[vineweevil1]

I have already lost my first sowing of Calabrese but now my second lot are looking dodgy.   They are about 1" high and one of the leaves starts to shrivel, then the whole thing keels.  Some of the leaves look like they have tiny spots that are a bit pailer. they are in the greenhouse.

Any ideas?

[Kristen]

Damping off disease?

http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles1000/damping_off.asp

[Salmo]

Overwatering is the main cause of damping off. Most compost is damp enough for germination and seeds do not usually need watering in. When you water do so from the bottom and use tap water as rain water may contain bacteria and fungii that cause damping off.

[DD.]

Also brassicas do not want to be in a greenhouse. It can get very hot in the day and they don't like it.

My future sowings will be made in seed tray inserts outside.

[vineweevil1]

Thanks both, I have been trying to water sparingly re: the dampning off, but we did foget to open the g'house door the other day. Perhaps my 3rd sowing will be best done outside!

[DD.]

Sounds like you baked them, then!

[whippersnapper]

I think I may have made a similar mistake with some broccoli and 'cooked' them under a cloche. Some look healthy but others have the odd yellowing leaf. I've whipped the cover off now and will reserve for cold nights. Do you reckon they'll survive?

[DD.]

Brassicas are very hardy and capable of looking after themselves. They don't need cloches!

[andtiggertoo]

Better rush out and rescue those red cabbage seedlings from my mini tunnel !!

[DD.]

They won't come to harm providing it's not too hot!

The current mind set is that everything needs heat, (as opposed to warmth), to germinate and grow. This is death to things like brassicas.