Many of us are now starting seeds and getting ready for the upcoming gardening season. However, time and time again I have lost plants due to what's known as "damping off". Damping off is a fungal disease. Plants wilt up and look look like they are to dry - even thoug tat's not te case. Various fungus in the soil root the stems at the soil surface, causing the seedlings to fall over and die. Getting good air circulation, such as having a fan blow on the plants. Other tips to help prevent damping off include:
Using good quality, sterile potting soil to start seedlings. Makse sure you select a neutral pH potting soil, since acid soils are ideal for fungus growth.
Before planting, make sure the soil is well watered.
Don't overcrowd your seeds! Crowded seedlings do not dry quickly after watering, resulting in humid, moist conditions, which is the perfect environment for fungus spores to germinate.
You can sprinkle a thin layer of sand or perlite on the surface of the soil. This helps keep stems dry at the soil surface where damping-off occurs.
Do not overwater. When you od water, water around the base of the plants and try to avoid getting the foliage wet.
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