I grow bedding plants and salad crops in my greenhouse. Nearly every year I lose some trays of seedlings to damping off disease. Where am I going wrong?
Liz Dobbs: Damping off disease is very common and tricky to control. The fungal spores responsible are found in soil and contaminated water. The symptoms vary slightly from plant to plant, but seedlings shrivel of collapse, often whole patches keel over, and there may be root rot. As soon as you notice any of these signs, get rid of the whole tray or pot to prevent the disease spreading.
Start again with clean containers and fresh propriety seed compost (small pots rather than large trays will help to stop it spreading). Fill the pots with compost , then water on a copper-based fungicide, such as
Cheshunt Compound before sowing (call 0845 3454100 for stockists). Sow seed thinly, then repeat the fungicide treatment as the seedlings emerge. Always use tap water rather than water stored in butts, and avoid over-watering.
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