Seedlings dying - greyish midlew?

Hi everyone, this is the first winter I've had a greehouse & I had started off a few flowers etc. in late summer, I have some lupins, hollyhocks, poppies and larkspur etc. Some still look pretty healthy but quite alot look like they're on their last legs, they've turned a shade of grey and on some of the lupins there is even a greyish powder around the compost. The geraniums which were in the hanging baskets have also turned grey. Anyone know what the problem is? Maybe they just couldn't survive the harsh weather even with the protection of the greenhouse, about 80% of my seedlings aren't going to make it, even those from the seeds I managed to save myself from plants/flowers that were given to me. At least all my strawberry plants seem fine! Any advice welcome.

 

Hello Freedomspark. In winter an unheated greenhouse can be very damp and that is probably the cause of your problem. The grey mould sounds like botritis to me and yes, it is likely to be fatal to seedlings. What a shame. I think you can but something to spray them with. You can have a Google for information.

If you planted your seeds late last summer most of the things you mention there could have been overwintered more safely outdoors. My lupins and strawberries have been out all winter, under a foot of snow at times and they look just fine.

If it is botritis the only advice I can offer now is take the healthy plants out of the greenhouse. They'll be safer outdoors. Give them a bit of fleece til they get used to being outdoors. Get rid of the plants which are affected. Give your greenhouse a really good clean with a suitable substance (have a Google) before you put your spring sowings in there.
When you start to sow again leave the door and a window partly open for ventilation to keep the damp down.
You've plenty of time to sow again if you looose your plants. Lupins, poppies etc will flower this year if sown early about March/April.
Good luck.