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Cleaning to prevent dampening off

becky.derbyshirebecky.derbyshire Posts: 21
in Problem solving
All my autumnal planted seedlings have been ruined by a case of dampening off- I’ve read up how to prevent it now but I’m guessing I need to disinfect my greenhouse now and also my pots. Do I need horticultural/greenhouse disinfectant for this or will household bleach (1 part to 9 parts water) be fine? There’s seems to be disagreement online about this….

thanks!

Posts

  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    It's always good to clean out your greenhouse at this time of year, and also in the Winter if you're overwintering plants in it.

    I think hot soapy water would do, l used to use Jeyes Fluid which would clear your nostrils if nothing else, but l believe its use is now frowned upon.

    Vitax and Agralan make organic greenhouse cleaners, but l have no personal experience of either.

    To be honest l'm not sure about the use of household bleach in the greenhouse even if very diluted, but hopefully others can advise.

    As for the pots, l use hot water and some washing up liquid. I know some people don't bother washing their pots and seed trays, but l always do  :)
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    The spores that cause damping off disease are around us all the time.
    It's only when conditions met their requirements that they are able to get a hold on young plants.
    So you don't NEED to clean your greenhouse in order to get rid of the problem.
    The spores are in the air all the time irrespective of how clean your greenhouse is - or isn't :)

    I give mine a thorough cleanup before I start in the Spring - just warm water with a dash of washing up liquid.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • AnniDAnniD Posts: 12,585
    https://gardening.which.co.uk/hc/en-gb/articles/214013345-Damping-off-disease-on-seedlings
  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Cleaning seed trays and so on will help but it's more important to have good ventilation and drainage for you seed trays and seedlings once potted on.   I use washing up liquid and warm water with a bit of spirit vinegar or sometimes just a rinse in clean cold water.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    AnniD said:
    I  used to use Jeyes Fluid which would clear your nostrils if nothing else, but l believe its use is now frowned upon.
    There are some eco terrorists who use this forum who frown on any form  of intervention.  
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • punkdocpunkdoc Posts: 15,039
    There are also some scorched earth fanatics, who are happy to destroy all life forms, and bemoan the loss of Agent Orange.
    How can you lie there and think of England
    When you don't even know who's in the team

    S.Yorkshire/Derbyshire border
  • becky.derbyshirebecky.derbyshire Posts: 21
    Super thanks for all your help! 
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    You've got to know when to hold 'em
    Know when to fold 'em
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    As @Pete.8 says, and others, @becky.derbyshire - the damping off problem is generally because the conditions are suiting the spores, so ventilation and good airflow are key. Having too many seedlings, too close together, and too wet, are the most common reasons, so if you can avoid all that, it'll make it easier. Over winter, very little watering is ever required, as seeds/plants don't dry out the way they do in hotter weather.  :)
    I'd just use soapy water for cleaning down the greenhouse too, with a bit of elbow grease for any persistent muck clinging on in corners etc. The problem with using any kind of disinfectant to wash down a greenhouse is that it gets into the soil too, which isn't great if you're growing plants direct rather than in pots. A light wipe with it on a dampened cloth would be ok if you're really worried. 
    Many people don't bother cleaning pots and trays much, but again, a rinse with some soapy water is usually enough. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    I don't use disinfectant for seed trays or pots or to clean the GH.  When necessary, warm water and left to dry seems to do the job. 
    As already mentioned, good ventilation/airflow /spacing  is always the key when raising seedlings and you don't even need to be an Eco Terrorist  :D
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