I couldn't say for sure if you are breaking the rules unless I know
specifically what product you are using because it may be organically
based. However, if you follow a few precautions you can avoid damping off
without resorting to an inorganic fungicide.
I've done so by using only vermiculite to start the seedlings and then
tranferring to a 1/2 vermiculite, 1/2 sterilized mix. I only water from the
bottom so I avoid getting the stems/leaves wet. I make sure the area where
my seedlings grow has good ventilation. Also I thoroughly clean my pots
before planting in them. I just wash them in the dishwasher -- no other
dishes or in the sink w/ HOT water.
You can also try the tip from this list about spraying w/ chamomile tea to
prevent damp off or use a weak manure/compost tea to water with. And you
might want to set up a gentle fan to help with circulation and increase the
strength of the plan stems.
--Natalie
*******************************
Natalie McNair-Huff
Publisher/Editor Mac Net Journal
http://www.blol.com/web_mnj/
Natalie McNair-Huff wrote:
Susan
Two purely organic solutions for damping-off:-
(1) Sow on milled sphagnum moss. The moss contains a natural antiseptic
and also seems to stimulate germination.
(2) Use a 50/50 mix of matured compost and coarse sand to pot on. If the
compost is produced by the "cold" method and has matured for at least 6
months it will normally contain organisms ( mainly fungi) which
specifically attack Pythium and other fungi that cause damping-off.
I used to get damping-off, but have not been troubled with it since
using these methods.
Moira Ryan
New Zealand
