[Benandbill]

About 4 weeks ago I put 3 or 4 cabbage seeds per individual cell in those small green seed trays you can get.  Also did caulis about 2 weeks ago.  Also in the cells I put 2 or 3 chicken pellets to assist with growth,  However, All that has happened is 1 (out of approx 24 - 32) cabbage seed grew to about half an inch in height and then flopped.  The compost I'm using is left over from last year, and it's not as moistas when it's fresh.  Could it e this?

[DD.]

When you say "not as moist", did you not water it as well?

Seedlings do not need a lot of feed. Chicken manure pellets are pretty potent and this could be your problem.

I've sown 3 year old seed into last year's compost. Out of 40 modules, I've got 41 plants, (that comes of having 5 thumbs on each hand at sowing time!).

Where were the seeds kept whilst you awaited germination?

[Benandbill]

I give every cell a teaspoon of water about once a week.  They've been kept on window sills.  Maybe they're not warm enough?  I have a feeeling you might be right about the chicken pellets DD.  Thanks!

[DD.]

If they're in the house they are probably too warm! Brassicas need very little heat.  A teaspoon of water once a week is not very much either.

[Benandbill]

The caulis in the spare room upstairs seem to be taking quite well and that window ledge has a radiator underneath.  The solitary cabbage seedling has perked up as well in the kitchen window after watering.  Think I'll start off a new tray of cabbage seedlings this weekend with less pellets and try them upstairs...  If I can take my eyes off the sport for a minute! 

[DD.]

Your choice if you're keeping them inside, but consider this thread, (and many similar that have gone before it).

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=89973.0

I would advise against it. It would be interesting to see a photo of the plants.

[sunshineband]

You can only advise, DD

Decisions are then down to individuals 

[sowitgrowit]

The caulis in the spare room upstairs seem to be taking quite well and that window ledge has a radiator underneath.  The solitary cabbage seedling has perked up as well in the kitchen window after watering.  Think I'll start off a new tray of cabbage seedlings this weekend with less pellets and try them upstairs...  If I can take my eyes off the sport for a minute! 

Don't take my word for it, but I don't think you need less pellets; none whatsoever may be better. Seeds don't need to be fertilised to germinate,nor do seedlings need it to grow, for a while at least.

I think seedlings compost has less nutrients than multi purpose because too much of the good stuff can overwhelm new seedlings.

As I say, I'm no expert bit there are plenty on here who will be able to confirm one way or the other

[sunshineband]

sowitgrowit has the measure of things 

[DD.]

That's why I said the chicken pellets could be part of the problem. I still also say that they will be too warm indoors.

However, as Sunny implies, they're not my plants,  know mine are doing really well where they are. I've passed on my advice and will move on to the next thread.

My advice has been given, if it's ignored, I'm not bothered, it didn't cost me anything, but why ask in the first place?

[sowitgrowit]

sowitgrowit has the measure of things 

There's something you don't hear very often!

[Benandbill]

Last year and year before seeds germinated well indoors.  Was thinking of trying some cabbage upstairs as the caulis are doing well upstairs that's all.  I said I'd try less chicken pellets following advice that 'Chicken manure pellets are pretty potent and this could be your problem', now that I know the problem could be having any pellets at all, I think what I'll do is use no pellets at all...

Thank you all !! 

Oh and will try a few outside as well as upstairs as am sure DD's godliness extends beyond peas 

[sunshineband]

DD's voice of experience is worth considering at many a turn 

[Benandbill]

Quite!!

I now have 4 very leggy cauli seeds on my hands.  I wonder if I potted them outside up to their necks now, if this would be the best way of rescuing them? 

[DD.]

This is what I said on another leggy seedling thread:

Yorkie's right and I don't think there's any probably about it when it comes to the warmth and light issue. Brassicas hate warmth!

Depending upon how leggy they are you can try salvaging them by re-potting them up to their leaves and getting them somewhere cooler, but they may be too fragile to do that.

To be quite honest, it's often easier sling them and start again. Somewhere frost free like an unheated greenhouse or cold frame would be ideal.