Seedlings are fluffy..??

[Lost_the_plot]

Not sure if this goes here, so apologies in advance!

I started sowing some of our leafy green salad stuff about 3 days ago. The seeds have started to germinate (i can tell as when my wee one watered them she obviously uncovered the blighters!), but where they've started to come out of the seed... They look fluffy on the shoot? Is this mould due to them being too wet? They are in seed tray thingy with cling film, as to be frank i couldn't afford the lids at the same time.

If anyone can help out a newbie so i don't lose seeds then that would be awesome!! Thanks you guys x


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[WendyC]

Sounds like mould, I'd leave the cling film off and let them dry out a bit and allow the air to circulate. A photo would confirm.

[veggiechicken]

Could it be tiny root hairs?

[WendyC]

Could it be tiny root hairs?

That was my other thought.

[Lost_the_plot]

I'll post a pic when i get back in. Thanks for the replies


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[Lost_the_plot]

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[Lost_the_plot]

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[Lost_the_plot]

Not sure if those pics are clear enough for you to see what i mean about the fluff. I've sprinkled some dry compost over the top of them & left the clingfilm off...


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[rustylady]

Pictures are not very clear, but from the second one I would say the "fluff" is root hairs as the poor seedling is lying on the top of the compost.

Please don't let your littl'un water seedlings from the top ever again. When they feel light you need to stand the cells in a tray and water into the tray. Let the plants soak up whatever water they need.

[Lost_the_plot]

Thanks RustyLady! She's a little enthusiastic, so today i've donated some seeds & pots to have as her own. Hopefully... That should focus her enthusiasm!

Have sprinkled additional compost onto the seedlings so they're now covered. Will ensure i only water from the bottom. Is that what capillary matting is for? (Sorry, utter newbie question!)


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[rustylady]

You don't need capillary matting - have a look at this video prepared by TwoSheds how to water seedlings - YouTube

[rustylady]

She's a little enthusiastic, so today i've donated some seeds & pots to have as her own. Hopefully... That should focus her enthusiasm!

How old is she? I have little helpers ranging from 2 years old up to 9 years old

[IndigoElectron]

That's so helpful, I didn't know any of that! What a great video. Silly question but will this still work if roots aren't showing through the bottom of the pots? And can it be done before germination, that is before the seedlings appear? I wasn't sure whether and how often I need to water while still in the propagator. Does it help to avoid over watering? Finally, the saucer idea looks like a good way of helping to keep my tomato plants hydrated in the summer (they will be in pots), especially if I miss a day's watering. But I know I am meant to cover the drainage holes with broken crocks - do the roots still drink up the water then?

[Lost_the_plot]

That video was really helpful! Thank you!!!

My helper is 4.5 the other is 1.5... I think i didn't want to quash her interest, which may have resulted in the seeds taking a battering!


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[IndigoElectron]

I know what you mean, Lost the plot! My son is 21 months old and I showed him the cress that was just starting to grow, he had a look and then grabbed hold of it - compost everywhere and some battered plants