Starting transplants in the home is a great way to grow certain varieties of plants that are not readily available as transplants in the nursery. Some problems occur, however, when you grow your own transplants.
Many homes are too warm and have inadequate light, resulting in soft, spindly and pale seedlings.
Using an unheated basement or other cool room, and adding solid warming cables and artificial light also works. It is a fungal disease, caused by one of several soil-born organisms. Damping off may prevent seed germination altogether by plugging up the conductive tissue of a developing seedling. Seeds may be killed just as they are approaching full development. Using pasteurized soil or a soilless mix can help you avoid this problem.