9 reasons your seeds aren't germinating, according to gardening experts

Vegetable plant name tags / labels and seeds tin container, towel, seed packet, twine and scissors.

Seed packets are so exciting, offering the promise of a beautiful show of flowers or vegetables, along with the satisfaction of knowing that you have raised your prize specimens yourself, from seed.

 However, as every keen plant person knows, there are many reasons why seeds can refuse to germinate, even if you follow all advice for how to sow seeds closely.