Veggies from seed *failings

Hi yardners,
I have tried to start vegetables from seed the past few springs, and I can get the seeds to sprout, grow about 2"-3" and then they fall over and shrivel away. I don't know what the problem is I have tried potting mix ,seed starter and just dirt from my yard/garden any suggestions would be appreciated. I live in Chicago and I start them indoors 4-6 weeks before spring I have used peat pots, dixie cups, plastic trays but all have had the same results.

Noe' aka Mr. Brown Thumb

Hmmm... you may be suffering from the dreaded "dampning off" disease. Check out the seed germination forum for more information.

Here is the link:

http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/800902/

Dear Noe, jlp has given you an excellent link about damping-off and its treatment.

I wanted to elaborate on one person's suggestion of the importance of providing good air circulation around the seedlings. For space reasons, I have to start my seedlings in a relatively small, somewhat airless part of my basement. Wanting to increase the flow of air, but not having room for a big electric fan, I purchased two small plastic "clamp on" fans at my local drug store. It was easy to hook one to each of my two (24 x 36 inches) shelves of different veggie and flower seedlings. I kept 'em blowing on the same timer as the lights were on (15 hours of light per day.) Never have had damping off, thank heavens.

The fans were small and plastic, and they didn't produce much more than a constant, soft little breeze, which sort of gently ruffled the leaves. I kept on eye on them for signs of over-heating with this extended use, but they always felt cool to the touch.
I also think, but don't know for sure, that the constant light air-flow might have made my seedlings sturdier.

Good point about air circulation. I have a fac about 10' away that I keep on high when it is warmer, and low when it is cooler. The air movement also gets the plants ready for the wind outside by making the stems stronger, giving them a little "workout".

how do I keep my tomatoes from getting blossom end rot and blight without using the chemicals

Plants, from what I understand, blossom end rot is a function of the maturity of your tomato plants, and nothing really cures it--it just goes away eventually on its own. People have said that lack of calcium causes it, but there is no evidence that increasing the available calcium has any effect. Below is an informative thread from the tomato forum.


http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/291012/

If you increase both calcium and magnesium, sometimes you can get a handle on it. The plant needs to absorb magnesium in order to allow the chemical breakdown of the calcium to work. Also keep amending your soil, the more organic material you add the healthier you make your soil, and you have fewer problems with disease.

My understanding is Epsom salt can help.