Posted: Thu Apr 07, 05 9:48 am Post subject: Brassica Seedlings?
I always have trouble with brassica seedlings. They germinate nicely in little modules, look happy, and then turn all ashy and die. Not always, but far too often. I'm keeping them moist without drowning them... What am I doing wrong?
some people swear by placing a small piece of rhubarb in the planting hole when transplanting them in. never grown brassicas myself so haven't any experience.
Treacodactyl Downsizer Moderator
Joined: 28 Oct 2004 Posts: 25795 Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism
Posted: Thu Apr 07, 05 11:02 am Post subject:
They don't like acid soil. Last year our little plants had cabbage root fly while still in the seed tray.
They don't like acid soil. Last year our little plants had cabbage root fly while still in the seed tray.
Oh, I know they don't like acid soil. Sown directly in the ground in our limey soil they seem happy, but sometimes it's nice to get them grown on a bit indoors first, they fight off pests more readily that way.
Treacodactyl Downsizer Moderator
Joined: 28 Oct 2004 Posts: 25795 Location: Jumping on the bandwagon of opportunism
Posted: Thu Apr 07, 05 11:08 am Post subject:
Can you make your own blend of compost with your garden soil or even add some chalk to your potting composts?
Most of the contributors to a recent bit on brassicas in the Kitchen garden mag started their brassicas in cells and pots. They generally thought it gave them a better chance when planting out and sprnikling some lime directly into the planting hole improved their chances further against club root. Barrier methods against root fly were succesful but affected the plant through less water getting to the roots or even strangling it. Covering form the start was thought the best method, fleece or mesh.