Why is my Swiss Chard wilting?

[Ermintrude]

Hi

My Swiss Chard has finally germinated, but the seedlings are looking very wilted. I'm watering in the evenings using water butt water. Any suggestions?

[ina]

I suppose that's outside, not in pots? And they stay wilted even after a good bout of watering? I could only think of a fungal infection. Some of my indoor seedlings seem to suffer from this, too.

[Ermintrude]

Yes, they're outside and I'm generous with the water. Is there anything I can do about a fungal infection (why am I thinking about athletes foot?)?

[ina]

Somebody suggested chamomile tea - and I have sprayed some stuff with a very weak teatree oil solution. Don't know whether that works, but it doesn't seem to have done any harm...

Just remembered something: If they are not just wilting, but actually dying off, they might have been nibbled underground by the nasty leatherjacket... I'll post a warning about that pest in a minute anyway!

[Ermintrude]

Thank Ina

I don't think it's leatherjackets as I've had a look at the roots of one of the dead seedlings and they're still in tact. I have some tea tree so I'm going to try that.

[hedgewizard]

Chard has a good deep root on it so unless you have very light soil you may be overwatering...