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Hi I am trying to grow onions from seed indoors and they are germinating OK but then they get too thin and fall over and some die off. They are in individual seed trays and are being watered regularly and put into a cold frame to harden off. Can anyone help? ???

That sounds like damping off, which is due to a fungus. You're probably keeping them too wet.

Does sound like damping off, they need to be a bit dryer. Also treat with cheshunt compound.

chrisc

The clue is here;

Quotebeing watered regularly

They don't need much water at the seedlings stage.

Think of it this way; A new born baby does not start on a full bottle of milk, it is gradually weaned to this amount. Seedlings are no different, particularly if light is poor as less photosynthesis is taking place so less moisture uptake!

I use a hand spray if they are looking a bit on the dry side, to ensure I am not overdoing it.

As the others say; they are damping off, drowning even.

Quote
put into a cold frame

Plus it is more difficult to keep the soil warm when it is wet, particularly as you have them in a cold frame!

Again think of the 'baby' they do not like a wet nappy so they rebel!

Many thanks for your replies - I will follow your recommendations and post the results :)

Good light levels also help. Sunlight is a mild fungicide.

Air movement helps. Stagnant air picks up moisture from the compost, and becomes high humidity – just what fungal spores like.

Low nutrient level compost may help. See topic on compost
http://www.allotments4all.co.uk/smf/index.php/topic,58155.0.html