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Growing from Seed

Will Moss in my pots hurt my plants?

16 years ago

Hi!

I took the larger plastic pop bottles, cut them down, poked holes in the bottom, and used them for pots to grow seedlings in.

So far they have been great, and i really like the fact that you can see the roots thru them and have an idea how they are growing below the soil level. Of course they won't be in them forever, but good for starting plants.

I noticed tonite that there is moss growing on the inside of the plastic at the bottom and some near the top. Seedlings look good and seem to be growing well. Will the Moss hurt the seedlings? Whats causeing the moss to grow?

Moisture + light ?

Thanks

Tonia

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Comments (6)

kellyrie
16 years ago
Hi Tonia,
The moss shouldn't hurt your seedlings at all. If you do not like it you can usually just gently wipe your finger over it and remove it. This usually occurrs when the seedlings are kept too moist. Although I find it happens a lot more often in the peat pots than in the plastic ones...
Good luck with your little ones!
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
16 years ago
Are you sure that it is not algae?
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artzypantz
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks Kellyrie!

Rhizo 1 .......Ahhh, i bet your right about that too! Never gave algae a thought. Its at the bottom inside between plastic and soil & same at the top sides. Its got to be algae now that you mention it.
I won't be transplanting untill some time next week.
Will algae hurt them?
Thanks!!
Tonia
arjo_reich
16 years ago
I'd be more concerned that it wasn't trichoderma (green mold) which looks has an off-whitish look to it with forest green spores that litter it's surface. That will lock up and drown your plants root system in no-time flat.

God do I hate that crap, I lost sunflowers, morning glories and my shittake's to it a couple months ago.
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
16 years ago
The algae is an indication that conditions are too moist. Keep the surface of the 'soil' disturbed so that excess water can evaporate properly. Because the sides of your soda bottle container are clear, it makes a perfect environment for for algae culture. Algae requires sunlight. ;-)

You might want to consider painting the outside of your bottles next year to prevent this. Excess algae can muck up the pore spaces.
artzypantz
Original Author
16 years ago
Hi Rhizo_1 & arjo....
Darn, i really liked seeing the roots condition!
So much for the soda bottle idea!
No mucking wanted around here!
Back to the basics.
Thanks so much for your help!!
Much appreciated! Enjoy your nite!
Tonia

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