Do not apply fertilizer to seedlings until several true leaves have developed.Cool water (50 F) slows plant growth and increases the opportunity for infection. Use clean warm (68 – 77 F) water to water young seedlings.Keep hoses and water heads off the floor.Use pots with drainage holes to insure good drainage of excess water. This temperature varies depending on the plant (see the table below). Wait until garden soil has reached optimal temperature for germination before planting outdoors.Use a heating pad under trays to warm soil to 70-75☏ for indoor plant production.Store them in a clean location when not in use. Clean all tools that will be used in planting and maintenance of the seedlings.Don't reuse potting mix and don't use garden soil or compost. Sterilize all used pots and trays in a solution of 10% household bleach by soaking for 30 minutes.Infection of seedling stems by the damping off fungi results in thin wiry rotted stems that cannot support the seedling. Low light, overwatering, high salts from over fertilizing and cool soil temperatures are all associated with increased damping off. And any condition that slows plant growth will increase damping off. The damping off pathogens thrive in cool wet conditions. Disease is particularly severe when seeds are planted in soils that are too cool for optimal germination or when weather turns cool and wet after planting resulting in slow germination and growth. Seeds planted directly into the garden can also suffer from damping off. If you use garden soil to fill seedling trays, you could introduce the damping off pathogens that cause the disease into the warm wet conditions best for seed growth. Garden soil often contains small amounts of the damping off pathogens. Once introduced to a seedling tray, the damping off pathogens easily move from plant to plant by growing through the potting media or in shared irrigation water. is often introduced on dirty hands, contaminated tools or by hose ends that have been in contact with dirt and debris. can be blown in and carried by insects like fungus gnats, or move in splashing irrigation water.
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