gherkins

[wheatleys wheels]

I have planted some gherkin seeds. I've tried 3 times now and am not sure what I'm doing wrong. I get the seeds to germinate and get as far as the first 2 leaves (so now I have seedlings). without moving them (as I understand their roots dont like to be moved) they end up wilting and dieing. I water them to keep the soil moist, in a deepish planting tray. I obviously would like any advice to get them to last to a plant? Any ideas anyone?

[Flummery]

They could be too moist. Like courgette and cucumbers there's a danger that they can rot off if too wet. You might be killing them with kindness! Can't think of anything else that would topple them iof they've got that far.

[kernowyon]

i agree with Flummery, probably too moist, have grown gerkins in greenhouse for last 4 years and found that just planting directly in a bed helps. to be honest, once in the greenhouse they tend to be slightly neglected (but not too much )

have just ended last jar of pickles from last year so am glad that this years batch are well on the way.

[Grovsey]

can you grow gherkins outside?

[kernowyon]

have tried to grow them outside, but yields are not as good as in greenhouse, they do suffer from cold, wind, heavy rain etc,

but if you have a nice warm, sheltered spot, try them and see, they have two choices and you may be lucky

[wheatleys wheels]

I've tried inside and ouit the inside ones keep dying like the outside so will have to keep them drier and see how they go as you guys are probably right about me loving them too much... difficult to decide. thank you for all your advice.