Hey everyone! I'm gardening in Zone 8b, specifically in the Willamette Valley area of the PNW. Because I got a late start this year, I direct sowed some veggies on May 23rd. So far, only my green beans have sprouted, and they're thriving! I've also planted cucumbers, swiss chard, herbs, and marigolds. The weather has been a little erratic; I started the seeds when nighttime temps were in the mid to high 40s, but recently we had a heat wave with highs in the 90s. I'm starting to worry since no other seeds have popped up yet, especially with cold temperatures returning next week. Should I be patient and wait a bit longer, or is it time to give up and buy some starts? Thanks for your help!
3 Answers
Hey! Beans are usually pretty quick to sprout, so it makes sense that they’re doing well. With nights dropping into the 40s, it’s definitely slowed down your other seeds. Just hang tight a bit longer; they might surprise you!
It sounds like you’ve been dealing with quite a bit! I think most of your seeds should have germinated by now, so critters like slugs might be your culprits. I’d suggest starting some seed trays indoors for the slow guys, especially the herbs and marigolds. It's not too late to try some quick-growing veggies like summer squash or corn either! And definitely consider some slug deterrent; they love munching on young plants!
It’s likely your seeds will show up in a few days! I’ve had times where I thought nothing was happening, only to see shoots pop up right after I reseeded. If you’re curious, you could gently check the soil to see if there’s any life peeking through. Also, for next season, consider sprouting your seeds in damp paper towels before planting. It really boosts your odds! Here’s a link for those instructions: [ germinating-seeds-paper-towel ](https://www.vivatowels.com/en-us/cleaning-tips/everyday-cleaning/germinating-seeds-paper-towel).