[helluvatractor]

hi, i sowed a few module trays of brassicas in ther greenhouse : purple sprouting, winter cauli , kale etc a couple of weeks ago, the seedlings have come up fine, but i notice about a third have died.

the stem just above the compost has become thin and seedling toppled over.   i'm guessing its because of them being too damp and rotting.

thing is, i have had none of this problem all during spring and summer.  i'm just wondering what i can do to avoid this problem in the future.  i only water when i think they need it,  and i use a general purpose compost which i sieve first. would it be worth mixing some sand in?

any help greatly appreciated, thanks

[Yorkie]

It sounds like they have 'damped-off'

See this from the RHS for more info
http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/Profile.aspx?pid=151

[mumofstig]

just make sure that the compost is barely damp. At this time of year they need very little in the way of water.
Have you got windows open so that there is some air movement?

But aren't you sowing these a bit late for them to do anything  

[DD.]

But aren't you sowing these a bit late for them to do anything  

Beat me to it!

[Aunt Sally]

I'd say they were too late too.  Over wintering brassicas should be set out by now to establish a root system before the cold wether starts.