Moldy wheatgrass

Everytime I try to grow the seeds, no matter what I do, as soon as the grass starts coming up, the base of the grass (around the seeds) begin to grow mold! I've tried at least 4 or 5 times now to grow it but I think using grass which has mold at the base would be sort of futile wouldn't it? How do I stop the Mold?

First are you using "well water"....it may have a high bacterial iron content...which may contribute......Second.....Ventalation is also a very important issue.....Next high heat and/or HUMIDITY......Are you over soaking your seeds(berries)....Good seeds require about 8-12 hours of soaking.....a rinse and then about a day to sprout.....letting the seeds over sprout can be dangerous because the longer roots can become damaged and create less germination............The quality of your seeds may be in the question also.......With EVERYTHING involved in producing consistantly GREAT fresh wheatgrass.....Too much...not enough and JUST RIGHT in proportion. The amount of sunlight (defussed) not direct can be a mold factor also......damp and dark can help to cause mold......What are you growing in///Soil or soiless grow mix? And are you amending the mix with sae kelp or other "recommended" substances.......just some advice form a commercila grwoer for the past 9 years......Frank the wheatgrass guy...Orlando, florida.....Drelichwheatgrass.com.

When you say mold around the seed,like at the roots themeself.The roots have silia which looks familiar to mold.Some people mistake the silia for a mold infastation.Have you grown a tray to maturity?And if so did the mold turn gray and take over the flat?Mold is a common problem for grass growers,this problem can be corrected.The biggest issue is moisture control.I grew a lot of mold for the first month that I grew grass.By changing the growing medium and understanding the differance between moist and WET I overcame the problem of mold.Sucses will come with trial and error,keep the faith and happy growing!If you want to contact me via email my address is under my name on this web site.I have dig. pics. which might be helpfull in your quest for mold free grass!

Thank you for replying to my question about moldy wheatgrass. Yes, the mold turns gray and takes over the whole shabang! I guess I've been overwatering. It smells bad too. I've tried rinsing the seeds everyday to keep stuff from growing but that hasn't helped. The only thing I haven't tried is NOT watering! I've even spritzed using distilled water only. I will keep trudging. THank you again!

I feel hopeless. I've tried growing inside my home. I put the seeds in a window with difussed light. Do I need to put more space between the seeds? I got my seeds at a Wild Oats store. THanks for the tips..maybe I'll order it from you!

I got to a point where I felt if I couldnt do any better I would just feed the seed to the birds and be done with it.Today I grow as much grass as I want to consume.I mainly grow outside during spring till late fall.Using4tier growracks with 60% shadecover.I do all my sprouting in the basement and grow a few flats with growlights there as well.Growing inside can be difficult,which you have found out.Moisture control is of uttmost importance.This is how I do a flat first isoak the seeds for12hrs.Then i rinse several times until water starts to run clear.Then drain off as much water as possible.Spread out in container so the seed can start to dry for 12hrs.In a dark enviorment.Then I prepare the growing medium,12cups of compost 4 cups of vermiculite ad 2cups of mushroom compost 1tbls azomite 1tbls. food grde kelp.I dry mix this thoughrouly then add wter till the medium is moist not WET.Then I place the medium in a 12/21 flat.Then I take the seed which is now litly moist but doesnt stick to your hand.Spread the 1.5 cups of seed over the medium cover with newspaper and spray paper lightly,moist not WET!For the next 3-5 days I will not water the seed directly,it doesnt require that much moisture.The next morning take off the newspaper the paper should be dry not WET!Let the seed air out for 1-3hrs.Deepending on humidity which is your enemy a dehumidifier in the sprouting room is highly reccomended.Along with a portable fan to increase circulation when needed.After airing out the flat replace the dry newspaper on the flat and moiston the paper but dont get it WET!Repeat until exposing to light.Cut back on your watering until mold isnt an issue then reintroduce water to maximize yield once youve gained the upper hand with the mold issue.Mold is a never ending challenge to growers.Good luck and happy growing!!

Thank you for taking time to respond to my dilema. Wow! what an endeavor! I've been doing it ALL WRONG!

I use 5 ...2 hp. Turbo fans....cost $10,000.oo! RESULTS = Priceless. If your seeds(berries) are from a reputable source....covering them in the trays is rediculous. Also anyone having a mold problem should less of a soaking period...7-9 hours instead of 12 or so. In the colder months it does not matter as much...but making the seed too mushy will not help a mold problem. Certain concoctions of grow mix helps to contribute because of the bacteria that multiplies quickely....GOOD POINT about the SILIA effect on some seeds as they germinate. And making the point about MOIST ...not wet is another good point. When you reach a point in your tray that the mix is too wet.....root rot occurs with out any trouble. I always use a Hard Red SPRING wheat that is certified organic ...good protien count and is a Sprouting berrie...not cereal or grain....That is sold so often to the public. The sprouting seeds are only cleaned(processed) Three times compared to 4 with the cereal or grain type of seeds. The only amendmant i ever use for my soiless Canadian custom mix is FOOD grade Sea kelp MEAL! We also sell the berries. And ship UPS World Ship EVERYWHERE.....Best wishes and sucessful growing!

Hello wheatenergy are you suggesting not to give the seeds complete darkness for best sprouting results?And if so please explain why?I was under the impression that covering imatates the seed being under the ground in complete darkness.Kinda like a poor mans dark house.Thanks for your input.

YES after soaking ....I do sprout in darkness....and my 16x30 sprout room has a THREE TON air-conditioner ....it does get warm here in Florida. BUT after I plant the seeds(berries) I do not cover them with trays , cloth or whatever. Good fresh high protien sprouting berries do not require it...at all. Our 9th year! I was certified Organic for three years running.....But when the USDA independant inspector wanted get this ...$746.oo for a two hour partial inspection. Well I use now the word premium for the past 3 years....could use the word Natural....BUT paying someone to use the word organic....(twice a year you MUST give also a small percetage of yopu GROSS sales to the Organic people also. REDICULOUS. What I do is VERY labor intensive....ps ..The inspector walked my nursery in less than 5 minutes.....then sat down and watched me TRY to produce our paper trail...I did not know at the time my WIFE had 1/2 of the paper trail at our accountant.....I am not a minister...I PAY taxes. So after sitting there in my office for two hours he tryed to charge me $746.oo. pps. COST me $4,400 to reprint ALL my labels...invoices....and business cards...PLUS re-detail my New work truck with the NEW logo etc. WELL WORTH IT! The guy in Gainsville from FOG told me to just send him $500.oo and he would re-instate me as organic....NO inspection would be nessary.....I grow one thing FRESH whaetgrass.....DA!

Thanks for your reply wheatenergy of the state of flori-da.Sounds like regulations and buerocratical dogma are little iratating.Well look on the bright side no hurricanse in paradise.Live long and prosper,certification is overated quality speeks for itself!

>>>>>>amen