Fuzzy Fungus!

Question

My veggie seedlings have fuzzy white stuff growing!? My lettuce, kale, and broccoli seemed to sprout right away, but I noticed they had fuzz. Being a rookie I just took the lid off and didn’t add any water hoping that would help. Now the beets and cucumbers have grown and they ALSO seem to have some fuzz growing. Although the actual plants look just fine/healthy/thriving. Are these seeds ruined? Should I start over? Ideas?

Answer 1

It sounds like the soil is too moist and humidity is too high, causing this fungus to flourish. I’ve read about using hydrogen peroxide 3% in a mister, just a spray or two. Neem oil is a good fungicide. At anyrate, this should be eliminated ASAP or your crop is doomed. Here are links to articles about seed:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/seeds/cheap-seed-starting-how-to-germinate-seeds-at-home.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/seeds/cheap-seed-starting-how-to-germinate-seeds-at-home.htm

Answer 2

Ok, what if the seedlings continue to grow and the fungus is not getting any worse? Are they still worthless? Start over?

Answer 3

If thee fungus is still there, it will eventually affect your seedlings. At this point, the seedlings seem to be able to ward off damage, but it will happen sooner or later. I still think neem oil is your best bet if you don’t have a multi-purpose fungicide on hand. Or, you could try vinegar diluted 50-50 w/ water. Just a spray or two, you don’t want to encourage more moisture in the soil or humidity around the plant. As a last resort, maybe the H2O2 miight work…don’t know, have never tried it.
Keep the lid off (the terrarium? fish tank?) to let the soil dry out some. Keep barely evenly moist. This cuts down on chance of fungus and fungus gnats.