Green on starting mix surface?

[ZBQ]

I just noticed today that in a few spots the surface of the starting mix (Jiffy Mix) is starting to turn a nice healthy grass shade of green. I am assuming that it is some kind of algae.

Just curious if this is normal and if it is something to worry about?

Seedlings are looking fine and are just starting to touch the fluorescent light bulb. Going to elevate the light tomorrow and try to transplant some in the next day or two.

[carolyn137]

I just noticed today that in a few spots the surface of the starting mix (Jiffy Mix) is starting to turn a nice healthy grass shade of green. I am assuming that it is some kind of algae.

Just curious if this is normal and if it is something to worry about?

*****

I wouldn't say it's exactly normal but I also wouldn't worry about it that much.

No doubt it's just environmental non-pathogenic fungi or it could be algae. Lots of folks who use peat pots find the same thing, as in growth on the outside of the pots and on the mix surface.

It does indicate that the area is very humid and/or the mix kept too wet. See if you can somehow correct that situation.

YoOu say the mix is Jiffy Mix but you haven't said what the Jiffy mix is in as in plastic cells, peat pots, etc.

Just scrape off the green growth if you can.

[michael johnson]

what I usually do if I get the green algae on the surface of the potting mix- is get an ordinary table fork and fork it over lightly- usually this does the trick, if you leave it and dont do it-it will eventualy choke the plants and restrict their root breathing and airiation,

It is particularly noticable on all spagnum moss peat mixes- that have been watered withg a liquid seaweed mix.

[feldon30]

Like everyone else, I panicked a little the first time this happened. Now I accept it as part of growing seedlings. I do make sure I am only watering when the plants really need it. Also bottom watering can help.

[ZBQ]

Thanks guys,
I am going to try letting them dry out a bit. I think I was watering too much.

Carolyn, I apologize, I was wrong in the brand, it's actually loose Ferry Morse seed starting mix in a bag and I am using this kind of starter.

http://www.veseys.com/us/en/store/to...actplant/image

The green is just on the surface of the starting mix nothing else. I had used a seaweed fertilizer 2 or 3 times up till last week called Speedy Gro.

[feldon30]

One thing to know about that starter system, other than the very small amount of growing medium per plant, is that you have to get all the plants out at once. You can't pop them out one-at-a-time. You'll find that tomato transplants are rarely ready all at the same time.

I'm guessing the Ferry Morse seed starting mix has a tiny bit of phosphorous in it for roots? If so, I don't know that you need ANY fertilizer at this stage. I would fertilize just once with 1/2 strength seaweed emulsion at the 4-5 true leaves stage (when the transplant is about 6-7" tall).

Because the growing space for each plant in your seed starting setup is so small (I am figuring 1" x 1" x 2.5"?), you will need to pot up to 4" pots or styrofoam cups (with a hole drilled in the bottom) once the plants are past their first true leaves.

I will always prefer slowly grown, healthy, stocky seedlings, than ones that grew more quickly.

[ZBQ]

Thanks Morgan. I am going to start potting up in 4" plastic pots tomorrow. Got my fingers crossed that this all goes well.