Damping off

[caroline7758]

Has anyone got any tips on avoiding damping off of seedlings? I know about cheshunt compound but don't want to use it if I can help it. It's mostly occurred in my heated propagator so I guess it's just too humid?

[caroline7758]

[Larkspur]

Hi, yes your propagator is probably just too warm and damp for your seedlings as you suspect. If you don't want to use cheshunt compound the best bet is to remove them from the the propagator as soon as possible to a warm, bright spot(widowsill?). :)

[Barnowl]

If you have ventilators in the lid of your propagator start opening them little by little once the seedlings appear.

Also, though not sure if it's relevant, I pour away any condensation that has gathered on the lid because to me it suggests there's more moisture than necessary.

[caroline7758]

Thought as much- thanks. I sometimes think my seeds are telling me they would rather be just chucked out in the soil to grow- all this pampering just causes more problems! ;D

[manicscousers]

been told to water from a tap instead of from a water butt.. :)

[Tee Gee]

Do you water your plants?

I never do after sowing, the next watering my seedlings get is after pricking out.

I keep a hand pump spray always at the ready if things look as though they need watering.

The pump spray is filled with a fungicide mixture so this protects and waters at the same time without overdoing it.

[caroline7758]

Thanks for the reminder, Teegee- I used a spray last year but had forgotten! Now to find my spray bottle!

[Biscombe]

Never had damping off problems since I started sprinkling Cinnamon on the soil. Also I´ve heard weak chamomile tea helps with fungal problems.

[manicscousers]

Do you water your plants?

only the first watering, for the compost, then i leave them to it until they're bigger  :)