Topic: Damping off (I think)

[greenhousegirl]

I have been a member for a while now but never asked a question usually it has already been asked and I didn't want to go over previous threads.

But this time I am in trouble.

I have planted quite allot of seeds and for the first time used the peat/cardboard pots that you can plant the whole thing in the ground.  I watered and covered awaiting germination and all I got was a furry white/grey layer of what looks like some sort of mould.

Is this what is referred to as damping off and if so what do I do?

Do I have to bin them and start all over again ?

Any advice would be most appreciated.


   

[Robert_Brenchley]

Damping off is when the seed comes up, then the stem rots through at the base. Is the mould on the cardboard, which is nothing to worry about, or is it across the surface of the compost. If the latter, I've got no idea!

[greenhousegirl]

The mould is on the surface of the compost

[Robert_Brenchley]

It may be poor quality compost, or it may be too wet. Hopefully someone else will know more.

[BarriedaleNick]

Probably too wet and maybe not enough air flow but probably not related to damping off.
Have no seeds germinated at all?

Cut back on the water and let some air in by taking the cover off once a day and see what happens over the rest of the week

[greenhousegirl]

Thank you for your help I will give that a go

[Robert_Brenchley]

Try leaving the top propped up on a dead biro to allow a little air in.

[lincsyokel2]

too wet and too warm. Ideal conditions for fungus to grow. Take the lid off the propagator during the day.

[davyw1]

Damping off is a fungal disease caused by unsterilized compost, trays or plant pots and once it takes hold its hard to stop.
Hope all is not lost

[chriscross1966]

It may be poor quality compost, or it may be too wet. Hopefully someone else will know more.

Some compost does this, whatever it is it hasn't affect germination across a wide variety of plants in my GH.... it isn't damping off or botrytis, they're both obvious (and heartbreaking) .... everything I've had that has done it (lots of my early onion seedlings, broad beans, peas, assorted brassicas) has come through fine a few days later...

chrisc

[greenhousegirl]

Thank you every one for your advice. I have taken the lids off scaped the mould off the top and hope for the best.

I think they may be a bit too wet though, so I have planted some more so I will either end up with double the amount of veg plants this year or maybe none at all