Day of Rest, Damping Off

The only news today is that the basil seeds in the clay pots show signs of germination (sowed April 3, 4 days).

Also, more onions and broccoli (waltham) look like they are succumbing to damping off disease.  I will do more research tonight.

UPDATE: Both the pansies and the violas look like they have contracted damping off disease.  Becoming discouraged.  First year ever with this problem.

Organizing Seedlings

Recent purchases of two Miracle Grow products, a seed starting mix and moisture control potting soil, have been disappointing.  I tried combining the two and it made a very heavy, supersaturated mix.  Regretably, I used it the past few days to transplant seedlings and noticed today that many seedlings have been afflicted with "damping off" disease.  I quickly disposed of those seedlings and will let those containers dry out completely before watering again.

I am hoping to move some seedlings to the hoophouse soon. As you can see, all four location in my house are filled to capacity.  

Admittedly, I sowed a crazy amount of flower seeds this year. Of course, there will be some loss of plants during the hardening off period. I expect to have loads of fun planting such a wide variety of perennials and annuals. I will sow the rest of the fast-growing annuals, such as nasturtiums, zinnias and marigolds, in the hoophouse toward the end of April. 

My onions are not doing as well as last year's onions.  I can't decide if I am watering them too much or too little.  My guess is too much since the roots of the limp onions are very shallow.  I will also hold off watering them again until they are good and dry. I gave them another haircut today.  

See how few remain in the Rossa di Milano container. 

Fortunately, the rest do not look as bad.