Sanitize seed starting pots, trays and other supplies between uses or seasons – especially if mold has been an issue.In addition to helping them overcome any delays the algae or mold may cause, robust large seedlings also leave less room for the “bad guys” to thrive. Boost seedling growth by feeding them with a dilute seaweed extract (once they’re at least several weeks old).So, turn down or remove the heat mats after your seeds sprout. They help expedite the sprouting process immensely! However, warm soil can also promote mold and algae growth. Seedling heat mats are a wonderful tool to use during seedling germination. The gentle wiggling of the plants also helps to strengthen their stems and is a great way to jump start the hardening off process. Use an oscillating fan nearby to introduce good airflow and dry out the soil surface.It’s the ONLY way we water seedlings after they sprout!) (This also promotes deeper, stronger root growth. Only give them as much water as they can soak up within a few hours. The soil will soak up as much as it needs through the drainage holes in the bottom of the containers. Rather than spraying water from the top, pour water in a tray below your seedling containers. This is especially important to prevent mold. Use a fresh, sterile, bagged seed-starting soil or medium to grow seedlings.Remove humidity domes right after seedlings sprout.Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering. Seedlings like damp conditions, but not constantly soggy soil. Yet keep in mind that a little algae isn’t the end of the world! No matter our efforts to follow seed-starting best practices, we almost always end up with some. Not all fungus is bad, though some can lead to damping off: a condition where seedlings suddenly wilt and die (usually caused by fungal disease). It’s also bad to eat mold, and is especially concerning for seedlings you consume young and raw – such as microgreens.Ĩ Ways to Prevent Mold and Algae on Seedling Soilįollow the tips below to prevent algae and mold growth in your seedling soil. Mold on seedling soil indicates the presence of fungus. In contrast, mold may be detrimental to seedlings. However, our seedling soil almost always gets a little algae – and our seedlings grow PLENTY big and strong! So as long as your seedlings look otherwise healthy and are growing well, I say don’t worry about it too much.
Some sources say the presence of algae on the top of soil reduces important gas exchanges across the soil surface, and therefore may hinder the plant’s root growth. Green algae or moss on the soil surface is generally not harmful to seedlings.
soil from your yard, rather than a sterile bagged seed-starting mix) may lead to mold growth. As your seedlings grow larger, shade out the soil, soak up water more quickly, and their roots begin to dominate the soil medium, the algae growth will usually fade away on its own. That’s what ours usually does!Īlgae growth on seedling soil is a fairly common and natural occurrence, while mold may indicate your soil is contaminated or especially excessively wet. It’s especially common when the seedlings are very small, since the soil has more exposed surface area for light to reach. I suspect that the presence of peat moss in most seed starting mediums has something to do with it as well.Īlgae growth occurs most often indoors or in greenhouse conditions. What causes white mold or green algae on seedling soil?Įxcess water, light exposure, poor air circulation, and/or humidity causes green algae on top of seedling soil. It doesn’t need light to grow but does like moisture and organic matter.Ī little algae growth on one of our tomato seedlings. Algae is more closely related to plants, and requires sunlight or bright light to grow. Mold will look more fuzzy, raised, lacy, and usually white, yellowish or gray in color. Algae appears as green residue or mossy-looking film. It is mostly likely some sort of algae or moss growth, not mold. What is the green stuff on top of my seedling soil?
#Stop mold on seedlings how to
So, let’s do a quick Q&A about what that green stuff is, if it’s bad for your seedlings or not, and how to prevent or fix it! We’ll also talk about white mold on seedling soil. Then folks always ask about it when they see our seedlings on Instagram, which is actually what inspired me to write this post. Have you ever had a green substance grow on top of your seedling soil, and wondered “ what’s up with that?” Well, you’re not alone! Our seed starting soil sometimes gets a little green tint too. Share on Pinterest Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Email Share on Reddit
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