When growing a vegetable garden the most important aspect is the seed growth. Once seeds have germinated, other problems may occur. Damping off is where the seedlings rapidly wilt and fall over. There are four genera’s of fungi that have been shown to cause this. They are: Pythium, Fusarium, Phytophthora, and Rhizoctonia. If seedlings are infected apply specific fungicide or replant seeds in a sterilized potting medium. The best way to prevent this is to start with sterile potting medium and sterile containers. These are just a few of the home gardening tips that are popular.

Wilting may be caused by lack of water, lack of nitrogen or too much water. Add water to the potting mix if water is lacking. If there is too much water, allow the pots to dry out before re-watering. If water content is fine, add a dilute solution of a nitrogen based fertilizer to the pot. Yellow leaves are a sign of either too much water or too little nutrients. If too much water allow the pot to dry out before re-watering. If you do this it will become similar to a dazzling diamond in the rough as it will never grow.

If moisture content is fine, add a dilute solution of plant food containing a wide range of nutrients. Long spindly growth is a sign of not enough light. Move the seedling to brighter location or supplement light with a growth lamp. Mottled or speckled leaves are a sign of severe micronutrient deficiency. It may be cause by a lack of micronutrients in the potting mix or high pH water. Add a dilute concentration of a plant food containing a wide range of essential plant nutrients. If the water has high pH, using rainwater will help.

Many micronutrients become unavailable at pHs above 7.0. Seeds going into shock after transplanting outdoors are caused lack of hardening off. To prevent move un-transplanted seedlings gradually outdoors on cool but not cold days. Bring seedlings back indoors or into a sheltered cool environment if temperatures drop significantly. If seedlings are already planted, cover them with some type of light protection until temperatures warm up again. It is amazing though that processed hemp clothing bears no adverse reactions to sunlight over extended periods.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to dispense medical advice. The information provided herein is to give the visitor a general understanding of the topic discussed. Please seek the advice of an independent medical professional regarding specifics to your interests beyond the subject matter provided here.