Troubleshooting Common Issues When Starting Seeds Indoors
Starting seeds indoors can feel incredibly rewarding—it’s like giving spring a jump-start while winter’s still hanging around. But sometimes, your tiny seedlings might struggle, leaving you scratching your head, wondering where you went wrong. Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Let’s dive into five of the most common seed-starting problems and some easy ways to get back on track.
Troubleshooting Common Issues When Starting Seeds Indoors
1. Leggy Seedlings
Issue: Seedlings grow tall and thin, leaning towards your window or grow lights.
Cause: Not enough direct, strong light. Seedlings stretch toward available light, becoming leggy and weak.
Easy Fix:
- Provide stronger or closer lighting. Seedlings ideally need 12–16 hours of bright, direct light daily.
- Move grow lights closer, keeping them 2–4 inches above seedlings.
- Rotate trays every day or two if using a sunny windowsill, helping plants grow straight and strong.
2. Mold and Fungus on Soil Surface
Issue: A fuzzy white or gray mold appears on the surface of your seed-starting mix.
Cause: Overwatering or poor airflow, creating perfect conditions for fungus growth.
Easy Fix:
- Reduce watering frequency. Let the soil surface dry slightly between waterings.
- Increase air circulation by adding a gentle fan nearby. A little breeze not only reduces mold but also strengthens seedlings.
- Sprinkle cinnamon lightly over the soil surface—it’s natural and gently helps prevent mold growth.
3. Seeds Don’t Germinate or Germinate Unevenly
Issue: Seeds stay dormant, germinate slowly, or sprout inconsistently.
Cause: Often due to incorrect temperature, old seed, or planting too deep.
Easy Fix:
- Check seed packet instructions for ideal germination temperature. Most veggie seeds germinate well between 65–80°F. Seedling heat mats work wonders here!
- Use fresh seeds—older seeds may have reduced viability. If unsure, do a quick germination test with a damp paper towel before planting.
- Plant seeds at recommended depths (usually twice the seed diameter), ensuring they’re not buried too deeply.
4. Wilting or Yellow Seedlings
Issue: Seedlings look droopy, yellow, or unhealthy despite watering.
Cause: Often caused by overwatering, compacted soil, or nutrient deficiency.
Easy Fix:
- Allow the soil surface to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent waterlogging.
- Gently loosen compacted soil by carefully poking holes in the mix using a pencil or wooden skewer.
- Once seedlings develop their first true leaves, feed lightly with diluted organic liquid fertilizer to provide essential nutrients.
5. Seedlings Falling Over (Damping-Off)
Issue: Young seedlings suddenly wilt and collapse at soil level, seemingly overnight.
Cause: Damping-off disease, a fungal infection that thrives in wet, cool conditions with poor airflow.
Easy Fix:
- Preventative action is key—always start seeds in sterile seed-starting mix and clean trays thoroughly before planting.
- Water seedlings gently from the bottom (tray watering), avoiding overly wet conditions around delicate stems.
- Improve airflow around seedlings, using a gentle fan as mentioned above.
Don’t Give Up!
Seed starting is a skill that improves with practice and patience. If things don’t go perfectly at first, don’t get discouraged—every experienced gardener has faced these common issues. With the solutions above, you’ll soon be growing happy, healthy seedlings ready to thrive outdoors.
Shop seeds and register for classes: https://seedsandsoilorganics.com/product-category/shop-seeds/
About the Author:
Jennifer Sharrock is a regenerative seed grower, educator, and founder of Seeds and Soil Farm in Palmer. She grows Alaska adapted flower, vegetable and herb seeds in Southcentral Alaska. Follow the the Alaska Seed journey on Instagram.