• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
Preventing-Damping-Off-of-Seedlings-THUMB.jpg

Preventing Damping Off of Seedlings

I am just getting ready to start my seeds indoors this year. Last spring my seeds sprouted but many of them suddenly collapsed and died. How can I prevent the problem this year?

The symptoms you describe are associated with a fungal disease called damping off. Prevention starts with using new or sanitized containers (disinfect used containers with a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water) and a sterile planting mix. Good drainage is important as well since this disease thrives with excess soil moisture. Keep the soil warm and moist, but not waterlogged. Provide plenty of light and thin seedlings to improve air circulation. This is often all that is needed to prevent the problem. If the disease returns, remove any infected plants and treat the remaining seedlings with a soil drench of a fungicide labeled for this purpose. Be sure to read and follow all label instructions carefully before applying.

Related

Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars


March 27, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

How to Start a Garden for Beginners
Register now

April 3, 2024
Garden Trends 

Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI

April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now

April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now

April 17, 2024
Landscaping for Birds: 
A Gardener’s Perspective

Glendale, WI 

April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now

April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs 
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL

April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI

April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI

May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now

May 9, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

How to Plant Your Rain Garden
Register now

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win The Birds & Blooms' Ultimate Gardening Guide !

ENTER NOW