Cress & Mold »How to Avoid Mold Formation

Is it really mold?

If a white coating forms on the seedlings, it does not always have to be mold. The fine cress roots initially develop a network that is somewhat reminiscent of mold.

To determine whether it is actually mold, do the odor test. If cress or spores smell musty and unpleasant, it is probably due to mold.

A fresh, spicy-pungent smell indicates that the cress is completely healthy and perfectly edible.

Throw away moldy cress

If mold has appeared, throw away the cress. Simply removing the upper layer of soil, as is often recommended, does not help, as the lower layers of soil are also infested with spores.

Do not dispose of moldy cress in the compost, but throw it in the household waste or the organic waste bin.

Use cellulose instead of earth

The plant substrate plays an important role in preventing mold growth.

Inexpensive or depleted garden soil often contains mold spores that spread quickly when waterlogged. Dry the earth before

sowing for a short time at high temperatures in the oven.

Instead of earth, you can use other materials. These are usually unencumbered and do not get moldy as quickly:

• Cotton wool
• Paper towel
• Disposable handkerchiefs
• Peat tablets

Mold is favored by waterlogging

Keep the cress evenly moist, but make sure that no waterlogging occurs.

It has proven useful to add fresh water to the seeds every morning do the washing up. You have to be very careful when doing this so that the seed does not float away. Use a spray bottle and hold the planter at a slight angle so that the excess water can drain off.

An airy location in the sun is also advisable because the plants can dry off better.

Tips & Tricks

If you want to be absolutely sure that the cress or the sprouts do not go moldy, maintain the cress in the two-pot system. The top pot, in which the seeds are sown, has a few drainage holes. This allows the water to drain into the lower pot and prevents mold from forming.