Pepper and Squash problems

[Jenegade]

I've been trying to grow some Pepper and squash seeds for the last couple of weeks, but they still haven't germinated! Does anyone have any special techniques to help them germinate? Should I try germinating them on damp kitchen towel first??

I planted them in moist soil and put a plastic bag over the pot and then sat the pot on a south facing sunny windowsill, but nothing...

All advice appreciated!

[SarzWix]

It might be getting too cold overnight for them. I'd try bringing them into the room more until they germinate, or try a warm airing cupboard if you have one. Just make sure they go into the light as soon as they germinate.
I do all of mine in a heated propagator so they don't go cold overnight.

[BumbleB]

Hi Jenegade , I had the same problem a few weeks back but my squashes have all germinated now. I put them on a sunny windowsill very near a warm radiator. The ones that I started at the end of Feb came up early April and the ones that I did at beginning of April only took 7 days. It must be the longer lighter days.

My peppers germinated quickly back in early March but are only now beginning to grow on.

BB

[JILLY JACKSON]

Hi Jenegade,i have just got my squash to germinate by putting the potted seed in a dark bag in the lounge!I was told to do it that way and was a bit sceptical,but it worked for me.

[Jenegade]

Thanks for all your advice! I have put two pots in the airing cupboard, to see if they'll emerge in there. The other two I'm keeping on the warm windowsill, but moving away from the window at night time. I did have plastic bags over them before, but it didn't seem to do anything so I've taken them off now! Fingers crossed they'll germinate!

[Two_Sheds]

The plastic bags are to keep moisture in the pot until the seed germinates.

[Flummery]

Keep the poly bags on. You shouldn't need to water seeds if you do this. More seeds are lost through rotting off due to over-watering than any other problem.

I've found that some peppers are quicker to germinate if you don't exclude light. Just sow them on the surface, make sure they are pressed down a bit and in contact with the damp compost, cover with poly bag and off you go. Still can be 3 weeks though. Good luck!

[Jenegade]

Ok, thank you, polybags going back on when I get home tonight! Only have a few seeds left, so I'll give them a bit longer before I try sowing again...