How to Care for an Overwatered Seedling

Some overwatered seedlings can be saved.

While seedlings need adequate water in order to sprout and grow into healthy plants, one of the most common reasons seedlings die in their first few weeks of growth is due to over watering. Whether you have over-enthusiastically watered your plant to simply placed in it a pot or area that doesn’t provide drainage, you can try and save some seedlings from “damping off” as soon as you see the telltale signs: drooping leaves, soft stems or white fuzzy mold around the roots.

Things You'll Need

• Seed flat
• Screwdriver or awl
• Potting soil
• Spoon
• Cotton cloth or paper towels

Instructions

1. Poke a number of drainage holes in the bottom of the seed flat using the screwdriver or awl. Space the holes evenly across the flat to ensure even and adequate water drainage.

2. Fill the flat with new potting soil.

3. Dig out the over watered seedling from its current location. Be careful to not tear its roots, which will be even more delicate than usual due to over watering. You may have to sacrifice nearby seedlings if their roots have become entangled.

4. Replant the seedling in the flat. Repeat digging and replanting for each seedling that can be saved.

5. Lay the flat on top of an absorbent cotton cloth or lengths of paper towel. Leave the seedlings alone for the first day, the water sparingly.

References

• You Grow Girl: The Groundbreaking Guide to Gardening; Gayla Trail; 2005