garden seed

[mj58]

i need some help with my garden its a new area only worked it up two years ago and i havent had a soil test done on it the problem i am haveing is very poor germination rates with any seed you plant in it iknow about plating depth and spaceing so i try to be careful with that i never had problems like this at my old garden were i lived before i have added manure to the spot last year it got dry here last year so i just let it go i just wonder if something lacking in the soil is want it is any one have any ideas thanks mike

 

[Scooby074]

Hard to say whats wrong without a test.

Do you water?

Have you added anything besides manure? What is the soil like? Clay? Have you added any sand or organics?

I usually put a layer of peat moss , vermiculite and sand and top with 7-7-7 in my garden each year. Water every day when needed. I planted a week ago and much of my garden is already up.

 

[mj58]

as soon as it gets dry enough i will get that test done so far this year we havent had to water i would say the soil is a sandy loam we spread rotted cow manture on it and then goat and chicken mixed with peat moss

 

[/pine]

Buy a PH meter (about $15) at your local supply...what is the temperature of the soil ?

 

[DFB]

Seeds need both warmth and moisture. A lot of seed wont germinate in cold ground...exactly what types of seed wont germinate anyhow?

 

[mj58]

no one close has a ph tester so i guess i will have to order one its everything i have tried to plant cucumbers radishes corn okra squash some comes up spoty and some not at all we have had a lot of rain this year so moisture shouldnt be a problem the weather has been a little cooler then normal this isnt the frist time i have planted a garden but it the first time i have had problems like this i know i need the soil test so i know exactly what it needs i just never had trouble getting some thing to grow before thanks for your help mike

 

[Fossil Farm]

How long have you owned the property ? Do any weeds or grass grow on the garden site now ? Almost sounds like there is an herbicide carry-over problem depending on what the soil test shows. Older form of atrazine, princep, etc. if dumped on the soil would last a long time and cause germination problems, but a soil test would really help to start the search. You may want to fill several small pots with the soil, put them in a cool place like a basement and try a few seeds of various crops. Much easier to evaluate in a more controlled environment if you are having that big of a problem. Good luck.