Why Seeds Fail. The 3 Real Reasons (It Is Not What You Think!)

There is a quiet heartbreak in sowing a tray of seeds, tucking them in gently, and coming back a week later to find… nothing.

If you have ever blamed yourself, the compost, the weather, or even the seed packet, you are not alone. But after years of growing certified organic seedlings here in Ireland, we have learned something simple.

Most seeds do not fail because you forgot a tiny technical detail.

They fail for three very real, very fixable reasons.

And none of them require complicated charts.

1. The Compost Was Too Wet. Or Too Cold.

In Ireland, our biggest challenge is not drought. It is cold, wet conditions in spring.

Research consistently shows that excess moisture reduces oxygen around the seed. Seeds need oxygen for respiration during germination. When compost is waterlogged, oxygen drops and fungal diseases such as damping off become more likely.

Cold compost slows enzyme activity inside the seed. Most common vegetable seeds such as tomatoes and lettuce germinate best between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius. Below 10 degrees, germination can stall or rot.

What to do instead:

• Water lightly before sowing so compost is moist, not soggy

• Let trays drain fully

• Keep trays somewhere bright and protected

• Wait until soil temperatures are suitable rather than rushing early sowings

  
  

In Ireland, patience is not laziness. It is wisdom.

2. Seeds Were Sown Too Deep

This is one of the most common causes of failure we see.

Seeds only contain a limited energy reserve. If buried too deeply, they simply run out of energy before reaching light.

One simple rule: sow at a depth about two to three times the seed’s size. And some seeds, like lettuce, actually need light to germinate so sow these on the surface.

There can be lots of variables to germination. But this one rule alone prevents countless failures.

What to do instead:

• Fine seeds stay on the surface with a light dusting of compost

• Larger seeds like peas can go deeper

• Gently firm compost but do not compact it

If in doubt, shallower is usually safer than deeper.

3. The Seeds Were Old. Or Poorly Stored.

Seeds are living organisms. Their viability declines over time, especially if stored somewhere warm or damp.

Storage conditions directly affect germination rates. Cool, dry, dark storage significantly extends seed life. Fluctuating temperatures reduce it.

In Irish kitchens and sheds, humidity can be high. That matters.

What to do instead:

• Store seeds in an airtight container

• Keep them somewhere cool and dry

• If unsure, do a simple paper towel germination test before sowing

Starting with fresh, well stored seed dramatically increases success.

The Truth. It Is Rarely Your Skill.

Most germination problems come down to moisture, temperature, depth, or seed viability. Not your ability.

You do not need a 2,000 word checklist to grow well.

You need:

• The right timing for Irish conditions

• Light hands with water

• Respect for seed depth

• Good quality seed

  
  

That is it.

Ready To Sow With Confidence?

At Little Green Growers, we grow certified organic seedlings and carefully selected seeds suited to Irish conditions. Every variety we offer is chosen for reliability, flavour, and real life home gardens.

If you want to skip the risky early stage altogether, our strong young plants are ready to thrive once they reach your garden.

'Easy Peasy Veg Patch' - 48 Organic Veg Plug Plants

€39.95€34.96

Buy Now

And if you love sowing from scratch, start with fresh, properly stored seed and give yourself the best possible chance.

Choose Seeds

Because nothing compares to the first green shoot breaking through.

It still feels like magic.