"George" wrote in message
...
On this same topic: we have no trouble _starting_ seeds. But, after
we transplant them, some/all the plants develop a 'skinny neck'
condition where the stalk enters the ground.
...

Seedling stem collapse at the soil line is a common symptom of "Damping
Off". Our Cooperative Extension has a Pub on symptoms, causes,
corrections at:
http://cals.arizona.edu/pubs/crops/az1029.pdf

Olin