March is here, and with the last frost date quickly approaching it is time to start seeds indoors. Before I head to the basement to start this year’s farm, I thought I’d share a tip to help your seedlings along: Chamomile Tea.
Every year, countless gardners see their garden hopes dashed in the flats by damping off– a type of fungal infection that can kill tender seedlings. Damping off is a problem particularly when starting seeds indoors, and it is encouraged by pooor air circulation and/or soil contamination. I’ve had good luck with my seeds so far, and I credit this success to the following precautions:
- Use a fresh, sterile seed starting mix. Many people use Jiffy Mix. Others start seeds in perlite or vermiculite. I use Fafard’s germination mix. Whatever you do, don’t use soil from last year or outside.
- Add chamomile tea to your soil mix. Chamomile tea (and tea in general) appears to have some anti-fungal properties. This helps avoid damping off. My formula is to brew 2 cups of concentrated chamomile tea (3 tea bags to 2 cups). I let the tea steep, and then add it to one gallon of water. I use the chamomile water to moisten the seed mix before sowing. I also water with the chamomile solution until the seedlings show their first leaves. Be sure to use pure chamomile- avoid products that have honey or other flavors. Organic tea is even better.
- Set up a fan. Good air circulation will help prevent damping off. I use a cheap box fan. You don’t need a wind tunnel- just some air circulation.
That’s it. Brew some chamomile and start growing.
