White Fungus on Seedling Soil: A Symptom of Overwatering, Not the Cause of Death

Kids planted watermelon and sunflower seeds. Sunflower wilted, white stuff on soil. Watermelon now getting white. Asks prevention.

White Stuff = Fungus, But Not the Killer

Excessive moisture → root rot → wilt (lost feeder roots). People then water wilted plant, making it worse. Needs to dry, get air, grow new roots.

Action

• Rake fungus away from watermelon stems.
• Decomposing material touching stems causes trouble.
• Replant on hills for gravity drainage.