Topic: what am i doing wrong

[moment]

 ???my problem is green algie stuff on the surface of each of my seed trays after i have sown seed in them. they are in an unheated greenhouse,and i cant see that it is due to overwatering as i am careful. the germination is very poor.
it doesnt make any difference what type of compost mix i make either.it gets marginally, but not much better-result when i water in with that `damping off` stuff either. does anyone have any clues please? :-\

[grannyjanny]

Are you using bought multi purpose compost or are you making your own & what seeds are you sowing? I sometimes get a green film on top of my MPC.

[Rhubarb Thrasher]

Hi moment
how long after you sow the seeds does the green stuff develop? I get it with old, sour compost

[Ishard]

The compost is generally kept too wet and not allowed to dry out.

[davyw1]

Its hard to give an exact answer if we don,t know what you have done from the biggining.

When i set seeds away i try to put about three times the size of the seed on top. I then lightly moisten it, cover with a sheet of glass to create condensation and cover it with enough news paper to keep the light out. I check them every day and as soon as the plants are sticking their heads out i remove the paper and glass to let them grow on.

[Digeroo]

I am a bit scatterbrained I do not cover my seed to keep the light out, I would forget to take it off and just get leggy things.  Depends on the seeds, perhaps a covering of plastic.  I would have the compost damp but do not water much for a little while, should have enough in the compost to get going.

Had a bag of Westlands Organic last year and that went green and nothing much grew in it.  Went back to my favourite Murphys but unfortunately could not get it this year.

[Robert_Brenchley]

Algae usually indicate damp, so what's the atmosphere in the greenhouse like?

[Barnowl]

Does it do any harm?

[Borlotti]

I take my seeds out for the day and let them see a bit of sun/rain.  Put them back in unheated mini greenhouse if the weather looks bad.  Then after that leave them out.  I have also had the compost looking green and too wet but they do like a trip out.

[davyw1]

Does it do any harm?

I think it affects the germination of the seeds.

http://www.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/Profile.aspx?pid=412

[shirlton]

I try to water from the bottom  and that helps