How to Manage Pests

When seedlings of vegetables or annual flowers die soon after germinating, the cause is often one of several pathogens that cause damping-off disease. Seeds may rot before they germinate, shoots may decay before they emerge, or stems of seedlings may rot at the soil line. Damping-off is most common when conditions are wet and cool and soil is compacted. Manage damping-off by planting at the right time, germinating seeds indoors in disease-free soils, and following planting practices that reduce risk of the disease.

• Don't plant into cold, wet soil.
• If you want to start plants earlier, use transplants; plant seeds indoors and transplant later.
• Shallow planting will speed up germination outdoors if conditions are marginal.
• If planting potato seed pieces, be sure soil is at least 50°F.

• Use raised beds.
• Add soil amendments such as redwood shavings, peat moss, or bark.
• Avoid green compost.

• Don't overwater.
• Thin plants after they emerge to improve air circulation.
• Don't overfertilize with nitrogen.
• Avoid planting the same crops in the same place year after year.

• Use clean pots.
• Remove and discard diseased plants.
• For plants grown in pots or cold frames, use steam-treated soil or pasteurized potting mix.
• Outdoors, consider solarizing soil before planting, a method that uses the sun’s heat and clear plastic to kill soil-borne pests.
• Use the highest quality seed available.

See Pest Notes: Damping-off for complete instructions on carrying out these practices.

Seedlings affected by damping-off wilt (left) usually have a dark, shriveled area on stems or roots near the soil line. Shoots also may rot before they emerge.

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