Grow Your Own Magazine

Help! I'm pretty new to this game (only really started last year...... late). I keep planting cabbage and cauliflower seeds and they sprout beautifully and then shrivel at the two leaf stage. I've tried reducing watering, keeping them in the greenhouse, keeping them outside, a bit of both, but nothing helps. Could it be lack of drainage? I really, really want to grow some cabbage!!
Thanks.
Steve

Are you using seed from the same packet and compost from the same bag each time?

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If it ain't broke, don't fix it and if you ain't going to eat it, don't kill it

Two different caulis and two different cabbage, but yes, the same compost (I think!). That might be a good idea, changing compost. I did wonder if its poor drainage. Tthanks.

you shouldn't be watering unless the compost is dry, and then water from the bottom. You're probably over-watering and rotting them.
More plants die of over- rather than under-watering.

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~ What do I think of Western civilisation? I think it would be a very good idea ~ Gandhi

Yes, I agree.

Most problems with seedlings come from over-watering.

Brassicas are naturally quick to germinate and quick-growing given the right conditions, so it sounds as if you need to change your technique.

What are you sowing them into?

I also agree; and brassicas need less water than most anyway.

I just threw some seeds into a seed tray a few weeks ago and left them - they were outside and the only thing I did do was moved them inside when we had the tremendous rain - and they are now ready to go in.

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Andrea :wavehello

http://www.growfruitandveg.co.uk/gra...logs/zazen999/

moon trials completed:
tomatoes
[46% increase in crop per seed sown and 10% increase in crop per plant]

currently underway:
calabrese
garlic

Thanks for the advice. That's really useful. I'll stop watering unless really needed. Steve