2 Tomato seedlings & 1 courgette died after potting on-

Gardener Eve

hi! 

I have found  that 2 Tomato seedlings (different types) have withered where the stem comes out of the compost resulting in the plant collapsing/ dying after being potted on about a week ago. Something similar has happened to a cougette plant I potted on. 

Ive never had this happen before....not sure if I handled them roughly (don't think so) or used incorrrct compost? (Mixture of garden soil/ compost & well rotted manure all mixed up from the garden veg patch) others are doing ok with same mix. Last thing is they're in a new unheated plastic greenhouse (palram) but this isn't the same as them wilting due to lack of water.

has anyone else had this happen?

thanks : )

Ladybird4

There is a disease that can affect seedlings called Damping Off. Caused by fungi etc in soils. This link below should give you some helpful advice.

https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=151

Fairygirl

It sounds as Ladybird describes , but also - these little growhouses can be tricky for getting temperatures consistent.

Ceyhan

Have similar problem. 
My seedlings are dying every day few at a time.
Is something chewing them or some kind of disease? 
Please help?

Fire

I looks like they could use a lot more light

Dovefromabove

I agree with Firefly.  They needed much more light ... and possibly less heat.  I don't think you can save those.
Afraid it's time to start again. 

Ceyhan

Dear Firefly&Dovefromabove,
Thanks for both of you for taking time and responding ...
Ohh My God! I was saying myself I am early this year.. ?!!!
Wondered whether you've noticed the second picture(although it is not very clear )that slotted marks on the stems all the way up...
That's why earlier I have suggested whether some bugs/flies are chewing them...
Well,as you suggest perhaps I have to start again ...
İt would be nice even a dozen of them survive though !!!
Thanks again ...
Kind regards 

stuart.dot

Yes, more light and probably more air. A lot of moisture around at the moment, cold too, so rot becomes an issue.
I plant mine individually in small fibre pots so they don't have to clamber over each other. Tricky finger work but worth it

Ceyhan

...Just to follow up guys I will send another picture with wider angle.. .
Please note the pot in the front.. .
They are all intact and seem to be much healtier( different variety though ) _planted at the same time and kept in the same conditions... 
Weird isn't it???
I  do not think it is too hot either (home temperature about 20 Cantigrates) 
I hope these extra information will give you more cluees and hence answers... 
Thank you again in advance...

Kitty 2

Hi Ceyhan.  Agree that lack of light is making your seedlings grow tall and "leggy".
Looking at your close up of the stem (pic 2), I'd say that they are suffering from damping off.  
See the rhs link that Ladybird4 put above for more info.

Having your pots of seedlings inside the plastic bags is probably creating a warm damp environment where the fungus is thriving.

Sorry to say but I think you should bin the worst seedlings and start again with fresh seed and compost. Sow individually in a cell tray or smaller pots if you can.
The ones in your photos look overcrowded, which could be contributing to the fungal problems you're having.

Good luck with the second batch 👍🌱🌱🌱

Lyn

Tomato seeds don’t need sealing up in a plastic bag, just leave them on your worktop in the kitchen, they’ll grow in their own time, they don’t need forcing in plastic.