As a passionate gardener, there’s nothing quite as exciting as planting seeds and watching them grow into healthy plants. But for new gardeners, the joy of seeing those first sprouts can quickly turn to disappointment if they don’t survive. There are many common mistakes that beginners make that can accidentally kill their seedlings.
Today we’ll outline 17 of those pitfalls and provide guidance on how to avoid them, so you can enjoy a thriving garden all season long.
1. Overwatering
Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes new gardeners make. It’s easy to think that more water means more growth, but in reality, overwatering can drown the roots and create a breeding ground for disease.
Watering should be done based on the specific needs of the plant. Most seedlings prefer a damp but not waterlogged soil. A good rule of thumb is to water when the top inch of soil is dry to touch. Always avoid watering the leaves as it can lead to fungal diseases.
2. Planting Too Deep
Planting seeds too deep can prevent them from germinating properly, or at all. The general rule for planting depth is two to three times the width of the seed.
Each seed packet usually comes with specific planting instructions, including the recommended depth. It’s essential to follow these instructions as closely as possible. If the seed is planted too deep, it may not have enough energy to reach the surface and could die before it even gets started.
3. Not Enough Light
Seedlings need plenty of light to grow. If they don’t get enough, they’ll become “leggy” or stretch towards the light, resulting in weak and spindly plants.
Most seedlings need about 12-16 hours of light per day. In the early stages, they may need even more. If you’re growing indoors and don’t have a sunny window, consider investing in a grow light.
4. Planting Too Close Together
When seedlings are planted too close together, they have to compete for light, water, and nutrients. This can lead to weak plants and poor yields.
Be sure to space your seedlings based on the recommendations on the seed packet. If you’re starting seeds indoors, thin them out once they’ve developed their first true leaves.
5. Not Hardening Off
Hardening off is the process of gradually exposing indoor-grown seedlings to outdoor conditions before planting them out. If you skip this step, your seedlings may be shocked by the sudden change and die.
Begin the hardening off process about a week before you plan to plant out. Gradually increase the amount of time your seedlings spend outside each day, starting with just an hour or two.
6. Using Poor Quality Soil
The quality of your soil can make or break your gardening efforts. Poor quality soil may not provide the nutrients your seedlings need to grow, or it may harbor diseases.
Use a high-quality potting mix for your seedlings, and consider adding compost or other organic matter to your garden soil. Soil tests can also be helpful in determining what nutrients your soil may be lacking.
7. Ignoring Pests
Even small pests can cause big problems for young seedlings. Slugs, snails, aphids, and other pests can quickly decimate a crop if not dealt with promptly.
Keep an eye out for signs of pests, such as chewed leaves or a sticky residue on the plants. There are many organic and chemical solutions available for dealing with common garden pests.
8. Neglecting to Fertilize
Seedlings need nutrients to grow, and they can quickly deplete the nutrients in their potting mix or soil. Neglecting to fertilize can lead to stunted growth or even death.
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer for your seedlings, and follow the package instructions for application rates. Be careful not to over-fertilize, as this can burn the roots and kill the plant.
9. Planting at the Wrong Time
Planting too early or too late can expose your seedlings to temperatures or conditions they’re not prepared for. This can lead to poor germination, slow growth, or even death.
Each plant has a specific planting window, usually based on the last frost date for your area. You can find this information on the seed packet or from your local extension service.
10. Using Old or Poor Quality Seeds
The quality of your seeds can greatly affect your success as a gardener. Old or poor-quality seeds may not germinate at all, or they may produce weak plants.
Always use fresh, high-quality seeds from a reputable source. Store unused seeds in a cool, dry place to maintain their viability.
11. Not Watering Enough
Just as overwatering can be detrimental, so too can under-watering. If your seedlings don’t get enough water, they can wilt and die.
The amount of water your seedlings need will depend on their size, the weather, and the type of soil they’re in. As a general rule, the soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged.
12. Overheating
Seedlings can be very sensitive to temperature, and overheating can cause them to wilt and die. This is especially true for cool-season crops like lettuce and spinach.
Keep an eye on the weather and move your seedlings to a cooler location if temperatures start to rise. A shade cloth can also be helpful for protecting seedlings from intense sun.
13. Planting the Wrong Plants for Your Climate
Not all plants are suitable for all climates. If you try to grow a plant that’s not suited to your climate, it may struggle to grow and could eventually die.
Do some research to find out what plants are best suited to your area. Your local extension service can be a great resource for this.
14. Ignoring Disease
Disease can quickly spread among seedlings and kill them. If you notice any signs of disease, such as yellowing leaves or spots, it’s important to act quickly.
Remove any diseased plants immediately to prevent the disease from spreading. If you’re unsure what’s causing the problem, take a sample to your local extension service for diagnosis.
15. Not Providing Support
Some plants, like tomatoes and cucumbers, need support to grow properly. Without it, they can become tangled and unhealthy.
Provide trellises, cages, or stakes for these types of plants. Make sure the support is in place before the plant gets too big to avoid damaging the roots or stems.
16. Planting in the Wrong Location
Different plants have different light and soil requirements, and planting in the wrong location can lead to poor growth or death.
Consider the needs of each plant when choosing a location for it. For example, tomatoes need full sun and well-drained soil, while lettuce prefers cooler temperatures and can tolerate some shade.
17. Neglecting Weeds
Weeds can compete with your seedlings for light, water, and nutrients. If left unchecked, they can overrun your garden and choke out your plants.
Weed regularly to keep your garden in top shape. Mulching can also help to suppress weeds and conserve moisture.