Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
A heating mat is especially useful for peppers and tomatoes.
It is important that the starting medium be kept moist, but not
soaking, for the entire germination period. Once the
germination process has begun and before the seedling
emerges, allowing the seed to dry out will kill it. Most
containers used for seedlings are too small to retain an
appreciable amount of water; for this reason seedlings should
stay uniformly damp (though not soggy) until transplanted.
Unfortunately, dampness can cause problems with mold
growth. Often, such mold is harmless, but sometimes it isn't,
and telling the difference before damage is done is difficult. If
gray fuzz or similar molds appear on top of the seedling
container, cut back the water a bit, and place the container in
direct sunlight in a south-facing window for a few hours a day
for two or three days. This should take care of such a
problem.
Another cause of mold is the use of domes over top of
seedling flats. These domes are advertised to create an
environment “just like a greenhouse.” In reality, they create
an environment extremely conducive to mold, even in
moderately cool temperatures. No matter how clean and
sterile the starting medium, anytime I have ever used a dome
on top of a seed flat, mold has developed within two or three
days. I recommend that you do not use domes.
