Could my seed compost be too dry?

Cold frame or cold greenhouse would be better. Straight outdoors is still a little early.

I would also suggest that one teaspoon of water per cell may be overdoing it. Tiny seedlings simply don't need lots of water. The soil should be damp, touch the surface lightly with a dry finger and if some soil sticks then its fine.

As others have said brassicas hate warmth. Mine go in an unheated greenhouse with the door open. If we get forecast for a severe frost of more than -5'C (and given my location that's very rare) I might consider shutting the door overnight.

Those that still get a bit leggy in the stem department get planted deep up to the lowest set of leaves.

Quote from: Nikkithefoot on February 25, 2012, 12:19

I would also suggest that one teaspoon of water per cell may be overdoing it.

One teaspoon a week in a warm environment over-doing it?

Good point, but how warm is warm? Even if I have things indoors I rarely water them regularly ie weekly I do it as they need it. Also I guess it might also depend on the size of the individual cells, air flow, proximity to heat source, etc. Bottom line though is brassicas don't want or need to be in a warm environment.