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Something is destroying my seedling Italian parsley's roots
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Posted: Mar/27/2008 8:07 PM PST
I recently planted some Italian parsley seeds and had great success with germination, most were germinated in a week or so. However, now they have not yet got their first set of leaves and some of them are mysteriously falling over, their roots either eaten or rotted off. Otherwise the plants appear healthy. I am worried because I didn't use sterile potting soil, and I used a pot that was outside for sometime. Could it be root rot or some kind of pest? I can't find any pests in the soil, so I am leaning towards root rot. How much water does parsley need? Thanks for any help. |
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Posted: Mar/29/2008 2:14 PM PST
I don't think I've ever met anyone, who hasn't had this as their first outcome to sowing seeds the first time! Maybe an initation rite -- a rite of passage?! Good news -- happens to most (if not all.) Bad news -- yup, they're goners -- "dampen off," a disease that comes from unsterile soil, and kills the seedlings, almost before they can be considered seedlings. BUT, ultimately, the best news is, it's early enough for you to start over, and you'll almost forget all about this in a couple of months -- just remember to always use either "seed starter," or "soiless potting mix." I'm still naive enough to need soil starter kits, as they give me pelts that turn into cute little blobs of soil (looks like really dark marshmellows)in fine netting, that easily rips when the roots get big enough after transplanting outside. They also include a tray to keep the little pelts-turned-into-self-containing "pots," and a clear plastic cover that makes it into a little greenhouse, for the seedlings. I've bought mine at a local Home Depot, but we have two in the area, and the first one had none. I've also seen them at graden centers, and, worse comes to worse, Burpees sells them online. Yes, I know it's disappointing, but it is also a lesson well learned. |
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