root rot sucks - i fail at germination

two attempts so far and both ended in what i believe to be root rot...

first time i germinated 3 seeds and they sprouted in my cigar tube, so i planted them in some grow cubes under a light. they started off ok and then just died, i did water them initially (since the grow cube was dry)

second attempt, decided against using the grow cubes so i mixed perlite + manure and humus (1:2 like stinky suggested). seeds sprouted so i planted them (not very deep to be honest, the little starter leaves were visible). this time they died MUCH quicker then before...

temps are in the 70-80 range and pretty consistent, during second attempt i did have the fan blowing (12cm computer case fan)

now WHY am i have SO MUCH trouble getting started? i most be doing something wrong. too hot? are they getting root rot before i even plant them? like when they are germinating? maybe i should stop using the test tube method and try paper towel.

i only have 4 good seeds left and havent had any success really, i tried some bag seeds but they dont germinate at all... i could always order more seeds but its not cheap and it takes awhile.

HELPzor me!

Heya...
Read the sticky again- that mix is too hot for seedlings; try an unfertilized seedling mix or even promix.
Also, you need to plant BEFORE the leaves show! Like, the moment you see enough tap root to figure out which end goes down. And don't water much. LIGHTLY.
Definitely practice on bagseeds. Ask TRUSTED friends to save them for you (they may guess you are growing so be careful who you ask) if the bags you get have hard-to-sprout seeds.

I have given up on the paper towel and soaking them...I must have wasted hundreds of seeds with many different methids.

Then I finaly gave the Jiffy peat pellets and try with dome a try...I added a heating mat under it and have great sucess now...I suggest opening it a few times per day to freshen it up and pour the lid water back into the tray...The seedlings root quickly and solidly...It sounds like you may not need the heat mat...

Good luck with your last seeds...Saint Mary Jane is praying for them.

:angelsmiley:

what really rocks, is placing dry seeds into RapidRooters, in a bubble-cloner (with chlorinated tapwater) ... low light until sprouted ... 100% success for me, so far :thumbsup:

lol man thats a shame, as far as i know, keep it simple, heck, you know what gave me a 90% success rate? just soaking cotton on a dish and throw the seeds on it, then i leave it under a desklamp so they get some LITTLE heat, just try that with some low quality seeds.
and as soon as the first real pair of leaves pops up i transfer it to a pot.
Thats all the advice i can give u on that subject since im not an expert but i have been doing the germination that way always and no problem so far

PS: if u are going to do it check the cotton often, it has to be wet all the time

the paper towel trick works, but starting with a new seedling u might want to consider using a soil without ferts