Seed sowing compostIm

[pawl]

I’m having problems with the above compost.I sowed Beetroot and Marigolds in pots .Both germinated . First leaves emerged .Something has nibbled the plants off at compost level,As I have had this problem before I put the pts on a sunny window sill. Can only think that there is something in the compost.

Might try a John Innes seed sowing compost Wondered if anyone else has experienced this problem.

 

[tom73]

Are you sure they’ve been eaten ? Are they totally missing or just keeled over ?
In which case its more likely to be damping off.

 

[raleighnut]

Are you sure they’ve been eaten ? Are they totally missing or just keeled over ?
In which case its more likely to be damping off.

My first thought too.

Try mixing some grit and vermiculite into the compost to improve drainage and reduce the fertiliser concentration.

 

[pawl]

Are you sure they’ve been eaten ? Are they totally missing or just keeled over ?
In which case its more likely to be damping off.

They are totally missing There is a fraction of the stem visible just below the surface. This happened last year as well prior to that I’ve not had a

Thanks for your answers.

 

[berty bassett]

Baby slugs ? Check rim of pot. May have had eggs in compost - little round milky balls

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Happens to me quite often, it's slugs.
I had good results starting seeds with coco coir (link might not work, the issue is getting fixed by @Shaun) but, of course, the minute you put the seedlings in the garden they get chomped on.