12 Reasons Your Seeds Fail to Sprout --- and Foolproof Ways to Fix Them

12 Reasons Your Seeds Fail to Sprout --- and Foolproof Ways to Fix Them

2. How Soil Temperature Affects Germination

Soil that's too cold or too hot can stop seeds from sprouting.

Optimal Temperatures:

  • 🌱 Warm-season crops: 70-85°F (21-29°C)
  • ❄️ Cool-season crops: 45-70°F (7-21°C)

Fix it:

Use a soil thermometer
Warm soil: row covers/heating mats
Cool soil: shade/light watering

Crop TypeTemperature RangeSolution
Tomatoes/peppers70-85°F (21-29°C)Use cloches
Lettuce/spinach45-70°F (7-21°C)Morning watering