catnip withers
Elfi
Posts: 3
Hello, first time on this forum and I really need some advice regarding catnip...
I've started germinating a few weeks back, and they started sprouting real quick (about 2 days after I've put them in the soil) but when ever they got to a certain hight (7cm or so) they started falling/getting brown leaves/thinning... thing is, this didn't happen to all of them at once, but to each about 1-3 days apart..
I've tried putting them in the direct sun, on the window, keeping them in the shade in the house, keeping it moist but not too much... I've also tried putting them in the basement where it's quite cooler then in the house (it's about 20°C and it has big windows for enough light) putting toothpicks in the soil so they can lean on them, but they are still getting weak, thin and eventually die. 
today, the last one from that batch has died, although it was in great health yesterday...
if someone has any advice regarding catnip care after germination, I'd really appreciate it. 
can't find anything elsewhere..
thank you in advance.
Posts
Was the compost sterile? The seedlings my be succumbing to fungus.
If you live in Derbyshire, as I do.
I don't think it was sterile. I just bought regular nutritious soil from the gardening shop. could it be that certain soils are not made for much moisture? XD
I've never done any gardening before so I'm quite confused with what to do here...
Perhaps they are affected by damping off?
It sounds as though they were growing tall and thin through lack of light and then damping off. You need to start them off in seed compost, placing the seed tray/container on a sunny windowsill or in a sheltered spot outside. Don't water them too much....the soil needs to be damp rather than sodden.
Most people buy commercial compost that is specially designed for seeds. Good quality compost is sterile which means that it gives the seeds a better chance of germinating without the danger of being attacked by fungi and other pathogens that are always present in garden soil.
It is possible for seeds to grow in normal soil, of course. They do that in the wild all the time. But in an unnatural environment such as a warm and wind-free kitchen or cellar the seedlings will be less likely to fend off moulds and fungi.
If you live in Derbyshire, as I do.
sounds like a solution!
this was very helpful, thank you all very much for the replies!
that damping off sounds like it could be the problem. the roots did seem quite black/brown-ish and weird...
will do the next ones as instructed, hope it all goes well