Damping off is every chilli grower’s nightmare: healthy seedlings collapse almost overnight, stems pinching thin and dark right at soil level. It’s caused by soil-borne fungi that thrive in cold, wet, poorly ventilated conditions — exactly what young seedlings sit in during early spring starts.
Prevention is far easier than cure. Use fresh, sterile seed-starting mix, never garden soil. Don’t overwater — let the surface dry slightly between waterings, and always water from below if you can. Good airflow matters too; a small oscillating fan reduces the still, humid air fungi love. Avoid overcrowding trays, and don’t rush seedlings into cold, waterlogged conditions.
If you spot the telltale pinched stem, act fast — remove affected seedlings immediately to stop it spreading, and ease off watering the rest. Cinnamon dusted on the surface has mild antifungal properties and can help too.
Damping Off — and How to Stop It Before It Starts
