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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: caroline7758 on March 05, 2007, 09:19:41

Title: Damping off
Post by: caroline7758 on March 05, 2007, 09:19:41
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?
Title: Re: Damping off
Post by: Larkspur on March 05, 2007, 10:07:08
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?). :)
Title: Re: Damping off
Post by: Barnowl on March 05, 2007, 10:13:26
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.
Title: Re: Damping off
Post by: caroline7758 on March 05, 2007, 11:27:50
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
Title: Re: Damping off
Post by: manicscousers on March 05, 2007, 14:23:26
been told to water from a tap instead of from a water butt.. :)
Title: Re: Damping off
Post by: Tee Gee on March 05, 2007, 15:13:05
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.
Title: Re: Damping off
Post by: caroline7758 on March 05, 2007, 15:19:35
Thanks for the reminder, Teegee- I used a spray last year but had forgotten! Now to find my spray bottle!
Title: Re: Damping off
Post by: Biscombe on March 05, 2007, 15:54:42
Never had damping off problems since I started sprinkling Cinnamon on the soil. Also I´ve heard weak chamomile tea helps with fungal problems.
Title: Re: Damping off
Post by: manicscousers on March 05, 2007, 15:56:44
Quote from: Tee Gee on March 05, 2007, 15:13:05
Do you water your plants?



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