Started seeds under a grow light, having issues with top of the soil (photos)

[vpnisnice]

Hey everyone.

My first year starting from seeds. I started one month ago. So far so good. Except over the last week I've been getting lots of green shit on the top of the soil. And the last day or two has been a little bit of white shit.

I started using a fan as soon as I noticed the green stuff forming on the soil. But as you can see from the photo, there is not much area for the air to flow inbetween the top and bottom of my grow-light setup.

What can I do about this problem, the green stuff and the white stuff?

The white stuff isn't showing up very well in the photos, but I've circled a few small clumps in red to highlight them.

Other than that they seem to be doing okay? I know I was probably misting them a little too much from the top, which contributed to the green stuff. So I have since stopped that and started only watering from the bottom.

This is the soil/seed starting mix I used: https://www.homehardware.ca/en/9l-organic-seed-starting-potting-soil-mix/p/5053620

Temperature is consistent 70-75F. 16 hours of light, 8 hours of darkness.

Any in-depth help would be much appreciate as this is my first year starting from seed and I'm getting anxious already! I've done 4 different varieties over 76 cells, and some are looking better than others.



P.S. I am also growing a small container of cat grass under the grow lights, which can be seen in the photo. The seed tray is BEHIND the cat grass part.

 

[Knucklehead]

Algae and Fungal Growth on the Soil of Indoor Plants | University of Maryland Extension

What to do if you see algae or fungus growing on top of potting media in houseplants.

extension.umd.edu

 

[vpnisnice]

Algae and Fungal Growth on the Soil of Indoor Plants | University of Maryland Extension

What to do if you see algae or fungus growing on top of potting media in houseplants.

extension.umd.edu

Yes my preliminary internet/youtube searches yielded this. So essentially just don't overwater, keep airflow going, and be patient/hope?

 

[deluxestogie]

While halting misting, you might also allow the soil to dry a bit between bottom watering. The yellowish tint of some of the seedlings suggests overwatering.

Bob

 

[vpnisnice]

While halting misting, you might also allow the soil to dry a bit between bottom watering. The yellowish tint of some of the seedlings suggests overwatering.

Bob

Ah okay righteous thanks. I've just started using a moisture meter as well: https://idiggreenacres.com/products/hydrofarm-174-2-way-ph-amp-moisture-meter

And that meter has been saying LOW for days now - of course prompting me to water even more from the bottom. AHHHH!!!!

 

[deluxestogie]

Moisture meter: insert a wooden Popsicle stick into one of the cells. If the wood near the soil surface appears wet, it doesn't need watering.

Bob

 

[vpnisnice]

Moisture meter: insert a wooden Popsicle stick into one of the cells. If the wood near the soil surface appears wet, it doesn't need watering.

Bob

My parents like to buy gimmicky things what can I say

 

[Brown Thumb]

I get that every year. Lighten up on the water.

 

[LeftyRighty]

get some Sphagnum Moss (not the same as peat moss), it is ANTI-FUNGAL. Available at a garden store or or pet supply store.
Crush it up to a near-fine-powder, then sprinkle on surface on soil.
I use it always before adding seeds or sprouts in my pots, never have problems with fungus, algae, moss or damping-off.

 

[deluxestogie]

It's probably worth pointing out that neither mold growing on the soil nor algae growing on the soil will harm the seedlings. But their presence is telling you that the soil is too moist.

Bob

 

[Redleaf]

Saw a short video recently not sure where (maybe here on this site) where somebody was suggesting cinnamon sprinkled on the topsoil will prevent algae growing on the surface and willl not harm your plants

 

[vpnisnice]

get some Sphagnum Moss (not the same as peat moss), it is ANTI-FUNGAL. Available at a garden store or or pet supply store.
Crush it up to a near-fine-powder, then sprinkle on surface on soil.
I use it always before adding seeds or sprouts in my pots, never have problems with fungus, algae, moss or damping-off.

The seed starting mix I used says that it includes "sphagnum peat moss" - same same or different?? Defs looking like the problem is overwatering and not enough airflow.

 

[vpnisnice]

It's probably worth pointing out that neither mold growing on the soil nor algae growing on the soil will harm the seedlings. But their presence is telling you that the soil is too moist.

Bob

Verrrrryyy good to know thank you! I always want to know what the symptom is telling me about the root cause, type of thing. So this is a good indicator = too moist + air flow problems. Happy to know the little guys will make it through.

 

[vpnisnice]

Saw a short video recently not sure where (maybe here on this site) where somebody was suggesting cinnamon sprinkled on the topsoil will prevent algae growing on the surface and willl not harm your plants

I saw a similar video, from Next Level Gardening channel on youtube. I was a little hesitant to do anything like that though tbh, and moreso just wanted to know the root cause of the problem. But I might do this as well if it continues as I stop watering for a few days to let things settle. Cheers!