Why don't seeds germinate in freezing cold temperatures?

Seeds need moisture and heat to germinate and light as soon as they pop their little green heads out of the soil. Mother nature knows what she is doing. If seeds germinated in cold weather the new shoots would not survive.

In south Louisiana the day time temps are in the 60's and 70's. The nights are still cool - lower 40's and upper 30's. I direct seeded mustard greens, turnips and bush beans in the garden. The mustard greens and turnips like cool temps. The bush beans will take a little longer to germinate but will be fine because this cool spell won't last long. I planted tomato seeds in seed pots. I put the flats on a bench in the sun during the day and bring them in at night. I am hoping for germination in another 7 to 10 days. I also planted some pepper plants in the garden and they are doing fine. I have young cilantro, parsley and basil in pots. I move the basil under the patio cover at night to protect them from the frost and move them back out to the sun during the day. The parsley and cilantro like the cool weather.

Sorry - didn't mean to rattle on so much.

Cold temperatures prevent germination and kill the seedlings. Well, not completely; but it will slow the process. And. It should be moist enough. You may consider start planting indoors and you will get some great results.

seeds need heat.light and water to germinate