Seed starting soil too wet?

16 years ago

I started some seeds yesterday that I am worried will get mold/fungus because of the moisture. I read that you should wet your seed starting soil before starting your seeds. I let my boys mix the soil (Miracle-Gro seed starting mix) with the water in a tub. They added alot of water. When I planted I scooped and kind of drained excess water on the side of the tub. I then read last night (after we were done), that you don't want to get the soil too wet when mixing, just damp. It could cause mold/fungus, etc. I currently have them on warming pads with a clear dome on them. There is alot of moisture in the domes, as you can see lots of condensation on the lid.

So, should I be worried? Should I take the domes off to let the whole thing dry out a bit? Please help!

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Comments (4)

digdirt2
16 years ago
For future reference you need to wring it out in your hand before filling the cells - damp sponge like.

Now about all you can do is remove the dome/lid. Don't just prop it up, remove it completely. And if you have a small fan you can set to gently blow over the surface that will help too.

It may take a couple of days for it to dry out enough so some of your seeds may rot in the mean time. Be prepared to re-seed some of the cells.

Dave
sarahbarah27
16 years ago
Yes, what Dave said. Just let it air out.
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eaglesgarden
16 years ago
The above directions will help dry out the mix.

But, if you see any mold form on the top of the seed cells, all is not lost.

Use a 10:1 dilution of chamomile tea (10 parts water, 1 part chamomile tea) to lightly spray the top of the cells. ***Don't do this UNLESS there is mold/fungus on the top though.***
oilpainter
16 years ago
When you see all that moisture on the lid. Carefully remove it and wipe the moisture out. Keep doing this for a couple of days and they should be fine--or remove the lid and let the air dry the soil a bit. If you see the soil on top drying out you can spritz the soil a bit with a spray bottle