Several days ago I started my first brug. seeds and already mold is forming over the seeds and around the sides of the rockwool. I dipped the seeds in a bleach solution before adding them to the wet rockwool, and then placed them in a sealed clear plastic bag. Did the seeds need to be soaked for a long period of time and why would the rockwool grow mold?
Tussee
Help! Mold on seeds
Forgot to mention I placed the seeds under grow lights.
Tussee
Gee Tussee, that is exactly how I do my seeds and I have never had mold. Are you sure it is not a fine network of roots forming? It can look like white mold.
I always wash my hands well before I touch anything and I use all very clean things. I rarely use bleach.
Here is a pic I found that shows the fine network of root hairs.
Do you have a pic, it would make it easier to tell what is going on.
Thanks
Good pic!
Suggestion...make a strong...Chamomile Tea...cool...and put in spray bottle..and spray the mold. (white fuzzy stuff) Only need to do it once.....bingo...no more mold. Best to use...at the first site of the mold.. But.try it...
Smiles..Diana
Kell, yes it is indeed mold. I've failed Brug. seed germination 101. My photo is not the quality of yours, but you can see the situation. Thank goodness I tried to start only 4 -
Diana, I will do what you recommended for mold. Thank you
I was getting mold when I started in rock wool, when I started in those jiffey peat pellets and when I started in seed starting soil. (is there more mold in some areas?) I was only having about a 10-20% success rate. Dismal. I finally boiled the soil last time and had 80% success rate and no mold using Monika's technique. Thanks Monika ...... now who's going to help me take care of the babies that resulted from my practice session. LOL
tusse,
If you are trying to grow seeds in a sterile environment and you must take precautions to keep it that way.
New RW is sterile so handle as such . Also don't keep peeking under the covers and breathing in it ot worse yet touching something with unclean hands .Only use clean tools and containers ............. I think you understand what I am saying.
I keep a small spray bottle around with a 10 to 1 clorox solution for a light spray if it looks like mold will be forming.
It will not hurt the seeds even if they are germinating.
With the amount of mold you have I would say they are prolly mush by now so strike it up to a learning experience and go forward.
AND >>>>> some seeds can be bad before you even plant them .
BUT >>>>>
Do not mistake the fuzzies that brug seeds get when they germinate tho , looks almost like mold to the untrained eye but a lighter color usually.
FYI .... It is handy to have that spray bottle in the kitchen for quick wipe ups on the cutting board or counter.
The picture shows how I start everything I grow from seed. It is a mixture of peat and vermiculite fine milled seed starting mix with some ProMix BX, about half an half. I use a window box and bamboo skewers as dividers. When I plant my seeds I also write down on the name sticks, how many seeds I planted. I use the medium over and over again throughout the season and just stir up the soil for the next batch. That's all. No bleach, peroxide, sterilization or whatever. I have never ever had mold, damping off or any problems whatsoever starting seeds this way and my germination rate is over 95%. The box stays in the greenhouse.
When I see indications of true leaves on the seedlings they get repotted into a regular pot. The only thing I have lost seedlings to was SuperSquirrel who learned how to open the greenhouse door.
Usually when you get mold under grow lights, it's because of stagnant air. If you must start seeds this way, it is probably a good idea to get a tiny fan blowing a very gentle breeze across the growing medium, but keep an eagle eye out because it will dry out things faster.
X
I spray with Tee Tree Oil and never have any trouble. Joan
Many thanks for the seed starting tips, and I have printed out the information so I want forget.
Tussee