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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: moment on July 19, 2009, 19:43:51

Title: what am i doing wrong
Post by: moment on July 19, 2009, 19:43:51

 ???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? :-\

Title: Re: what am i doing wrong
Post by: grannyjanny on July 19, 2009, 19:57:03

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.

Title: Re: what am i doing wrong
Post by: Rhubarb Thrasher on July 19, 2009, 21:48:50

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

Title: Re: what am i doing wrong
Post by: Ishard on July 20, 2009, 10:08:28

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

Title: Re: what am i doing wrong
Post by: davyw1 on July 21, 2009, 15:18:43

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.

Title: Re: what am i doing wrong
Post by: Digeroo on July 21, 2009, 16:16:25

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.

Title: Re: what am i doing wrong
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on July 21, 2009, 20:33:13

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

Title: Re: what am i doing wrong
Post by: Barnowl on July 22, 2009, 12:25:23

Does it do any harm?

Title: Re: what am i doing wrong
Post by: Borlotti on July 22, 2009, 13:12:33

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.

Title: Re: what am i doing wrong
Post by: davyw1 on July 22, 2009, 15:46:29

Quote from: Barnowl on July 22, 2009, 12:25:23

Does it do any harm?

I think it affects the germination of the seeds.

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

Title: Re: what am i doing wrong
Post by: shirlton on July 22, 2009, 16:03:15

I try to water from the bottom  and that helps