Wanted - Idiot's Guide to Growing Brassicas

[mogs]

I'm getting really frustrated with trying to grow Brassica seedlings.

Every single time I plant seed (in modules), the seedlings come up fine - only to suffer damping off. I've tried watering from the bottom, stopped growing them on the windowsill in preference for a cold greenhouse (think I read somewhere humidity knocks em for six) and even left them to go almost bone dry before watering. This year I bought John Innes No1, instead of using multi-purpose compost, in an attempt to give them a better chance.

I'm thinking of abandoning modules and just growing in a seedbed on the lottie - I'm going to try again this week, as I'm a determined b*ggar and don't like to be beaten - so all you clever peeps who can grow brassicas, take pity on an idiot and tell me how the hell it's done.

[Pies]

Well my complicated method is

1.Fill modules with MPC
2.Place one seed per pot
3.Cover with 1/4" mpc
4.water and place in unheated/low heat greenhouse,cloche etc
5. transplant to larger pot when second set of true leaves are formed,when transplanting i plant up to the seed leaves and firm well and water i dont use any heat for germination i just avoid the frosts
6. Plant out

So far it works ok for me

[mogs]

Me thinks you are gifted or have special powers - I've tried all that and still they snuff it!

[zazen999]

Mine is:

Module filled with compost. Sow, cover and tamp down compost - soak in water and drain off.

Leave and they should germinate.

Water once a week unless it is hot, if it is, then put outdoors as they don't like it too warm.

Transplant when about 2 inches high into seed bed; and put into final position when you have space. Cover with netting any time they are outdoors to stop the cabbage whites.

If you've got damping off; then the soil is too wet; what about putting getting some modules, and cutting them up into 4s; and then sowing 4 different types [one in each module] and place the 4s in different places. Greenhouse, indoors, cold frame, lottie - and see if one makes it through.


[Personally, I don't use JI compost at all; far too heavy].

[PAULW]

MOGS
STEP AWAY FROM THE WATERING CAN LEAVE IT
It looks like you are a drowner like me, give the compost a good soak leave for a day then sow the seed, only water seedlings with tap water untill they get their proper leafs, only water when the seed tray is light not just because the top of the compost looks dry, and as you say water from the bottom.

[Bigmallly]

You're not on your own mogs. I can get them to germinate in trays no problem. It's when I put them in peat pots or modules they die. Could it be the transplanting?......Do they not like to be moved.

[PAULW]

Bigmally I grow them in cells and the buggers still die.

[Bigmallly]

Me thinks Tesco & Asda are tampering with the seeds............

[zazen999]

BM - I transplanted some sown in little modules last week into big single modules and they have all survived. Are you sure you lot aren't being too fussy; they are tough little blighters and the stems should be quite sturdy if grown hard enough. In fact, I tip out the old module, squish the compost to separate them and then plonk them into fresh stuff; water and leave them be.

[Paulottie]

Mogs, I'd say that perhaps either your compost is no good or your over watering or using butt water...use tap.

Wash any equipment that has been used with ***** fluid and water the compost with Cheshunt compound before sowing to be sure....you really shouldn't need to water again till they are up (if you have a lid it helps)

I sow direct to modules 2 or 3 seeds in each thinning to the strongest....occasionally transplanting if I get a miss.

[Jimmy]

Advise for once your seedlings grow ...

1) I was advised by an old "allotmenter" to never buy plants or take plants of anyone and always grow your own from seed. This way you avoid importing club root.

2) Cut an old compost bag into 6" squares, usually one side is black. Cut a slit to centre and fit round you plants when you plant out. Hold them down with a few small stones. This virtually eliminates the cabbage root fly problem.

3) If you don't have nets then inspect them daily for butterfly eggs. Crush the clumps with your fingers, yukky.
Jimmy

[gorgeousgrower]

I've had exactly the same problem mogs. Not sure why I sowed them in the greenhouse to start with as the seed packet says sow outside anyway. AND I clearly overwatered them.

So I'm on my second sowing in a seed tray outside and we'll see what happens.

Let us all know what happens with your new batch.

[mogs]

I'm gonna do a bit of tuff lovin' They can crawl on their knees and croak for water and I'm witholding it.

[teakdesk]

...stopped growing them on the windowsill in preference for a cold greenhouse...

For me that is the problem, not damping off.

You have gone from growing behind glass (window) to growing behind glass (greenhouse). Even on days that feel cold to us humans the sun shining through glass will kill seedlings.

Some seedlings can stand the heat but brassicas are killed extra easily this way.

Once the seedlings are showing pop them outside in a wind-free place.

[mogs]

Oooh that's really tuff love - withdraw water and kick em out into the cold - never an approach I used with my little human seedlings - but if it means I can get the same sense of satisfaction when I proudly sent my babies (19 and 21 years later!!) out into the big wide world confident that they'll take what life throws at em - it'll do for me!! It's obviously the nurturer in me- human babies don't need their Mum anymore, but veg babies do - am I old and sad - I am aren't I??