Stem Rot

[yoli]

Hello!
I am having trouble with stem rot in seedlings.  I plant only herbs, basil, marjoram, cilantro, chives. This white stuff appears on the surface of the sponge and the next thing I see is browning of the stem.  Of course some of them die before I am able to plant them in a pot where they seem to do better.
I dissinfect the aerogarden as suggested by the instructions.  My first two crops back in 2016 were fine, but since we’ve moved last summer I haven’t been able to achieve the same results.  I only use distilled water.  The only thing I have not done, is cover the sponges with the label.  Anyone has had a similar experience?
Thanks!
Yoli

[Shawn]

Welcome yoli!

I am sorry to hear you are having so much trouble.  I know others will chime in but let me get started with a few questions.

When you say white stuff, is it fuzzy or is it more of a powder on the pod?  If it is fuzzy, there is an explanation in the first post here.  Are these AG Pods or are you using other brand sponges?

When you say browning on the stem?  Is it soft or rotting or just a color change?

How are you disinfecting your unit?  Are you making sure you run the pump long enough so that you know everything is cleared out?

As far as labels go I use them as they keep algae away and can help keep mold out.   Are you using the correct amount of nutrients? Sometimes depending on the plant and machine it can still be too much.

Is thee a picture you can post?   (There is information on Photo Repositories if you need one here.)

I know that is a lot of questions, but it may help me and others assist in answering you correctly.

[MaryL]

Hi Yoli, welcome!  So many possible variables, as Shawn’s questions illustrate.  

One thing that that strikes me is your move as a possibility. Is the humidity environment different now? 

As to just one of your questions, I do continue to use the pod covers to keep algae growth etc at bay, but I no longer iron them on. I just cut a slit in one side and place them on the top of the basket.  Too many gardens to iron those things on!  

I’ll be curious to hear all about the rest.