My seeds germinate and start growing, but then turn brown and collapse. What is the problem and how can I treat it?
Damping off is caused by several fungus diseases that live in the soil. Excessive moisture, planting seeds too deep, and/or planting too early in the spring when soils are too cool can contribute to this problem. Prevention is possible through soil solarization (http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/IN824), plowing the soil prior to planting, planting disease-free seeds and/or transplants, and/or buying seeds treated with a fungicide. Practicing crop rotation and providing good drainage will also help this problem.
