Soilborne pathogens such as Pythium Rhizoctonia, Thielaviopsis and Fusarium can produce severe seedling disease problems. Important decisions can be made to help modify factors normally beyond our control that influence the establishment and severity of these diseases. Crop rotation practices, land preparation systems and judicial planting practices can alter the kinds, numbers, distribution and effectiveness of both beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms. Although we can not control the elements, such as the rain and sunshine, we can make choices to achieve the most favorable responses from our seedlings. Choice of planting dates, seed bed depths and seed covering depths for the most desirable moisture and temperature conditions help us to overcome unfavorable weather influences. We can make intelligent choices using the best sources of information available to us.