Reasons Why Vegetable Seeds Do Not Germinate

                               One lone carrot seedlings pops up.

There are several explanations why seeds don’t germinate once they are planted.  

 1. Insufficient soil moisture.  The seeds did not have enough moisture to germinate, or shortly after, there was insufficient water to continue their sprouting.

2. The top layer of soil is crusted thus preventing the seedlings from emerging. 

3. Incorrect planting depth.  

4. Heavy rains that will wash the seeds away.  

5. Seed are eaten by insects.  Or, in the case of larger seeds like corn, they may be eaten by birds or even domestic chickens.  

6.  Old seed. 

7. Damping off – this is a fungal disease which arises  when the fungus is present in the soil and conditions are suitable for its growth – mainly over watering.

The problem also occurs when seeds are started in pots or flats, and the potting soil is contaminated with the fungus.   Apply less water, keeping the soil moist not soaked and

use only a sterile potting mix and clean pots.  The second planting of this seed should not be in the same location, since the fungus is still there; plant in a new area.  Transplant vegetables that are well established and preferably from a different plant family, in the old location.

Spittlebugs

What causes the frothy substance on the stems of rosemary and basil? The froth is created by an insect called a spittlebug which is well hidden in the mass of frothy bubbles that it produces.  The bubbles act as protection from predators, moisture loss and temperature fluctuations.  Without the mass of spittle surrounding it, these insects would quickly dehydrate and die.

The spittlebug inserts its mouthpart like a hypodermic needle into the stem of the plant and sucks out the juices.   In many cases, spittlebugs do not cause serious damage, yet the plants are unsightly.  Ants, birds and spiders have been known to feed on these insects, but generally, they are not efficient enough to completely eliminate the infestation. The spittlebug and its froth can be removed from plants with a forceful stream of water from a garden hose. 

The Pineapple Flower

Most people do not notice the flowers of a pineapple plant, but nevertheless, pineapple plants have flowers, too.  During bloom, the stem of the pineapple elongates and enlarges to put forth a head of small purple or red flowers. The resulting pineapple fruit that develops from these blooms is not one fruit at all. In reality, each pineapple flower forms its own small fruit, but they fuse together to make one single pineapple. The inner fibrous core is actually the stem. A pineapple fruit can be up to 12 inches long and weigh 1 to 12 pounds.