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 Volunteer Growers Help -  What can go WRONG -
- NO GERMINATION -  Powdery Mildew> Collar-Rot> Moss> Ants> Slugs and Snails> Caterpillars or Grubs> Cutworms> Grasshoppers> Aphids> Birds> Possums> Cats> Uneven Growth> Weeds> I am not sure but things do not look right>

If your seed has not germinated 4-6 weeks after sowing, and it is indicated in Appendix 1 that it should have, you should resow (ask TreeProject for more seed). BUT ask one of the experienced growers to check out your propagation set-up BEFORE using any more seed. Occasionally poor seed quality is responsible, but often it is operator error, so check the following before using more seed:
  • Position in the sun - is the potting mix warm enough? Tubes need to have as much sunlight as possible to create the warm environment in which seeds need to germinate. Full sun is best, but morning sun is preferable if you have to choose.
  • Are the boxes off the ground? Very important, as snails or other pests could be getting to them. It also allows the air to circulate around the boxes to prevent water logging, and keeps them off the colder ground.
  • Ants - keep ants off the boxes - they are expert seed collectors! You can put containers of water under the legs of your bench to stop ants climbing up.
  • Quantity and technique of watering - are you watering enough to keep the potting mix really moist at all times? Any method of watering which fills the tubes to overflowing and/or disturbs the gravel can wash the seed up and away. Look for seeds germinating between the tubes. Forceful pressure will blast seeds out of tubes, so ensure you are using a fine spray.
  • Did you follow the pre-treatment and sowing instructions? – Acacias and other hard coated seeds will not germinate without appropriate pre-treatment Any large or winged seeds not covered with sufficient soil will wash up through the gravel and dry out on top. Replant about 50 mm deep and firm down. Replace gravel.
  • Slugs and snails - have they eaten the just-emerging shoots? Check down between the tubes and under the boxes. Water at dusk (make an exception to the no-watering-at-night rule) and do a torchlight search. Dispose of the slugs or snails as your conscience permits.
  • Is fine seed sown too deep - e.g. melaleucas and callistemons? It is important to follow instructions on sowing depth.
After Germination
If any of your seedlings are wilting, look weak at the base, are falling over or going rotten, it could be due to 'collar rot' or 'damping off'. 
They have similar symptoms, but are due to different factors. It is important that you attend to this without delay as you may lose everything! 
These problems usually occur when the seedlings are very small.

If you have any other problems, or have any questions about propagating you seedlings, please contact your area coordinator. Remember – be vigilant!
 
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If you have any questions that are not answered,  situations that are not covered or suggested photos to add, please contact the office ph (03) 9650 9477 or email info@treeproject.asn.au Modified August 2006