If the water pools up on the top or runs off the side, this indicates that the soil isn’t draining fast enough.As the water hits the soil, notice what it does.Hold a hose or watering can over the seed tray.Fill a seed tray or pot to the top with the mix.If a seed-starting blend drains water quickly, the pathogens are less likely to attack your seeds.Ĭheck that your seedling mix has enough drainage by doing this drainage test: Key Takeaway: Aeration and drainage prevent the stagnant, damp conditions that fungi like to hang out in. The result is a well-moistened seed that is never sitting in water. Proper drainage ensures that water flows seamlessly through the soil profile and doesn’t get “clogged up” in any part of a seed tray. The vast majority of seed-starting issues can be solved right at the source by simply changing the planting medium. Damping off begins in the soil, which means you need to select the most well-drained seed starting mix possible. Use a Quality Seed-starting Mix Make sure the potting mix has good aeration and drainage to prevent stagnant and damp conditions in which fungi thrive.Įven the strongest seeds in the world cannot thrive in poor soil. However, you can apply the same principles to directly-seeded crops in the garden. These recommendations are primarily for gardeners who start seeds indoors in a greenhouse, windowsill, or nursery. ![]() *Please note that damping-off an happen to both indoors and outdoor seeds. Instead, use these cultural practices to keep pathogens away from your seed-starting trays. You don’t need to treat seeds with fungicides or spray any harmful chemicals. Fortunately, it can also be quickly eliminated by a few cheap environmental adjustments. 7 Ways to Prevent Damping Offĭamping off can be an aggressive disease that kills off loads of seedlings. Avoid re-using potting mix or soil from your garden when you’re starting new seeds. ![]() It’s important to sanitize all seed-starting equipment using a diluted bleach solution. This fungal infection is easily spread by unsanitized seed trays, contaminated potting mix, and unclean tools. While these organisms can live in the soil without causing any problems, they become an issue when you create an environment that welcomes them. This disease is caused by pathogenic fungi and water molds that thrive in excessively moist conditions. Causes of Damping Off in Seeds The main causes are damp, poorly drained soil and poor airflow.Ĭold, moist soil and weak plant growth are usually the reason your seedlings are falling victim to damping off disease. ![]() Even if you can keep a dampened-off seed alive for a while, the plant will be severely stunted and prone to a range of other problems down the line. This disease severely weakens a baby plant’s stem, making it struggle to survive. It is much smarter to re-seed so that your plants are robust and healthy. Key Takeaway: You cannot cure damping off, and you actually don’t want to. Plant seeds in a well-drained soil mix, sterilize your seed-starting pots, provide plenty of airflow, prevent overcrowding, and avoid overwatering. You cannot cure damping off disease, but you can easily prevent it. You will need to throw it out, sanitize the environment, and restart. Once a seedling falls victim to damping off, it’s done for. Damping off is not curable, but it is easily preventable.Ĭan a Plant Recover From Damping Off? Once your seeds are infected they cannot be cured.ĭamping off kills seedlings shortly before or after emergence. ![]() The disease is caused by pathogenic fungi and molds (namely Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, or Pythium) that thrive in overly wet, cold conditions where there isn’t enough aeration. The symptoms include rotten seeds, poor germination rates, seedlings with weakened stems, moldy or fluffy growth at the plant base, and baby plants that collapse shortly after emergence. Damping off is a plant disease that attacks young seedlings just before or after germination.
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