On Tue, 13 Mar 2012 09:24:59 +0000, Jake
wrote:

On Mon, 12 Mar 2012 22:34:34 +0000, Fuschia
wrote:

On Mon, 12 Mar 2012 21:26:21 +0000, Jake
wrote:

Prevention being better than cure, ways to hopefully prevent the
problem are (1) always use clean seed trays and fresh seed compost
rather than multipurpose, (2) make sure there's good ventilation -
stagnant moist air is a real problem for seedlings - remove them from
the propagator once they've germinated, (3) water only with tap water
that's been allowed to stand for a couple of days to let the chlorine
evaporate, don't use rainwater and (4) don't over-water.


Why 'don't use rainwater' Jake? I've always used collected rainwater
for seedlings - have I been doing something terribly wrong?

Rainwater often contains the spores of fungi that will lead to damping
off. Very few containers won't also have in them some leaf or other
crud that's washed down off the roof with the rain. Equally it's
important to let tap water stand as the chlorine will otherwise have
an adverse effect.


Well, you learns something new every day. I always thought rainwater
would be the nearest to nature.

Thank you both.