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How to Solve Common Seed-Starting Problems
Seed-starting indoors can be rewarding and fun. It doesn’t take much time and it’s fairly simple once you
collect the seed-starting supplies. But what happens when you encounter problems along the way while
seed-starting?
PROBLEM: My seedling grew but the stem tipped over near where it touches the soil and the plant died.
SOLUTION: There is a disease called damping off that can attack a growing seedling, causing the stem to
rot and tip over. This can be caused by using the wrong soil or trays that already had the fungus or mold
on them. Overwatering and cool temperatures contribute to the disease. If this happens, remove the
affected seedlings and throw them away. For those not affected, let the potting soil dry slightly in between
watering’s and put a fan on to create good air circulation. This can help prevent the fungus from spreading.
Use sterile potting soil and trays and follow the above tips on temperature and light to keep future
seedlings healthy.
PROBLEM: There’s mold on the soil beneath my seedlings.
SOLUTION: If you see mold or algae growing on top of the soil, it usually is not fatal. You can start by
physically removing the mold and letting the soil dry out slightly between watering’s. Another solution is
to put a fan on near your seedlings for air circulation. The mold will not kill the seedlings, but the excess
water and poor air circulation that cause it can.
PROBLEM: You set your seedlings outdoors but the plants flop over or burn up.
SOLUTION: Check your weather forecast. Your seedlings could be set back by cold temperatures or
perhaps they flop over because the stems are not ready for that 10-mile-an-hour wind. Try acclimating
seedlings to outdoor temperatures over the course of a week a few hours at a time, gradually building up
to overnights. Set them in shade with not much wind. You can also place them in a cold frame or portable
greenhouse to protect them from wind and the temperature. After acclimation, seedlings are ready for
their final planting place.
Seeds can also be sown directly in the garden when the soil temperature is warm enough, usually about
70 degrees Fahrenheit, although that varies by vegetable. Check your seed packet for more info.