re: greenish stuff

Anthony asks:
	I've been staring my perennials from seeds a few weeks now and
most are surviving well.  After a five day trip out of town,
I returned to find a profound greenish discoloration to the top
of the soil.  The seedlings seem ok and I don't see any evidence
of damping off.  (I've tried to keep them slightly moist, but not
soggy). Is this greenish stuff something to worry about?

	I have observed this same phenomenon when I used to grow from
seed.  The mossy covering isn't necessarily a problem in its own right,
but it usually indicates that your conditions may be such that the
dreaded "damping off" syndrome is a possibility.
	Usually, it's best to increase ventilation (set up a fan--and
open a window if it isn't freezing out) when you see this moss appear.
	Also, I think that I have sometimes sprinkled a little sharp
sand or turkey grit (which I used to use as the surface mix to prevent
moss formation) on the surface.  	Maybe cut back a little on
watering or water from the bottom for a few times also?

Hope this helps,

Susan Campanini
in east central Illinois
zone 5b, min temp -15F×
e-mail:  campanin@uiuc.edu
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