Cabbage seedlings withering - please help

Hoopie

I have tried to grow two varieties of cabbage seedlings. They germinate ok but once they reach about 1 inch tall they just wither and die. This has happened to all of them (about 20 so far). I have used a good seed compost and all my other veg have done very well in it.

Am I watering too much/too little, using wrong compost etc? Should I be planting directly into the soil?

I can't find any info about this on this site or on the internet. I am trying my 3rd planting now.

Any ideas anyone?
Many thanks

ukbill69

Are you keeping them moist and not wet, Im learning the key to all good growth is good watering. Im finding that my ones, ok this is first time Ive done cabbage (primo) like you, finding the first set of leaves die and new ones grow. My ones are 2" tall now and still look good.

serena

Is the lower part of the stem nearest the compost thin and brown? If so, then it is 'damping off' - a disease that affects seedliongs.

I have had problems, and although you can spray with a copper fungicide (Cheshunt compound - is it still available??) I haven't found it always works.

I have tried various techniques, and have had some success this year by sowing the seeds on the top of the compost (not too firmed down) and covering with perlite, not too much, but enough to cover the compost.

I also try not to water too much - one water, then leave as long as I think I can get away with.I still lost all my aster seedlings though, but as I have as usual sown far far more things than I have any hope of fitting in to the tiny spaces that are left., it's not too bad a problem!