mold on my seedling pots

11 years ago

I planted a tray ful of tomato seeds in two different seed starting mixes. A few of them have a white mold growing on the top of the soil. I've wiped it off and it comes back the next day. Is there any way to get rid of it?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

wolverine1012
11 years ago
too much moisture? If there is a cover over them, I'd leave it off. Also, try to run a fan to circulate the air.
digdirt2
11 years ago
Agree. Too wet and not enough air circulation. Growing from Seed forum FAQs.

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: FAQ: There's something growing on my soil
Related Discussions
mold on my terra cotta pots
Q
Comments (5)
Herbs sort of like a dryish soil, so you may be keeping the soil a little moist. Terra cotta is permeable, and by its nature will allow water seepage through the walls. As water evaporates, the dissolved solids (salts) are left behind. Moss, mold, lichens, even algae can find the moist/semi-moist environment hospitable & "decide" to grow there. It will be difficult to discourage things that want to grow there, unless you resort to frequent mechanical removal (like steel wool). Many, I among them, enjoy these unique patinas on terra cotta. I do know that your level of frustration with the fact that it's there would be greatly diminished if you decide to embrace it rather than be offended by it. Perhaps someone can/will offer a remedy that isn't toxic to what's IN the pot. I can't think of anything I'd use - just off the top .... Take care OF. It's nice to see you here. ;o) Al
...See More
Help! Mold On Seedling Pots
Q
Comments (4)
This seems to be a common experience with those peat pots. You might want to try small plastic containers next year. It's probably algae rather than mold, but it doesn't make much difference. Whatever the stuff is, it's hindering the evaporation from the peat, exacerbating the whole situation. Green algae commonly grows on surfaces that remain moist, like your peat pots, clay pots and such. Green algae won't harm your plants, but also won't respond to anti-fungal remedies, either. If it begins growing on the top of the medium surface, keep it broken up with a toothpick (or something) so that moisture can evaporate from the pot like it's supposed to.
...See More
When do I pot my seedlings?
Q
Comments (7)
I think that soil humidity is more stable and more favorable for most plants, for several reasons: Garden soil has more sand, which does not retain too much water and the sheer size of a garden plot coupled with good drainage (relative to peat) makes humidity levels more stable and less prone to fluctuations. Heavy-clay soils are a problem though. They retain too much water. Light-clay or sandy soils pose problems in a dry season. In the Mediterranean region, where the summer is dry, drip irrigation will be very helpful. The answer is not a definitive yes or no. It goes down to the type of soil you have, and you may need to experiment with it. Keep some in the ground and see how they develop.
...See More
Surprise citrus seedlings emerged in my potted bananas.
Q
Comments (40)
Vladimir,...I would be happy to..I would even meet you some where and just hand you one. It would probably be easier to hand you one that to ship it. If I ship it, the top would have to be lopped off, but if I hand you a pup, it would be without being cut at all. Thanks too for your care... Steven thanks for your kind comments ))) Jersey, thank a million...I am one that hates taking pain meds...But if feels much better without any of them and for that I am excited..I am too young not to put in an implant in..It should be fun. I cracked this tooth and out cause an infection that need to come out( Jinny, I figure why have others spend money for something I have extra of, ...Actually with all the folks I have gotten to know here, I would share any of my plants that allow me....Yes much better..Thank you)) Devsense, no worries..)
...See More
Anne Wolfley
11 years ago
It always get a little bit of mold on the top of the soil when I start seedlings indoors, and it's never caused any problems. You should only water the seedlings when the soil becomes dry, and should water from below. Air circulation could be a problem, but you also want to maximize the space under your grow lights, right?

I see you're in zone 8b, so I imagine that you could take many precautions but still get mold because of the humidity. I'm in 7b, and that's the case here. If you post a picture I could tell you if it looks like a problematic amount.
zzackey
Original Author
11 years ago
Thanks for the advice. I only watered it to get the seed starter mix wet and then the mold showed up. It is an off brand of mix. I have no problem with the Miracle Gro mix. My seeds are inside. No humidity. I have started some flower seeds outside. It has been such a mild winter, I thought I'd give it a try. No room in the house to start them. I started tomatoes inside.
Edymnion
11 years ago
Try using some hydrogen peroxide spray. Says you're in Georgia, so just hit a Wal-Mart pharmacy, you should be able to find it already in a spray bottle as a topical disinfectant.

The topical stuff is only 3% peroxide and is completely safe to spray on even freshly sprouted seedlings (which can take upwards of 10% concentration before they start to burn). Will kill all sorts of mold and fungus without hurting your plant.

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Seeds or Seedlings? How to Get Your Garden Started

By Abundant City

Growing delicious herbs and vegetables starts with knowing your goals and when you want to plant

Full Story

CHRISTMAS TREES Last-Minute Christmas: Mini Tree in a Pot

By Jen L'Italien

Create a temporary tree with cuttings or buy a small live tree to love for years

Full Story

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen of the Week: Pushing Boundaries in a San Francisco Victorian

By Mary Jo Bowling

If the roll-up garage door doesn’t clue you in, the blue cabinets and oversize molding will: This kitchen is no ordinary Victorian galley

Full Story

122

KITCHEN WORKBOOK 15 Elements of a Traditional Kitchen

By KitchenLab Interiors

Small details take center stage with decorative moldings, glazed finishes, raised panels and more

Full Story

WINTER GARDENING Winter Gardening: Ideas for a Dream Potting Room

By Becky Harris

Check out potting rooms that get indoor gardening right — and learn tips for creating your own

Full Story

STUDIOS AND WORKSHOPS Room of the Day: Potting and Puttering in Toasty Warmth

By Becky Harris

Minnesota winters are no match for this heated potting room, mudroom and changing room, which even has a dog shower

Full Story

SPRING GARDENING How to Grow a Rose Garden in Pots

By J. Peterson Garden Design

Everything can come up roses, even without a plot of soil in sight. This step-by-step guide to growing roses in containers shows you how

Full Story

CONTAINER GARDENS Container Garden Basics: How and When to Water Potted Plants

By Kim Gamel

Confused about soil moisture, the best time to water and what watering device to use? This guide can help

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES Pick the Right Plant Pot to Flatter Your Landscape

By Kim Gamel

To play matchmaker for your container garden and its surroundings, you've got to know all the materials and pick the right style

Full Story

HOUZZ TV Houzz TV: How to Make and Plant a Veggie Box

By Annie Thornton

See how to start edibles from seed, then transfer the seedlings to a box on stilts to make harvesting more fun

Full Story

mold on my seedling pots

Comments (5)

wolverine1012

digdirt2

Related Discussions

Anne Wolfley

zzackey
Original Author

Edymnion

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

mold on my seedling pots

Comments (5)

wolverine1012

digdirt2

Related Discussions

Anne Wolfley

zzackeyOriginal Author

Edymnion

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

zzackey
Original Author