There are many reasons why things can go wrong when planting vegetable seeds in your kitchen garden. Check this list before planting your seeds to avoid some common seed planting mistakes.

Damping-Off Fungi

Damping-off fungi can be responsible for seeds not germinating and therefore not sprouting. It is usually found in places with very moist conditions where the air circulation is poor. It can also attack seedlings after they’ve sprouted causing them to die quickly.

The best way to avoid this problem, when starting seeds indoors, is to always start with clean pots and/or seedling trays and new sterile potting soil. Clean pots and seedling trays with one part bleach to nine parts water before reusing them from year to year. Be careful not to over water your seeds and as soon as they have germinated, remove any covers from them to allow the soil to dry a little between waterings. Overcrowding of seedlings can also encourage the growth of damping-off fungi so be sure to thin them out as soon as possible. Never use garden soil that has been brought indoors from the garden.

Outdated Seeds

Outdated seeds will not germinate properly. Most seeds have a shelf life of only one to two years if kept in a cool dry place over winter. When planting seeds, always use the freshest seeds available to you. The best way to store leftover seeds is in an air tight glass jar in the refrigerator with a little bit of powdered milk wrapped in a paper towel to absorb the excess moisture.

Best Lighting Conditions for Seeds

Some seeds need light to germinate and should never be covered with soil. Vegetable seeds that fall into this category are, celery, garden cress and lettuce. Check your seed packs to determine if your seeds should be covered or simply pressed into the top of the potting soil.

Correct Depth for Planting Seeds

Most seeds need to be planted at a depth that is twice the size of their diameter. If a seed is 1/4 inch in size, it should be planted a ½ inch deep. Seeds planted too deeply may not sprout. Again, be aware that some seeds need light to germinate and should not be buried at all.

Best Temperature for Germinating Seeds

Different types of plants vary but the average temperature needed for most seeds to germinate is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Some of the warmer weather crops, such as eggplant and pepper, need a higher temperature of about 80 degrees Fahrenheit to germinate. If your soil is too cold or too hot, your seeds may not sprout. Check your seed packet to find the best temperature needed for your seeds.

If you always plant fresh seeds at the correct depth, in clean pots with sterile soil and make sure they are kept at the proper temperature you should see your new garden sprouting in no time.

Most garden seeds need to be planted indoors about six to eight weeks before the frost free date in your area. To find out the best time to plant your seeds check the USDA zone map .

You might also like: Seed Sowing and Saving: Step-by-Step Techniques for Collecting and Growing More Than 100 Vegetables, Flowers, and Herbs (Storey’s Gardening Skills Illustrated)

Seed package photo appears courtesy of lollyknit and was found through a creative commons search.