Potting issues

[seevs]

I've planted seeds in 4 trays a couple of weeks ago. Some broad beans, french beans, globe artichokes and a few varieties of tomatoes (including some from KG freebie). I put them on a wide open and sunny window ledge so light and heat (double glazed window) shouldn't be an issue and are sitting in a tray of water. After two weeks I've had mixed success...all the broad beans have come up, half of the tomatoes (none of the KG free ones) and none of the french beans or globe artichokes. I'll fess up that I've used regular compost rather than potting compost as I didn't have any potting compost left. Any particular reason or am i just being impatient?

[alan refail]

Hi Seevs

Part of the problem may be sitting in a tray of water. I'm not sure about the tomatoes, but french beans will almost certainly rot if too wet. No problem there, though, as it's too early for french beans anyway and you have plenty of time to resow.
When you are starting seeds sow in damp compost and then keep the surface of the compost damp - never allow the compost to become soaked.

[Primrose]

I'm sure Alan is right and that your seeds have been drowned. the compost should be kept moist obviously but not so wet that the seeds are permanently drenched and French beans in my experience are notoriously prone to rotting if they're over soaked. You're probably better resowing in fresh compost because sometimes, even when seeds start to germinate they can then rot.