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| The temperatures are in the mid 90s over here for us now and even though the soil in the seedling cups look like they have some moisture, I have been giving them a second dose of water mid-day, just because it is still hot.
Tonight, for the first time I see some seedlings are wilted over... and from googling it, I think it is what is called damping-off.. please look at the photo and tell me if you think this is correct(it is the two in the very front... there are three more though just not in the frame) :
on top of this, two of the seedlings that are drooping over are the Super San Marzano varieties, which I only have 3 seedlings of it right (bad germination rate of seeds) now so I hope I can save the two drooping ones. I have read to sprinkle cinnamon on the top of the soil and to only bottom water next time so that the surface stays dry.. is this the correct thing to do? I will also only water once a day from now on (probably with bottom watering)... also, regarding bottom watering, how long should i sit the seedling cups in a container of water? |
Follow-Up Postings:
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| No it isn't damp-off. It is classic water toxicity. The seedlings are literally drowning from too much water. It is obvious from the photo that the soil is far,far too wet. The stem cells can't absorb any more water and go limp. Too much water kills more seedlings than anything else. It suffocates the roots, deprives them of the oxygen that they need even more than they need water. Cut way back on your watering. The soil moisture level - the lack of soil moisture - is your clue to watering, NOT the air temp. Damp-off is very distinctive. The stems literally break-over at the soil level and the whole stem crashes to the ground like a felled tree. Dave |
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| Also - these look like they need a lot more intense light... Looks like you're going to end up with leggy seedlings |
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| Stick a straw down it the dirt and resuscitate them! Just kidding but it might work! LOL Cinnamon wouldn't hurt, it will draw some of the moisture out. |
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| About them needing more light... they are left outside all day and night they do get full sun for between 7 to 8 hours everyday... that isn't enough? Two seedlings did end up dying...and they were my Super San Marzanos (the ones I didn't want dying on me the most) here is one sad sad picture...
I know that I am over-watering the seedlings but I also remembered one other thing...the seedling starting pot kit I got came with absorbent pads to put in the bottom of the pots. I carefully removed them all just now (I had to remove the whole seedling with the soil out of the pots to remove them)
I should have asked here if I should use those pads or not... I was just in a hurry to plant the seeds and I thought it was a good idea for the absorbent pads to retain moisture longer because of the heat. Hopefully removing the pads and me watering less will help them.
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- Posted by dickiefickle 5B DousmanWi. (My Page) on Thu, Oct 27, 11 at 21:33
| are they kept in an area with some wind ? wind would help dry them quicker and strengthen the stems . I use a fan on small seedlings when started indoors |
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| yes, we have had plenty of breezy days over here :) |
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| I had this same problem. Thought it was not enough water. Apparently the opposite. Will see what comes back and replace what does not. |
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| 3 more seedlings have died :( I think I will plant some more seeds just in case... |
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| Have you checked out the FAQ here on how to grow tomatoes from seed? Lots of great info. And no 8 hours of sunlight isn't enough for seedlings. 12-16 hours is pretty much standard which is why supplemental lighting is recommended. Otherwise they become quite leggy and fall over. Plus you pics look like they may have some green mold growing on the soil surface? If so that is a symptom of excess soil moisture and inadequate air circulation - which is why a small fan is recommended. Dave |
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| I didn't water the seedlings for two days carefully checking on them for any wilting but they actually looked way better at the end of the second day. I then carefully waters each one equally with small amounts of water... Less than I was giving before. Today they did great. I am going to make sure to be careful on not giving them too much water. I am bringing a fan outside to give them extra strong wind for like 15 minutes out so each day. I am going to place the seedlings on the roof where there isn't as many things to make shade so the seedlings get maybe another two hours of sunlight... I may consider setting up lights somehow but I would like to avoid that by moving the seedlings to chase the sun.. |
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