Seedlings do not emerge
Probable cause(s)
Insufficient soil moisture
Soil crusting
Damping-off (fungal problem)
Incorrect planting depth
Poor seedbed
Seeds washed away
Soil temperature too cold
Root maggots
Old seed
Soil crusting
Damping-off (fungal problem)
Incorrect planting depth
Poor seedbed
Seeds washed away
Soil temperature too cold
Root maggots
Old seed
Control and comments
Supply adequate water regularly
Apply light mulch to soil surface or water often enough to keep surface moist.
Do not overwater; use treated seed.
Plant more shallow
Avoid large clods in seedbed
Use gentler watering technique.
Cover bed with clear plastic, use caps or tents, plant when soil temp is higher
Use registered soil insecticide. Use floating row cover as exclusion.
Use new seed; store in cool, dry place
Apply light mulch to soil surface or water often enough to keep surface moist.
Do not overwater; use treated seed.
Plant more shallow
Avoid large clods in seedbed
Use gentler watering technique.
Cover bed with clear plastic, use caps or tents, plant when soil temp is higher
Use registered soil insecticide. Use floating row cover as exclusion.
Use new seed; store in cool, dry place
Surface crusting (Photo Iowa State)