How to Eliminate Mold/Mildew on Fabric Pots

TBoneJack · June 19, 2015

I have 6 tomato plants of differing varieties in 15-gallon fabric pots (Root Pots from Aurora Organics).

And this is my first year growing tomatoes. So I'm guessing at when and how much to water.

Today, after I moved the pots to mow the grass that had grown up around them, I noticed green mold/mildew toward the bottom of all the fabric pots.

Is this a sign that I'm over-watering? And if so, how do I eliminate the mold/mildew from the pots?

Thanks.

TBoneJack · June 20, 2015

OK, I had no replies here so I spent a lot of time this morning searching for answers on the internet.

One blog I found stated that this is most likely caused by salt build up due to the fact that I've been using Texas Tomato Food (TTF) for the last 2 weeks. TTF's instructions say that salt will build up over a couple weeks of continued use, and that users should flush for a few waterings with plain water to dissipate salt build up.

Does this make sense?

RayR · June 20, 2015

Green mold/mildew? Algae or moss are the only green growth I've seen on top of container soil. Flushing the container with plain water is a good idea when using synthetic fertilizers but I don't know if salt buildup has anything to do with the green growth on top of the soil. You can get that in containers that are totally organic.

kurt · June 20, 2015

I have been using this product here in S florida since I grow all my smaller dedicates inside a screened in pool area(mater peppers herbs etc).I do get some humidity and some green growth will appear here and there.I use this as a cleaning regimen and is safe to use as long as used as directed.In your instance maybe a dip for the allotted time(see directions) might remedy the concern.

http://www.physan.com/uploads/4/7/1/...sinfection.pdf

luigiwu · June 20, 2015

maybe post a pic?
I've also read something about spraying apple cider vinegar but not sure if it was for algae or something else.

Gerardo · June 20, 2015

I've seen what you're describing on one of my rootpouches that wasn't getting enough sun. The plants in that particular pot developed a very aggressive mildew infection.

I've found that if you place a pallet, a couple of 2 x 4s, or anything that allows it to breathe from the bottom you can reduce the amount of life that appears.

The salt accumulation manifests itself as a whitish-gray crud. What your describing is more a greenish mossy stuff. It just means things are a little too wet.

Reduce water if possible, separate them a bit to get some light on the sides, keep the grass from shielding the light, and elevate them. It should help.

amideutch · June 20, 2015

I would rotate the root pots 180 degrees so the side with the mold/mildew is getting direct sun light and separate them if your have them butted together as mentioned above.

Physan 20 is an excellent product as I have used it for years.

Ami

June 19, 2015	#1
TBoneJack Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 15	How to Eliminate Mold/Mildew on Fabric Pots I have 6 tomato plants of differing varieties in 15-gallon fabric pots (Root Pots from Aurora Organics). And this is my first year growing tomatoes. So I'm guessing at when and how much to water. Today, after I moved the pots to mow the grass that had grown up around them, I noticed green mold/mildew toward the bottom of all the fabric pots. Is this a sign that I'm over-watering? And if so, how do I eliminate the mold/mildew from the pots? Thanks.

June 20, 2015	#4
kurt Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Homestead,Everglades City Fl. Posts: 2,501	I have been using this product here in S florida since I grow all my smaller dedicates inside a screened in pool area(mater peppers herbs etc).I do get some humidity and some green growth will appear here and there.I use this as a cleaning regimen and is safe to use as long as used as directed.In your instance maybe a dip for the allotted time(see directions) might remedy the concern. http://www.physan.com/uploads/4/7/1/...sinfection.pdf __________________ KURT

June 20, 2015	#5
luigiwu Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: ny Posts: 1,219	maybe post a pic? I've also read something about spraying apple cider vinegar but not sure if it was for algae or something else. __________________ Subirrigated Container gardening (RGGS) in NY, Zone 7! Last edited by luigiwu; June 20, 2015 at 02:57 PM.

June 20, 2015	#7
amideutch Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Germany 49°26"N 07°36"E Posts: 5,041	I would rotate the root pots 180 degrees so the side with the mold/mildew is getting direct sun light and separate them if your have them butted together as mentioned above. Physan 20 is an excellent product as I have used it for years. Ami __________________ Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting ‘...Holy Crap .....What a ride!'

June 20, 2015	#3
RayR Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Cheektowaga, NY Posts: 2,466	Green mold/mildew? Algae or moss are the only green growth I've seen on top of container soil. Flushing the container with plain water is a good idea when using synthetic fertilizers but I don't know if salt buildup has anything to do with the green growth on top of the soil. You can get that in containers that are totally organic.

June 20, 2015	#6
Gerardo Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: San Diego-Tijuana Posts: 2,598	I've seen what you're describing on one of my rootpouches that wasn't getting enough sun. The plants in that particular pot developed a very aggressive mildew infection. I've found that if you place a pallet, a couple of 2 x 4s, or anything that allows it to breathe from the bottom you can reduce the amount of life that appears. The salt accumulation manifests itself as a whitish-gray crud. What your describing is more a greenish mossy stuff. It just means things are a little too wet. Reduce water if possible, separate them a bit to get some light on the sides, keep the grass from shielding the light, and elevate them. It should help.