Damping-Off (Lettuce) Description: Seed decay, sudden wilting of seedlings, loss of vigor. Favored by high moisture level and poorly drained soils. Damping-off disease occurs wherever lettuce is grown. Solution: Minimize soil compaction and plant in well-drained soil. Alternating with cover crops helps general soil fertility and decreases soil compaction. Sprinkle SoilGardTM Microbial Fungicide over seed at time of sowing, before covering seed with soil. When starting seed indoors, mix SoilGard with potting soil before seed is sown.