My seeds are not sprouting
We only use high quality organic and GMO-free heirloom seeds, but sometime seeds do not sprout. Here's a few things to check before re-planting:
1. Germination rates and room temperature
Not all seeds sprout at the same rate. Peppers, oregano, thyme, rosemary for example can take 2-3 weeks to germinate and generally need warmer temperatures (minimum 18 degrees Celsius). If your house is too cool these heat-seeking seeds may not sprout. Whereas lettuce, tomatoes, basil and cilantro are typically around 1 week and are ok with cooler temperatures.
2. Too little moisture
Remove the net pot and check whether the coco coir puck is moist first on the bottom. If the coco coir puck is dry, or the moisture is not drawing up the coir puck to the seeds then the seeds will not sprout. Go to Plants are not getting enough water for trouble shooting.
3. Disease or pests
Disease or pests generally get into your indoor garden from your outdoor garden. Due to not having the good insects and other natural processes for checks and balances it is important to keep your indoor garden sterile. If you have been working in your outdoor garden, before going to your indoor garden wash your hands and brush off clothing and your hair (or better yet shower and change into clean clothes) so as to not transport pests inside. Do the same for any other indoor plants and check for tiny pests like spider mites and aphids. If you see fungus or pests on your indoor garden or plants you will have to start over and be more vigilant. Remove all plants, eat, compost, etc. and follow these cleaning tips to clean your garden.
Do not plant outdoor soil based plants in your indoor garden.
4. Start new seeds (even if some plants are more mature)
Unless you have a mono-crop, it is natural to have plants at different stages of growth in your garden at the same time. When adding new seeds revert back to just water and follow the feeding guide for your seedlings. The more mature plants growth will temporarily be slowed down, but it is common to have plants at different stages in your indoor garden and fresh water flushes are a part of this process. As the seedlings grow follow their nutrient requirement's.
5. Help your plants establish roots and seek out nutrients
As soon as you see little green sprouts, it is second nature to start wanting to feed your plants nutrients, but WAIT. Are the seedlings below ready for nutrients? Technically yes because they have four leaves each, but technically wait another week or two. The two rounder leaves are not actually leaves, while the longer darker ones are. Waiting another one to two weeks before adding nutrients forces the seedling to send out roots to find nutrients. This helps ensure your plants are receiving the water they need, and with more established roots they will grow healthier and faster.
Not working? Or need help?
Don't get frustrated, it's a lot to bite off starting an indoor garden, but once you are up and running it will be smooth sailing. Lettuce help you, please feel free to contact us and we can set-up a call or video chat to help you through any growing challenges. Contact Us
Disease or pests