Damping off of seedlings!

I'm having terrible trouble this year with growing seeds in my bright garage. They come up ok but then are struck by damping off within the first couple of weeks. My pots/seed trays were clean, i didn't over-water, i try to ventilate the garage as much as possible and when i pot seedlings on they go into small pots. Is there anything else i can do to avoid this problem?

Lorna

 

You could try mixing some perlite or vermiculite with your compost prior to sowing your seed or even covering your seed with fine vermiculite instead of compost.

Alternatively you could spray the compost with Chestnut Compound prior to sowing and then again as they emerge, I've used it on and off for years and it does make a difference if you're having problems;

Snowdonia Nurseries Chestnut Compound

 

Excellent advice.
Cheshunt compound is a good fungicide and vermiculite provides a sterile covering. Good light is essential for strong growth in seedlings particularly this time of year.
Sometimes seedlings damp off despite all these precautions, as I know from over thirty years as a Propagator.

 

I have used vermiculite on the seed trays, so i think your advice to use Chestnut compound will help. Should my local garden centre stock this?

Lorna

 

I think you may have a good point there. I have a mini-greenhouse (shelving unit with a fitted plastic cover) - would this be suitable to put the seedlings in during the day to get more light and then bring them in at night?

Lorna