I recently planted radish and beet seeds in a raised bed using Miracle-Gro organic raised bed mix in mid-August for a fall harvest, but I've run into a serious problem: nearly all the seedlings have damped off. I've tried adjusting my watering habits, but the issue still seems to occur. Given this situation, should I really be getting rid of the soil before I start a new crop? Just for context, I'm located in Zone 8b in the Pacific Northwest.
2 Answers
Are you absolutely certain it's damping off? It's pretty odd for an entire crop to be affected outdoors. Sometimes slugs, caterpillars, or even voles can wipe out seedlings in no time. If you think it is damping off, make sure to water only in the morning when the soil actually needs it, and avoid getting water on the seedlings themselves. They also need good sunlight and airflow. Good luck with your next round!
You don’t really have to throw out the soil! Just try mixing in some perlite to improve drainage. Also, be sure to cut back on watering next time. Is your bed getting full sun?
Yeah, it looks like classic damping off to me, but I’ve seen a bit of slug damage too. It does seem odd, though. This container soil has a much denser texture than what I expected.