Allotments 4 All
Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: tottieheed on February 29, 2012, 17:17:41
-
Hi everyone again
I got my first ever onion sets about a week ago and after watching some youtube clips on what to do with them I opted to stick them in some compost in a seed tray to give them a head start. I have put them in the conservatory as it is still cold in there at this time of year. I gave them a little water as the compost was very dry. My plan was to leave them for 2 or 3 weeks and then plant them out
They have been there now for around 1 week and I have noticed a bit of white mould on the surface. I think this is growing from the compost rather that the onion sets but have no experience and wonder if there is anything I should do as I don't want them to rot or die.
Any thoughts?
-
Is it on the onion or on the compost surface?
It doesn't sound like onion white rot as that starts at the the root vase.
I wouldn't worry too much but no harm in scraping it off if you can.
-
You say your conservatory is cold at this time of year, I too have a conservatory, no heating at the moment, but I have noticed that on a sunny day at this time of year the temp. can really rise, could the fluctuation be the cause of the mould. I would put them outside under fleece and extra covering if frost is forecast. Good luck with your Onions for the coming season.
-
Mine are already going straight in the ground! usually they are very hardy but depends where you are...
-
IT would have to be unusually savage for an onion set not to be perfectly safe if planted now....
chrisc
-
I don't think it is mould, I think it is mineral salts being leached upwards and onto the soil surface. ??? Cheers, Tony.
-
Thanks for your help. I think it is coming from the compost so I'm not too worried. The general thought seems to be that I could have them outside already. I will pop them in next weekend, whats the worst that could happen?
Thanks all once again, more questions to follow!
J
-
Had mine in the heated propagator in 3ins pots for last 3wks. Now 4ins shoots so hardening off gradually. Had the same white mould around some bulbs, which I removed, with no detriment to the bulbs.
-
Are you watering from the bottom? If so, it could be that water is moving up, bringing mineral salts with it, then drying out. The result is a salty layer on top. The answer is to water from above. Alternatively, if it is mould, you're probably keeping everything too wet.