Grow Your Own Magazine

I'm having a go at broccoli and find they germinate very quickly ( a matter of days!) but when I transplant them when they've got a pair of true leaves they wilted and don't look happy. What do I need to do to keep the next batch alive?
Thanks

with my broccoli I'm now wating till it has 3/4 leaves cos i tryed it whit only and they fell over and dyed too
so I'm thinking let it get a bit stronger before you put it out worth a try

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Some things in their natural state have the most VIVID colors
Dobby

keep the soil or compost damp but not soaking wet

try to avoid compost which is on the acidic side

give them plenty of fresh air - fungus can be a problem

when you transplant them, try as hard as you can not to lose any root at all. Be very, very gentle.

You might do better to sow in modules. The brassicas have fairly chunky seed so you can put a single one - or 2 if you want a belt & braces aproach - into each cell. Then you don't disturb the roots like you do when pricking out in the traditional way.

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Earth laughs in flowers. Ralph Waldo Emerson

www.vegheaven.blogspot.com

Updated November 17th - The Big Dig

I transplant at the the 3 inch high level, this does mean they've tangled a little but they have a good root system so transplant well. I bury right down to the true leaves with may cover the fist seedling leaves (don't worry these are food for the plant only and not photosynthesis leaves) if you wait you'll see they turn brown and drop off most brassicas. This method increases your root system and gives them a good start when putting in the ground

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Digging Doc

if you sow into small pots or modules, I recommend letting the compost dry a little more than you would normally like just before transplanting. Whilst this is not necessary if there is only one seedling per pot/ module, it makes it a lot easier to separate the roots of two or three without damage. I've tried wet, dry and everywhere in between - fairly dry is best. Just don't leave them like that for long, and not in the sun.