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Talkback: How to sow seeds successfully
Linda Sweatman
Posts: 4
in Talkback
These are very interesting tips,but l have problems when seedlings are growing then suddenly die. I wonder if you could possibly do a feature on seedling growth and how to care for them. When to pot on etc. Thanks , I Love gardeners World magazine, 
). Linda Sweatman.
). Linda Sweatman. 0
Posts
Could it be Damping Off as described here? https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=151
I find that sowing my seeds a bit later so that light levels are better helps, as does sowing really thinly.
Good luck
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I don't water my seed trays when I sow and I never get damping off, even with lobelia and foxgloves which are notorious for it. If the compost is out of bags and isn't bone dry, just use as is. Or give a very light spray over to just moisten it. (which also will settle the seeds and wash away any growth inhibitors that they may be coated with).
I then only water from below by placing the trays in an inch of water later if necessary (I use the bath to do this). It might help with the problem as I think too much moisture doesn't help with damping off of seedlings.