Germination Best Practices
What You’ll Learn
Keep moisture consistent but never let the media become waterlogged — seeds need both water and oxygen to germinate.
Sow at a depth of 2 to 3 times the seed diameter — a simple rule that works across almost all crops.
Thin early to stop overcrowding weakening your seedlings before they ever reach the field.
Temperature and Moisture
Most vegetable seeds germinate best between 20°C and 30°C. Keep the growing media consistently moist — but never waterlogged, because too much water pushes out oxygen and causes seeds to rot. Water gently using a fine rose can or misting nozzle so you do not disturb seeds in their media.
Sowing Depth and Spacing
A reliable rule: sow seeds at a depth of 2 to 3 times their diameter. Very small seeds like lettuce can be surface-sown and gently pressed into the media. Space seeds evenly from the start — it reduces how much thinning you will need to do later.
Thinning and Labelling
Thin seedlings as soon as the first true leaves appear, keeping only the strongest plants at the recommended spacing. Overcrowded seedlings compete for light and develop thin, elongated stems that struggle after transplanting. Always label your trays with the variety name and sowing date — it is a small habit that makes a big difference to your planning.