Herbs Not Germinating

[Ric.ror]

I planted lots of herbs on Saturday but they don't seem to be germinating at all.
I also have been using ice instead of water - just thin sheets - as I thought they would water the seeds more slowly and gradually rather than just watering the top and that then drying out

Was I right to do this

TIA

[Tilly2]

Perhaps they need warmth to germinate?

[Frank97]

I don't think the ice is helping, seeds normally need a bit of warmth to get going.

[Ric.ror]

Well I have left them on the windowsill in the kitchen which is pretty warm and I haven't used the ice everyday - just twice - when I first potted and yesterday when I thought they were a bit dry

[Ric.ror]

Shall I forget the ice and just use water then?

[Peaspeculiars]

Hiya Ric, They will need a bit more time yet and a bit of warmth (windowsill, room temp water) - have a peek at the below link for general germination time for herbs (depends which types you are growing?)

http://www.homegrownfun.com/quick-herb-planting-guide/

Just persevere and you'll be reet :-)

[Frank97]

I would!

[Ric.ror]

Thanks for your replies
I think I might be a little ambitious but I am looking each day for any green shoots
I will report back next Friday to let you all know - again thanks for your replies

[Peaspeculiars]

Good Luck :-)
I keep doing that - every time I switch the kettle on, I turn around to see if my sunflower seedlings on the windowsill have grown any more!

[carrust]

I always have probs with parsley. I've tried the boiling water method & other ways as well. I sowed some & accidentally dropped some on a hessian mat that I have outside the back door....guess where the seeds germinated:-(

[Ric.ror]

Not done Parsley but have done the usual (basil, chives, Corriander fennel) Also found some old Lemon Chilli Pepper seeds so I thought - well why not if only even one comes up its a start

[boxtops]

You're being too impatient, poor little seeds - give 'em at least a week. The soil being warm helps germination, so watering them with ice will have encouraged them to keep their jackets on :-(

[maggiebee]

I remember on a gardening programme some time ago that a woman said she put ice cubes into her hanging baskets so they would melt gradually and save time on watering. Presenter (can't remember who) was horrified by this. He recommended water that had been left to sit for a while so it was not ice cold. Not sure about herbs though...

[Ric.ror]

Shall I use warm(ish) water then or just ordinary?

[Ric.ror]

I thought using ice was like slow release watering
I always use it on the hyacinths

[Canary42]

Mine took more than a week to germinate recently - nearer 21 days - and I didn't use ice, I think that may inhibit germination.

[Ric.ror]

Quick update - the fenugreek I left outside under a cloche is stirring

[Ric.ror]

Another update - I may soon be eating cherry tomatoes as they have popped through
I have since added a clear sandwich bag over the top to aid germination

[jomifl]

Some seeds need light, some need dark, some need warmth, some need a constant temperature some need time. Mostly they just need patience. Not much will germinate on a cold windowsill, put them somehere warm then put them in the light when they have germinated. Read the instructions on the seed packet..