°C to germinate
- -Gently probe the soil to check if seeds have rotted
- -Resow in affected gaps if the germination window has passed
Prevention
- -Use fresh, quality seed from reputable suppliers
- -Sow at the recommended depth - too deep is a common cause of failure
- -Ensure firm seed-to-soil contact by firming the bed after sowing
- -Warm the soil with fleece or a cloche before sowing early-season crops
Further reading
- -Soil temperature matters more than air temperature for germination - use a soil thermometer if in doubt
- -Old seed can germinate erratically; do a test germination on wet kitchen paper before committing to a full sowing