is mould inevitable?

[sadhbhgoodhue]

I grow all my seeds initially in a polytunnel, some in a heated propagator and some just on tables in the tunnel.

Germination of all types of things is generally successful, but I always seem to get this green algae-like mould on the top of my pots, trays and modules.

Would anyone have any tips as to how I can avoid this? Would a vermiculite layer on top help? Am I over-watering? And how does one strike the water balance in a heated propagator when there's the danger of the lower end of the modules/trays getting dried out?

Any advice would be gratefully received.

S

[ckfe]

yeah i've got the same problem and i'm not sure if it's going to harm the plants, especially because when i transplant them i'll be putting the whole mouldy peat pot in the ground along with the plant

[-pat m]

I grow all my seeds initially in a polytunnel, some in a heated propagator and some just on tables in the tunnel.

Germination of all types of things is generally successful, but I always seem to get this green algae-like mould on the top of my pots, trays and modules.

Would anyone have any tips as to how I can avoid this? Would a vermiculite layer on top help? Am I over-watering? And how does one strike the water balance in a heated propagator when there's the danger of the lower end of the modules/trays getting dried out?

Any advice would be gratefully received.

S

Hi

I too have had this problem I planted in my greenhouse inside my poly tunnel - I used vermiculite this helped a little but everything is in the poly tunnel now (new pic’s up) and there was no damage / ill effect. After planting out a few days the algae dissipated – my tunnel is open pretty much 24/7 unless there is wind over 40 mph do it is pretty fresh in there.

Regards
Pat

[Two_Sheds]

You get green mould if you over-water, and if conditions are too shady.

[pigletwillie]

Deffo to much water.

[Alison]

Agreed, too much water. I don't have this problem as I'm more likely to underwater - which has a different set of problems!

[srodders]

It also depends on the type of water as well. Rain water will give algae however much/little you water them. Tap water will give much less of a problem.