Damping Off disease and Chamomile
ngrrsn
11 years ago
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digdirt2
11 years agoflora_uk
11 years agoRelated Discussions
Is this damping off? Last post for a while I promise.
Comments (4)Hard to tell by the pics. If they look like they're slowly dying, then maybe. Tricks for damping off-- Air circulation -- maybe set up a small fan Bottom water --- set packs in a tub of water that has about an inch or so of water for about 15 minutes when watering Don't over water -- let top of soil dry out before watering(more people kill seedlings from over watering than under watering 3% hydrogen peroxide -- spray the soil surface Chamomile tea -- drink a cup, and then use the used tea bag to make another cup -- spray on soil cinnamon -- sprinkle a little on soil...this helps keep the fungus gnats away. Don't get discouraged. I had quite a bout with damping off and peppers. Keep asking questions. It's the cheapest way to learn. Kevin By the way -- you learned already. Keep the shoplights about that distance from the top of the plants. Just right above them without touching. :)...See Moreif you never have damping off.......(help me!)
Comments (34)IMO the problem is caused by the triple threat of high humidity, cool temps, and poor air circulation. Those conditions together seem to foster the growth of plant pathogens. Once I learned that, I started to maintain high humidity, WARM temps (between 72 and 78 degrees religiously), and good air circulation. I haven't had a problem since maintaining these conditions. Good air circulation doesn't necessarily mean a fan (although a desk or ceiling fan in the room on LOW setting would certainly be helpful). Too much air movement will just dry out the soil faster. To me good air circulation simply means having the seed shelf exposed to the ambient air of the room. Don't have them "inside" of anything - like humidity domes, or those cheesy plastic covered "greenhouse" towers, or the foil everyone puts around their flats to reflect the wasted light from the grow lights (a hassle and a waste of time anyway), etc. I reuse all my flats, inserts, and pots, and I don't sanitize anything - although I believe sanitizing equipment with a mild bleach solution prior to reuse to be good practice. There is no such thing as true sterilization in a home setting let alone around gardening equipment and soil, so there is no point in worrying about it. I use seed starting mix for impatiens only, the rest of my seeds are planted in cheap potting soil right out of the bag. I do not use any chemicals - never heard of "No Damp", do not know what it is, and wouldn't use it anyway. I use filtered snow melt warmed to room temperature until I am able to use captured rainwater at room temperature. I never use softened water or city water and will use well water only if I have no other choice. My preferred backup is water acquired through reverse osmosis. I bottom water only, and mist surface-sown seeds twice daily until they germinate. Once seeds start sprouting I cut back on the watering following the wet / dry soil cycle. I do not fertilize seedlings until they have several sets of true leaves - and then I fertilize with only a diluted solution at most. I fertilize full strength only after plants are established in the ground. Folks may disagree with me and of course I respect that, but what I mentioned above has worked for me for the past 19 years. Best of luck to all, -Tom...See MoreDreaded 'Damping-Off' ... A New Perspective
Comments (14)Thank you all for your responses - they're very encouraging. I know there are countless varieties of fungi out there, that many of them are beneficial, and I'd read somewhere the list of 4-6 specific ones that cause damping-off ... I just jumped to conclusions and figured with my luck, I probably had one of those. The flats are in the house - only 3 seeds have sprouted so far, but I expect the rest won't be far behind. Once they're all up, I'd like to move them out to the greenhouse, which is kept around 50 degrees at night, and about 65-70 on a sunny day - though it would easily climb higher if I let it. I was thinking the best time for this is when they have their first set of true leaves. Any suggestions? I tried starting seeds indoors years ago, with little success. This year, with the greenhouse, I thought I'd have a go at it again because of the lower cost, greater variety available, greater satisfaction of growing from seed ... and, despite the wonderful flowers, herbs and a few veggies growing out in the greenhouse, I just can't wait for spring! It's good to hear of your respective successes, and to see the pictures you posted. Diane, wishing you continued success....See MoreIs this damping-off disease?
Comments (4)be done with it ... you were way late with starting the seed in july ... and you are having all the problems with such due to that problem.. seedlings need the properties of early spring.. short days.. warm in the greenhouse.. with cool nights ... to grow properly .. also at that time.. you dont have all the disease, mold and mildew problems.. you are now suffering with .... i dont think.. whatever you do.. you are going to succeed ... PLEASE dont got the chemical route.. it just isnt going to work ... IMHO .... live and learn.. and start earlier next season .... or ... since lupine are blooming.. or just finishing.. if you have any seed left... direct sow them now.. and mark the spot.. and perhaps they will take care of it all for you.. and sprout next spring... good luck ken...See Morengrrsn
11 years agodigdirt2
11 years agodowlinggram
11 years agoflora_uk
11 years agoorganiclawndiy
9 years ago
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