[jambop]

I usually grow this sown straight into the ground but want to try some early stuff. Has anybody tried sowing into a tray for germination then thinned into small pots and then transplanting when the weather is better? I find I get problems with flea beetle and bolting when it get too warm so my thought was get the crop going in the poly tunnel and finish outside when warm but not blisteringly hot and maybe avoid beetle damage along the way.

[mumofstig]

Has anybody tried sowing into a tray for germination then thinned into small pots and then transplanting when the weather is better?

I sow mine like this for follow-on Autumn planting, they don't work for me as a Spring crop - but then your climate  is different to mine.

[Enfield Glen]

I always start mine off at home. I have some germinated already and will shortly be planting them out under cloches. This way I get an early crop from the allotment when there is not much else around and they are protected from the beetles.

[jambop]

Well the advice seems to be its worth a try so I have sown some seed and will thin into two inch pot when they are ready.
mumofstig... to be honest you would be surprise to know that the heat causes as much problem as cold. I find the bolt when the sun get hot in May.

[snow white]

 I grew mine in the polytunnel completely.  On a shelf, in the spring.  No flea beetle at all.  Keep in the polytunnel up high.

[mumofstig]

mumofstig... to be honest you would be surprise to know that the heat causes as much problem as cold.

I wouldn't - I lived on a Greek island for several years  I'm not sure which is easier to deal with, the interminable grey winter here or too much heat in Summer there!

[jambop]

mumofstig... to be honest you would be surprise to know that the heat causes as much problem as cold.

I wouldn't - I lived on a Greek island for several years  I'm not sure which is easier to deal with, the interminable grey winter here or too much heat in Summer there!

Even hotter but more importantly probably drier too ?  There are times when I would like a cooler growing environment to be honest but then my summer stuff would not half as good... veg growing there is never a easy option I am going to grow some for the autumn because we do get good growing weather into late autumn down here I should not complain because we never have it parched dry here there is always some rain.