Help with Cabbage, Cauli, Brussels

[Chuffer]

Hi all
Can anyone help? I have sown the above seed indoors and then transplanted into trays. They seem to do ok, but then just shrivel and die off. I'm baffled. It's my first year trying to stock an allotment.
Chuffer

[shirlthegirl43]

Hello and welcome to the vine Chuffer.

I am a learner grower myself but I think what you are experiencing is called 'damping off'. I tend to plant into cell trays - one seed per cell into damp compost. I don't water unless they really start to get dry and then do it with a water spray so that I don't over wet. The cells are big enough to give the plants a good start and by the time they get planted out they have passed the stage for damping off.

I am probably totally wrong though and quite prepared to be corrected by the more experienced grapes.

You could always cheat a little and buy a few plants at the local farmer's market or garden centre so that you know something is growing - might take the pressure off and give you time to get your technique right.

[TPeers]

Most brassica seed is big enough to handle individually, so I suggest don't bother with indoors - it's warm enough outside - sow one seed per small pot (2") and put the pots into a tray. Try to keep the tray where slugs and snails can't get to it or you still won't get any plants! When you want to water, put the water in the tray - not in the pot.

As the plants get to about 4"-6" you can plant them out (about 6-8 true leaves) - remember the old adage of one for the plate three for the plot then you won't be too upset by the inevitable losses to slugs, snails, pigions, caterpillers, the cat peeing on them etc....

When you plant out, put the plant in deep - up to the first true leaves - and remember to firm the soil very well. Loose soil equals loose hearts and you don't want to spoil all the hard work!