First time grower - indoor mint from seed

In the first week of March I got myself a propagation tray (just one large compartment, not divided, with a clear lid) filled it with all purpose compost (which was fairly cheap and chunky) and emptied a small packet of mint seeds into it.

I've been spraying it with water, keeping it lightly damp but not wet, not dry.

Last week I saw a first shoot come out, incredibly fine/delicate and the next day it was dead. This happened a couple more times and now nothing is happening at all, nothing is growing. It's been about 3 weeks since I started. I keep it by the window in a somewhat cool room.

Is it game over for those seeds? If so, how should I grow them. I thought mint grew like weeds?!

 

Hello and welcome, I'm pretty new to gardenig myself, so can't offer any advice, but I'm pretty certain one o the other more advanced gardeners will know what to offer you in the ways of advice,

Be lucky ;-)

 

How very disappointing for you. Although you say you kept them dry, I can only think it is what JWK says. You don't say if it is heated, or if you kept a lid on. I would say mint doesn't need much extra heat (although maybe this March is an exception...) and I would take off any covering as soon as you see germination.

Don't throw them out yet - there may still be a result. If nothing happens in a few more weeks, ruffle up the top layer of soil with a fork or a pen tip, or similar. See if that wakes any up. Sounds bizarre, but this often works for me - some seeds germinate better when exposed to light.

Meanwhile, get out and play the field with some other seeds. Don't be phazed by this first rejection - there are seeds out there keen to germinate for you!

 

We're all having problems with the lack of light at the moment, the seedlings come up but there is no sunshine to power their growth

 

AndySIW No advice, just wanted to say welcome to GC

 

Hi guys, thanks for the responses (I only got notified of the first so just checked back now!)

Right, for the first week it was on a window ledge in a freezing cold room (radiator under the window) And because of recent, even colder conditions, I've moved them into my office where it's warmer. Again, it's not heated but it's sat right over a radiator.

It does have a lid though.

I might have to start again with small pots I guess. I have basil in a little pot that I started at the same time and that has just come up.