On 15 May, 16:53, "Bob Hobden" wrote:
"beamer" *wrote





This is my first post as a veggie gardener! We have started our first
veggie plot this year and have sown some cabbage seeds outside (as per
instructions on packet).

Unlike everything else we have planted, we only have a few (~6 from
one entire packet) miniscule seedlings. Do I need to be concerned or
are they just slow to get going? A couple of these 5 mm high seedlings
seem to have burnt edges to their leaves. They were planted a few
weeks ago.

Every other seed sown at the same time, are probably 1.5" to 4" high.

Veggie patch was lawn up until late last year. Removed turf and dug in
multipurpose compost. Has sun for most of the day.Sandy soil. I'm in
sunny(?) Dorset.

Other things planted which are doing far better include Rhubarb,
Asparagus, tomatoes, basil, runner beans, sweetcorn, beetroot, swede.
The plot isn't big (at all!) but I wanted to try a wider variety to
see what would do well.

All comments welcome.

My first thought was Flea Beetle as we can't grow brassicas outside in the
soil from seed as they kill the seedlings before they can grow through it.
We get a nice line of germinating plants one day and nothing the next.
However you say your Swedes are OK and they are also a brassica and would
also suffer. Do your little plants have tiny holes in the leaves?
Next thought was the pH of your plot, have you checked it?Cabbageslike it
above pH 7 so they have a chance to avoid Club Root.

Try planting them in a seed tray and transplanting when big enough which is
what we do.

--
Regards
Bob Hobden- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Thanks - next year I'll try trays I think then, Sounds like best
option.

I've no idea of the PH but I'll get a tester anyway. I would of
thought though the swede would be affected in the same way of the PH
was wrong?

No little holes that I can see but the seedlings are so small I need a
magnifying glass to be sure!

Just been out to check and have now got the first signs of black fly
on the toms and a few slugs on the beans - let battle commence!

Thanks.