[Ruthie]

Hi
Just got an electric propagator as my seeds didn't do anything when I tried them without it. However, now I have a furry mildew type thing on top of the compost. I assume this is because of the heat and humidity. Any suggestions on how to prevent this or am I doing something wrong? It seemed to be quite warm so I opened a couple of the vents.

[michael brenock]

ruthie
a question, what are you doing with an electric propagator in the height of the summmer? none of my business and I should not have asked.
Your problem with mildew is certainly caused by high humidity together with high temperature. This is a frequent occurrence with beginners.
Seeds need three things to germinate, heat (for most seeds 60-65 deg is ok) air and moisture. if you raise temperature above the recommended level it will not speed up the process. If the compost is too wet it excludes air so seeds might rot. Ventilate well and keep temperatures even. water when compost is dry on the surface. An electrically heated propagator is marvelous for early sown seeds in January February and to keep frost out. I have never used an electric propagator in my life.
one observation I have noticed in the past few years is that bull rush compost is far more prone to mildew than pear based compost. Follow the temperature guides on the packet hope this helps keep on growing.
michael brenock horticultural advisor (retired)

[Ruthie]

Thanks Michael. It's actual flower seeds I'm trying to grow for a new garden (building a new house) and the instructions state a specific temp to grow in. As I don't have a glasshouse and my polytunnel is still in the box I thought maybe the prop would be the way to get the temp right.