Question
To prevent or lesson fungal development in an indoor seed bed I have been advised to use Captan as detailed on the direction label or mix horticultural corn meal with the potting soil and on occasion spray the bed with the corn meal tea.  What do you recommend and at what strengths of the recommended product should be used?

Thanx!

Answer
To prevent damping off of new seedlings, it is not necessary to use chemicals or other products, as long as you follow some basic precautions.

I always recommend purchasing sterilized starting medium for seedlings.  You can buy this by the bag at most garden centers and nurseries.  This combination of perlite, vermiculite, and peat moss is light and airy, therefore allowing the young seedlings to receive plenty of oxygen through their roots.  But most importantly, it is sterile, virtually eliminating any chance of damping off.

Contamination can also be caused by unclean flats and/or pots.  At the end of every growing season, if you choose to reuse the same flats next year, make sure you sterilize them in a solution of one tsp. of bleach per gallon of warm water.

The other possibility is a lack of air circulation.  Many seed starters cover their flats with a plastic dome to retain moisture and aid germination.  If using this procedure, it is very important to remove the cover once the first seed germinates.  Otherwise, the lack of air can prove fatal to the young seedlings.

If you抮e not using a covering, you may need to improve the air circulation.   If you choose to run a fan to improve air circulation, make sure you keep it at least three feet away from the flats and keep the setting on low. The fan must rotate to keep the air moving.

Finally, do not over-water.  Water-logged soil deprives the soil of oxygen and nutrients.  Your flats and pots must have a drainage hole or else the process will fail.

If you still would feel more comfortable in using a preventive fungicide, follow the instructions on the packaging. I always cut this in half for young seedlings. When using homemade solutions, I use a general rule of 1 tsp. per gallon.

I hope this answered your question. Please write again if I can ever provide assistance.

Regards,

Mike