Seedlings falling over... Help!

[homeiyi]

Hello all,

I'm trying to grow my herbs (parsley, coriander, dill and basil) from seeds for the first time and everything was going well until recently.

The seeds have germinated nicely until recently where they have suddenly just fallen over. I've read that it may have been caused by overwatering resulting in 'damping off', so I've held back the water. I've also tried my best to place them at sunny window sills.

I'm not sure what I'm doing right or wrong, or if there's any hope left. I've attached some photos of my attempt.

http://www.dropbox.com/gallery/2490494/1/seedlings?h=25b18a

Any help/advice/suggestions are most greatly welcomed!

[Michaelangelica]

Welcome homeiyi
Probably 'damping off' fungus caused by using a non sterile potting mix, and/or organic seeds (non-organic seeds are impregnated/sprayed with fungicide)
or
it could be the mix just drying out.

You could try saving them with a spray of anti-fungal chamomile tea (cool first!)

[S.O.P]

Plus, they look very leggy. Stretching for the sun.

[purplepear]

more light, more air, milk and water spray

[mischief]

When seedlings are grown next to a window they grow leggy, so when its a nice day pop them somewhere where they will get some dappled sunlight and I think they need a little WEAK liquid fertilizer tea.

[Finchj]

As others have said, they are very leggy. Another suggestion for making them stronger is exposing them to air movement. Although at this point they would probably die, plants need some resistance while they grow. Something to spend their energy on besides getting taller!

Welcome to the forum!

[homeiyi]

Thanks everyone for your replies! Sorry for the late reply, haven't had the chance to visit the forum lately.

Unfortunately, the previous batch of seedlings didn't make it. But the good news is that we found another way to make it work! We've planted our basil and coriander seeds in styrofoam boxes with cling wrap that we poked holes in for ventilation and water, and left them out in the garden. Worked a treat! They're still small but at least they survived long enough to grow their true leaves. Fingers crossed now!

[Finchj]

Both of those plants are a joy to grow- I have yet to have trouble with either. Basil is a wonderful bee plant and coriander (cilantro here in the USA) is a specialist nectary (IIRC). Great companions. Good luck!

[PeterFD]

Hi Homeiyi

Any chance of a photo of the new technique?

Thanks

[Michaelangelica]

Thanks everyone for your replies! Sorry for the late reply, haven't had the chance to visit the forum lately.

Unfortunately, the previous batch of seedlings didn't make it. But the good news is that we found another way to make it work! We've planted our basil and coriander seeds in styrofoam boxes with cling wrap that we poked holes in for ventilation and water, and left them out in the garden. Worked a treat! They're still small but at least they survived long enough to grow their true leaves. Fingers crossed now!

You grew basil now, in Vic?
it is a summer annual.
The cling warp would make a good cheap little hothouse I use an old window from a building demolition site.on top of one of those useless self-watering window sill pots, polystyrene would be a lot cheaper.
I do use one polly box that i throw seeds like Macadamia that take some time to germinate. I fill the box with a a cheap potting mix I am always giving away Macadamia trees and finding other strage stuff that i have forgotten about pop up in the box

Still your problem is "damping off" fungus in your potting mix You need to buy or make a sterile mix