R.I.P. Courgettes?

[Balconygardener]

Oh dear...

My previously-healthy looking courgettes seem to be in dire straights! The seed leaves and first couple of true leaves have all gone various stages of crinkly brown. The plants still seem to be putting out new leaves, and the new growth seems healthy, but I fear the worst

Can anyone give me a clue what I might have done wrong? They have had the exact same treatment as my lovely and so far very healthy tomatoes - germinated in a propagator in 3 inch pots, kept indoors on a sunny window sill, and given the same amount of water (from below).

I've not totally given up on them yet, but it doesn't look great. I think I'm right in saying I have time to start again with them, but it would be great to know how to avoid this happening again.

[chris]

My cucumbers had this - I posted a thread about it in the vegging out forum (called what's happening to my leafs) - however I was pretty much told that due to overwatering (thanks mother in law! ) root damage had occured. And hence, the leaves died - was advised to pot on.. Probably a good idea if you posted a picture so people coudl help better?

[Balconygardener]

Thanks, Chris - I wondered about that, but wasn't sure as they have had no more water than the toms, which are fine. It would be a relief if that was all it was!

[Shadylane]

How long have they been in the pots? They're such greedy beggars it doesn't take them long to use up all the nutrients. I'm sure mine did something simliar last year, the seed leaves sort of went brown and died off. I think it's normal, like the way the lower leaves of tomatoes eventually die off as they produce new growth. If they're still producing healthy growth then they're probably fine but maybe just need re-potting.

[Balconygardener]

Hi, Shadylane - I planted them Easter weekend, so they have been in those pots for three weeks now. I was waiting until they had at least 4 true leaves before I moved them, but my chances of actually getting to 4 green true leaves look distinctly dodgy!

[Shadylane]

Hmm maybe time to pot on(?) Not sure but only other thing I can think of is your windowsill might be a bit chilly at night.

[Balconygardener]

Right! Potting on it is! I am off to B&Q after work to sort out some bigger pots, and I think I will do my toms while I am at it. I think I will go to 7 inches, if that sounds right? They won't be the final pots for either, I have some bigger, terracotta ones for that.

Got to say, I love this forum - everyone is so lovely and generally helpful, not like some others where I've been mercilessly flamed as a newbie. Thanks for all the help, Grapes, and for making me feel so welcome.

[OllieMartin]

Let me know if you lose them completely.
I asked my mum to sow a couple of my tristars in modules and she sowed 10, I only need 2 and they've all germinated. Rather than chuck the spares I'd gladly post you as many as you want.
They've only just poked through the compost, but they're all looking pretty healthy.

[Balconygardener]

Thanks, Ollie - that's really kind, I will let you know.

[Shadylane]

Hope it fixes the problem - if not still plenty of time to start again

[Balconygardener]

Right, I re-potted two them last night (into 6 inch pots, couldn't get 7 inch), and the good news is that they don't look any worse for wear this morning. I think they are in with a fighting chance, the root system certainly look well developed and healthy enough.

I decided that the third was too far gone to save, which is a shame, but to be frank I will struggle to find space for 2 courgette plants on the balcony, never mind 3!

I have also moved them in to the kitchen, which is the warmest room in the house, just in case they were too cold where they were. I will let you all know how I get on.

Oh, and I also repotted my tomatoes at the same time, which have also survived the night without the slighted sign of a wilt, so all in all, I am pretty happy.

Thanks again for all advice!

[OllieMartin]

Yay good news.

Now what am I going to do with all these spare seedlings?

[Balconygardener]

Oh, I wouldn't assume anything just yet, Ollie!

[Balconygardener]

Well, it's official - my courgettes are dead

Ollie - thanks for the offer of seedlings, but I have plenty of seeds left, and to be honest I am curious to have another go since there is still time, so I think I will try again with another batch.

[taff]

there's plenty of time left. To be honest, it was probably still a bit cold even in london at the beginning of April for them.