Spring often gets all the glory for seed starting, but plenty of gardeners sow seeds well into summer. That strategy works beautifully until the soil turns into something closer to a heated blanket than a cozy bed for tiny seedlings. Warm soil encourages many crops, but every seed has a comfort zone, and crossing that line can stop germination before it even begins.
Freshly planted seeds cannot move to a cooler spot. They sit exactly where they land, waiting for the right combination of moisture, oxygen, and temperature. Spotting the warning signs early can save valuable seeds, prevent wasted time, and lead to healthier plants once cooler conditions return.
