Well, damping off is one example of a fungus that you don't want in your
seed trays with your seedlings. There are other plant diseases that you
don't want either.

Andrew

"Billy" wrote in message
...
In article ,
"Andrew Ostrander" wrote:

I suggest that you sterilize your potting soil. I sterilize mine by
moistening it then microwaving it until it has been boiling hot for 10
minutes.

Andrew


"kitamun" wrote in message
.net...
I am sowing seeds in 3.5 inch square plastic flower pots using
Greenall
Organic Potting Soil. I place the pots in 1020 treys with clear
plastic
domes and keep them near a window at a constant seventy degree
temperature.

Most of my pots are growing volunteer mushroom fruiting bodies in the
time it takes for the seeds to germinate (about five days).

I discussed this situation with experienced gardening neighbors and
friends. They had never heard of such a thing. My nursery man had not
seen this either, but offered to exchange or refund the soil.

My quandary is this: I am planting in container boxes and I don't
relish
the thought of live mycelium competing with my plants for territory. I
will discard these 48 plants to get a clean start on the growing
medium,
but to do so will put me three weeks behind schedule.

My question is this: Is there a possibility the mushroom contamination
of the potting soil will also be contaminated with other negative
factors as weed seeds, bad bugs, mold, etc. I will not plant these
guys
if there is any possibility of a problem from it.

I am really saddened at this situation because the plants are vigorous
and happy to be here working for me. But the garden project is a
serious
affair for me and that takes precedent.

I have thought to give them to other people to plant in the ground,
but
I don't wish to gift that which I will not use.

If anyone has advice or suggestions for me to consider I would
sincerely
appreciate hearing from you.

Kitamun

Central California twelve miles from the ocean
Climate 10a

Separate Posting to Newsgroups: rec.gardens and rec.gardens.edible
--




For my own information, why would you want to sterilize? In the real
world fungi and plants live in symbiosis. Mycelium is your friend. It is
part of the reason not to dig or rototill your garden (see lasagna
gardening).

Speaking of lasagna:

Cabbage Lasagna
From "The Big Book of Casseroles"

1 small head of cabbage
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 pounds fresh tomatoes or 2 cups favorite herb-style
tomato sauce or a combination of the two
6 ounces cheese such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, Fontina,
provolone or mozzarella, shredded
1/2 cup Asiago or Parmesan cheese, grated

For seasoning fresh tomatoes:
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
2 cloves garlic, peeled, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon herbes de Provence, or 1/2 teaspoon dried
thyme mixed with 1/2 teaspoon dried basil

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Cut the core out of the cabbage and peel off the individual leaves.
If they do not come loose readily, put the cabbage head in the heating
water for a minute or so, then remove to a bowl where it can drain;
pull off the leaves.
Salt the water and blanch about 6 or 8 cabbage leaves at a time for
about 1 minute.
Remove with tongs or a strainer and drain. Set aside.

If using fresh tomatoes, cut them crosswise into slices and place in a
bowl. Season the tomatoes with balsamic vinegar, sugar, garlic, salt,
pepper and herbs.

To assemble the lasagna:
Use at least a 2- to 3-quart casserole dish or 9-by-13-inch glass baking
dish.
Line the bottom of the dish with a layer of cabbage and distribute a few
tomato slices (or about 1/3 to 1/2 cup of the sauce) on top of the
cabbage.
You will not be covering the cabbage completely.
Sprinkle about 1/2 of the shredded cheese of choice; again, you will not
be making a complete layer.
Repeat the layering with the remaining cabbage, tomato and shredded
cheese.
The last layer should be cabbage.
Sprinkle the top with the Asiago cheese.

Bake, uncovered, for about 30 minutes or until bubbling hot.
Remove from the oven and garnish with sprigs of
thyme or parsley.

Makes 6 servings.
--

I used homemade spaghetti sauce with ground turkey, and used low fat
mozzarella for my cheese.

Looking forward to having leftovers tonight:-)
--

Billy

Bush, Cheney & Pelosi, Behind Bars
http://rachelcorriefoundation.org/site/
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