michael wrote:
I sow seedlings in small pots of plastic trays,and although very
careful with watering,I always seem to get problems with damping
off.It starts with just one or two then spreads quickly.I have sown
onions and lettuce to date,and briefly describe what I do to minimise
the problem.I make up a compost with multipurpose,John Innes and grit
sand in varying proportions.Then fill up the pot or tray to within 1/2
inch,flatten gently and place in water until water soaks up to about
3/4 of the surface.I then sift a little compost onto the surface,and
sow the seed reasonably thinly.The tray or pot is then placed in a
heated propagator to encourage good germination.I always achieve good
germination,and at this stage put a little perlite on the surface to
encorage dryness.Since the seed tray or pot has been on the heated
propagator for about a week or so,I am concerned that the soil at the
bottom is becoming dry,and hence place in water again briefly to make
sure that this bottom soil becomes damp again.

I can't see anything particularly wrong with that. If the propagator has a
cover, perhaps leave it off for a few hours a day to allow decent
ventilation. I do sometimes wonder that if the propagator gets too warm,
damping-off is increased.


The only thing I do not do is to put copper sulphate solution onto the
compost or seedlings at any stage.If this helps when is the time to
use it?

I spray with Cheshunt compound as soon as the seeds have been sown. I must
say I am not altogether sure that it makes that much difference.


If anyone can spot anything wrong in what I am doing as described
above,I would be very pleased to receive a reply.

Michael

--
Jeff
(cut "thetape" to reply)