Seeds are programmed to grow, but sometimes they seem stubborn.
Remember these tips to increasing the odds of successful sprouting:
Seeds are alive, and the energy stores they contain deplete over time. Before sowing seeds leftover from prior years, roll several in a damp paper towel and set it in a warm spot. Check for germination every few days. If a good percentage sprouts, the packet is worth sowing. Storing seed in a cool, dry place—such as the refrigerator—extends its lifespan.
The seeds of most vegetables and annual flowers sprout quickly after sowing if kept moist and warm. Sow them in a potting mix formulated for seeds, water them well and keep them at room temperature. It’s the moisture that awakens them from dormancy so they begin to swell and grow. If the pots dry out after sowing, the seeds can easily die. You can soak just about any kind of seed in
