Source: Premier TechĬontrolling Algae on a Growing Medium's Surface Water Source Once the growing medium's surface has dried, the algae layer dies and rolls up from the edges to form a water impermeable crust. This crust may need to be broken up in order to get water into the growing medium.Īlgae growing on a growing medium's surface in a greenhouse. Since this makes the growing medium's surface appear to be wet, the grower holds back watering, the algae layer dries up, rolls up from the edge of the container and forms a water impermeable crust. Over time, the green layer of algae grows and becomes thicker, and eventually has a black color. Green Algae Growth on a Growing Medium's SurfaceĪlgae growth starts as a slight greening of the medium's surface. Greenhouse glazing can have algae growing on it if it stays continuously wet, thereby restricting light transmission and compromising quality crop growth. Walkways can become slippery and quite hazardous from algae growth. Algae also attract fungus gnats and shore flies which not only feed on algae and other fungal growth in the growing medium, but also on plant roots, and then potentially transfer plant pathogens through their mouth parts. Concerns About AlgaeĪlgae do not harm plants, but they can slow gas exchanges into and out of the growing medium, which can slow root growth. Other sources include dust originating from the outdoor soil that gets blown into the greenhouse and eventually onto the growing medium, which becomes "contaminated" with algae spores. If a water source has high levels of algae, there are often algae growing on walkways, walls and benches that are in frequent contact with the water. Water lines can also have a significant biofilm build-up on the inside walls of the pipes, which is mostly composed of algae. Irrigation water is the most common source, especially if it comes from a pond or shallow well. The cells and spores of algae are found everywhere.
This is why algae are so common in the greenhouse or other areas where plants are grown, especially grown under mist or in cold temperatures. In order for algae to grow, they need water, light and fertilizer nutrients, just as plants do. So where does it come form and how do you control it? It is more common on moist to wet media surfaces than dry surfaces regardless of what components are found in the growing medium. It has been seen growing on the surface of garden soil, rocks, cement, and other hard surfaces where water, sunlight and some nitrogen is present.
This can occur in peat-perlite growing media, peat bark, peat-wood fiber and even coir. This green slime is predominantly composed of blue-green and green algae. It is not uncommon for most growers to find "green slime" growing on the surface of a growing medium. Now that you can keep the fungus off your soil, you can grow healthy seedlings for your garden.PDF version of this article: Controlling Algae on Growing MediaĬontinuous misting creates ideal conditions for algae growth on greenhouse glazing. Starting seeds indoors doesn’t need to be tricky. If the fan is running too high, this will damage your seedlings. This will help to get the air moving, making it much harder for the fungus to grow.īe careful though, that you keep the fan at very low levels and only run the fan for a few hours each day. Set up a small fan that can blow gently over your indoor seed starting setup. If you have taken steps to increase the air circulation around your seedling planter and have decreased the humidity around the seed starting soil and the fungus is still growing, you’ll need to take additional steps. I Reduced Humidity but the Fungus Still Comes Back This will allow more air circulation and decrease the humidity some around the seed starting soil. Sometimes this raises the humidity to a level that is too high and encourages the growth of this white, fluffy fungus.Įither prop open the lid of the seedling planter about an inch (2.5 cm.) or poke some holes in the plastic over the container you are starting seeds in. Your seedling planter probably has a lid or cover that helps with this, or you have covered your indoor seed starting container with plastic. Most seed growing tips will suggest that you keep the humidity high over the soil until the seeds have fully germinated. The number one reason that white, fluffy fungus grows on your seed starting soil is high humidity. Let’s take a look at how you can stop this fungus from ruining your indoor seed starting. One of the more common seed starting problems is the development of a white, fluffy fungus (some people may mistake it for a mold) on the top of the seed starting soil that can eventually kill a seedling.
Because starting seeds indoors is so popular, many people become frustrated if they run into problems. Not only is it enjoyable, but economical as well.
Many people enjoy starting their own seeds.
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