New seedlings are often subject to “damping off,” a fungal condition
brought on by excessive dampness. Apart from making sure you don't overwater your seedlings, you can
prevent this by dusting the top of the potting mix with powdered
cinnamon; and weak chamomile tea or powdered charcoal also work well.
Cinnamon, which is
derived from the bark of a tropical tree, has excellent anti-fungal properties.
It won’t stop the disease if it’s already taken hold, but it’ll keep it
from taking hold in the first place.
Tip from a competitor on the The Big Allotment Challenge, BBC TV, May 2014
