White fuzz...

[desertgirl]

I am having the worst luck with this seed business!!

So I have the seeds in a tray, heating pad underneath, keeping moist to the consistancy of a wrung out sponge, grow lights on about 18 hours a day. Unfortunatly, before I did away with the dome (which evidently was trapping too much moisture), I noticed white fuzz on the tops of some of the seedlings. I was going to throw out the whole batch and start over (sans dome), but now some of the seeds have started to sprout. I scraped off the fuzz (mold?fungus?)....will it kill the sprouts or might they be ok? Should I just start over?

 

[OaklandCityFarmer]

Assuming you there isn't any white fuzz growing on the current seedlings and you didn't touch the white fuzz and spread it all over the place it should be fine.

I've heard of, although have never tried it, of people using a very very weak solution (just a few drops per liter) of chlorine/bleach and topically spraying the soil right before the sprouts come up. This would essentially take care of any fungal growth.

Also, I have tried using a weak tea of chamomile and spraying seedlings with this to prevent fungal growth.

I'd go with the chamomile option now since they are already sprouted.

 

[digitS']

How much trouble would it be for you to get them into your New Mexican sunlight and dry desert air for an hour or 2 every day, DG?

You may need to protect them somewhat (like with glass or plastic) from the bright sun but what won't kill, will likely cure. I suspect, you are just having warmth and especially, as you suggest, humidity problems.

Running off on an errand and allowing that bright sun to sear them flat like a hot iron won't be the answer . . . altho' you could probably expect the solar radiation to put a complete end to any fungus that now dares to raise its head.

Certainly, given your location, you may need to do no more than keep a close eye on that starter mix in case there is reason to take more aggressive steps.

Steve

 

[desertgirl]

They are in the sunlight (from a south facing window), but I fear it may not be enough. The lights can't hurt, can they?

I'll try the chamomile tea, and see how things go....I just wanted to make sure it wasn't a lost cause.

 

[desertgirl]

And ...

just heard it was going to be 60 degrees tomarrow. so this afternoon they are going outside on a field trip! Might as well get used to that New Mexico sunshine as soon as possible, eh digitS'?

 

[patandchickens]

IME a little bit of white fuzz does not necessarily kill a seedling if the conditions that produced it are corrected right away. (If it's gotten really bad, better to start over)

You can get 'some' extra humidity while maintaining the air movement that will discourage mold by having your dome/lid/thing on but AJAR. Preferably significantly ajar. You will just have to play with it and learn what works best for you. But letting some air in/out, with some teeny little air currents, is the best for the seedlings. It will also decrease your chances of having problems with damping off.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat