distressed seedlings

[vic jova]

I replaced all the affected seedlings and they seem to be doing well. One I replanted lower into the soil and it so far has survived. If the affected seedling goes into the garden will it be as good as any other plant or will it be a poor producer and expire early? The same question applies to all the plants grown in this soil.

[Diane Whitehead]

It sounds like damping off, caused by a variety of fungi. Cool, wet soils favour all of the fungi that cause it. Once it starts, it is difficult to control it, but you could try immediately providing warm dry well-ventilated conditions.

[vic jova]

They are not in sterilized soil.

[Diane Whitehead]

Do you have them potted in sterilized soil?

[vic jova]

Some of my tomato seedlings still in the germination pots are distressed if not dying. They are contracting at or just below the soil line, and are falling over. Can you tell me what the cause is?