Problem with seeds

Question

I live in the tropics and am trying to grow thyme and rosemary from seeds. I have now planted it three times and three times they have failed to show. This is using two different sources of seeds and two different location. The seeds were planted in a mix of cow manure, coconut husk and sand. Daytime temperatures here are between 30-32 degrees F and nighttime 28-30 degrees. Due to these temperatures, the garden is watered each morning, lightly. Any thoughts or ideas? I know they are easiest to grow from cuttings but there is nowhere here to get cuttings from.

Answer 1

It is best not to start seeds, especially hard to start seeds like this, in manure. There is just too much nitrogen and it makes it hard for the plants when starting out. If you can get it, potting soil is great. If not, try just coconut husk (cut up as fine as you can) and sand for a seeding mix. Once the seedlings have 2 sets of true leaves, you can move them to a rotted manure/ sand mix to get bigger.

Water from below, not from above, if possible. Water when the soil gets dry just on the top. If you think that you cannot keep up with the watering to maintain that, then you will likely be ok just to set the seeding container (with holes in the bottom) into a container with water. It will wick the water up as needed.

This article may also be helpful:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/seeds/cheap-seed-starting-how-to-germinate-seeds-at-home.htm