Starting seeds is super rewarding, but things don’t always go as planned. Here are 4 common seed starting problems- and how to fix them! So you can grow more for your garden from seed, with less problems!

Seedlings are a little like kids, don’t you think? They curl out of their tiny womb and depend on your for all of their needs. Then all of a sudden they are these tall, gangly things trying to stretch their roots, fighting you on every turn.

This site contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I may earn a commission. Please see my disclosure page for more information about cookies collected and our privacy policy.


There may not be a parenting road map to help you with tall, gangly teenagers, but I can help you with your tall, leggy seedlings- and a few of the other common indoor seed starting problems you might come across while tending your seeds from sprout to outside.

 

Vegetable Gardening Ideas: Is your seed starting failing? Check out these 4 common problems AND how to fix them

 

The Most Common Seed Starting Problems

 

Get the best start to your garden this year with my Yearly Garden Planner! With a growing guide, charts, and planning pages you will be set for success this year!

 

 

My seeds never germinate!

Germination problems can be caused by a variety of reasons. Some of the most common are:

 

Incorrect Temperature.

Different seeds have different needs. Cool weather crops such as cabbage, kale or broccoli have a much lower germination temperature while warm weather crops like tomatoes will germinate better with temperatures in the 70F range.

If you are sprouting your seeds in a cool basement or outbuilding you may need to provide supplemental heat- such as a heating mat– to ensure germination.

This Heating Mat comes with a digital thermostat so that you can ensure that your seedlings are at the optimum temperature for germination.

 

Old Seeds.

When properly stored seeds can have a very long shelf life. But the older they get, your germination rate will begin to reduce.

For the longest life, store your seeds in a cold, dry place. Humidity and warmth will greatly reduce your seeds’ shelf life.

 

Incorrect Watering.

Water in a necessity for all plants. In the germination stage you need to make sure you keep the soil evenly moist.If you water too much, you run the risk of your seeds rotting before they germinate.

If you let them dry out, they will either never germinate or die trying!

I use a handheld pump sprayer to water my seeds- a few times a day sometimes.

 

Planting Depth/Light.

When you plant your seeds pay attention to your planting depth. This is important because if planted too deep you plants could run out of energy before reaching sunlight. Planting too shallow can lead to drying out.

Some seeds actually need some light to germinate, so instead of digging them down you just press them into your soil. Read your seed packets for information on each seed so you know exactly what each seed type requires.

 

Trouble shoot your common seed starting problems. Learn about the top seed starting problems and how to fix them for good!

 

My seeds sprout and then die!

Everything starts off good. Your seeds germinate and you have little seedlings growing strong. Then all of a sudden they whither up and die! This is often called “dampening off”.

It can be prevented by using these seed starting practices:

 

Do not over water.

Too much moisture allows disease to grow and plants to mold. Once your seeds have germinated, water your seedlings only when the soil is beginning to dry out.

Watering from the bottom is best, but do not allow them to sit in standing water once they are done taking it in.

 

Do not overcrowd.

Your plants need room to breathe. A room with good airflow, as well as enough space between the plants will help them stay healthy.

 

Start with clean soil.

Oftentimes disease in seedlings is caused by disease that is laying dormant in your soil or in your seed starting pots. Wash your seed pots and trays each year before planting.

Consider buying a sterile soil if you have a major problem, that is not cured by the already mentioned steps.

You can also pasteurize your soil prior to use.

 

seed starting problems

 

It all started off good, but my seedlings just aren’t getting very big!

They sprouted, they are alive, but they just aren’t growing!! Just like with germination, different seeds have different needs.

But here are some of the common reasons for stunted growth in your seedlings:

 

Incorrect temperature.

If it is very cold your seedlings will not grow at the same rate they would in warm weather. Warm weather crops like peppers, tomatoes, or eggplant require temperatures around 75F to be happy.

Even if they are small chances are when it warms up and they are outdoors they will take off and make up for their slow start.

 

Nutrient deficiencies.

If you seed starting medium is lacking in nutrients they will not grow properly. Keep an eye out for the symptoms of some common soil nutrient deficiencies and feed your plants a little bit as they grow.

 

Overwatering.

Over watering is the number one cause of stunted growth. If your seedlings are stunted and have yellow tips, this is most likely the cause.

Waterlogged soil prevents the plant’s roots from bringing in oxygen, which will damage the roots and the seedling will be at risk for many more problems. Let the soil dry out just a bit before watering- and the soil should be moist not soaked.

 

tray of leggy pepper seedlings

 

My seedlings are tall, thin, and leggy!

Legginess is a common problem in plants that are started indoors and it is caused by the seedlings having to compete and stretch for their light source.

Here are a couple of ways to reduce the tall, leggy appearance of your seedlings:

 

Rotate your trays.

If you are using a south facing window, make sure to rotate your plants a couple of times a day so that all plants have an equal time closest to the window.

Even if you are using an artificial grow light, rotating the plants within your trays is still a good idea so that all get equal time directly under the light.

 

Take advantage of warm, sunny days.

If you have a warm day, set your seedlings outside in a protected area for a few hours. They will benefit from the direct sunlight, as well as get a head start on the hardening off process.

Use a grow light in addition to your sunny window to ensure the optimum daylight length of 15-18 hours.

 

Thin out your seedlings.

The more crowded they are, the more they will have to compete for light.

 

 

Get more tips on starting seeds: 5 Tips to Starting Seeds Indoors Successfully or if you are having trouble with sowing seeds outside, here’s my troubleshooting guide for Outdoor Seed Sowing Problems.

If you are new to garden be sure to check out my Tips for New Gardeners and my guide to Common Mistakes Made By Beginning Gardeners.

 

If you start your seeds at home what do you have the most trouble with when it comes to seed starting? If you have ones other than the ones I have listed, let me know in the comments!