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Location

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Date Posted

Thornhill, Ontario, Canada

I have some regular sunflower seeds and long gourd seeds that I am starting in a Jiffy heated greenhouse (a plastic tray with peat pellets, a clear lid and a heat mat). They are all developing mold or fungus or something. Is there anything that I can do to salvage them before the mold destroys the seed inside the shell? I'll need to act quick. Can I dust them with something? Spray? Ideas? Help! Please!

Thankfully, I don't see any sign of this problem on my pumpkin seeds (which haven't sprouted yet). But, I am worried because I used the same soaking solution for all of them (in separate containers).

5/1/2006 5:38:17 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

hydrogen peroxide...chamomile tea...tea tree oil..

5/1/2006 8:38:50 PM

Thornhill, Ontario, Canada

I would have normally used hydrogen peroxide, but I used it all up last year. That's why I used the mouthwash. But, we do have some tea tree oil. Thanks for the suggestion. I just put two drops on each seed in the pellets. Hope it works.

I actually did try something else already, though. I sprayed some diluted bleach on the mold. I just hope it doesn't kill the seeds too.

5/1/2006 10:21:19 PM

Deer Park WA

Ummm, if they have mold/fungus on them thats useually a bad sign, Shannon uses the same methode most folks do 3% peroxide (diluted), we add a weak solution of seaweed to the peroxide and water. Lost lots of great seeds during germination trials in the past trying to be "all Natural". Another good hint is to sterilize all your plastic pots, germination containers and stuff before you add the sterilized starting medium, molds and fungi love moist warm environments!

5/2/2006 12:33:34 AM

Picton,ON (j.vincent@xplornet.ca)

I have developed some mold on the outside of my peat pots. These pots were inside a cooler warmed to 80F. I took them out to let the air around them and to see if this helps with the mold issue. So far no effect on the seedlings. Perhpas the use of no-damp would be suggested.

5/4/2006 1:44:38 PM