Keeping the algae down?

[lykaon78]

For the past two years I've developed a significant algae problem on the soil of my seedlings. It doesn't seem to overly impact the hosta and normally comes after germination so it hasn't been anything other than a nuisance. But I imagine it isn't the best case for the hosta.

Any strategies for countering this?

[party_music50]

Strategies to counter it: add perlite to your soil mix to "lighten it" and allow more fresh air to reach the soil surface so that it isn't constantly saturated with water (e.g., don't keep everything closed up in a plastic bag and allow the soil surface to breath and dry some)

[thehostagourmet]

I keep my water-fertilizer solution in gallon milk jugs, and try to let them sit a day before use. At Hosta College class some years ago Mary Chastain advised a drop or two of dishwashing liquid per gallon. This has worked for me. No algae at all

[renaldo75]

Nice tip, George.

[Linda P]

Thanks, George. I don't have a huge algae problem, but will definitely try that this year.
Linda P