just to add, last year i grew a few varietys from seed. this went well, when they were 2inch tall i potted them into 3inch pots. i had a similar problem here in which most, 80pc, all just wilted and drooped and never recovered.

this is what prompted me to buy these established plug plants hoping to avoid the same problem.

the soil i used this time, i bought a big bag from the garden centre of "Seed and Cutting Soil" and all i have done is mixed with some sharp sand as i do this with all my soils. Ratio of 7 soil to 1 sand.

i never have this problem when potting up houseplants and mature plants. but with young and seedlings, i just cant seem to provide the right care. thus is very frustrating as i have been very gentle so i know i havent disturbed the roots.

any ideas to help me before i risk the rest of the plug plants will be very appreciated.

By far the most common cause of death for young transplants is over-watering. Even when we are sure we aren't doing that, we are.

But in your case I'd have to say the mix you are using is the primary problem. Transplants and seedlings in small containers will thrive in just about any soil-less potting mix. But they will consistently struggle in any mix that contains soil (dirt) as it drains poorly and compacts leading to root suffocation and death. And sand, contrary to some claims does not improve drainage unless used in very large amounts. But sharp sand can be quite damaging to young roots.

You don't mention what brand of soil you bought so I can't comment on the particular problems it may have except to say you can't believe everything the manufacturers say or show on the bag labels. But the addition of sand to any mix benefits only succulents.

Some reading here in the FAQs and the previous discussions (as well as on the Container Gardening forum) will show consistently strong recommendations for using only soil-less potting mixes in containers.

Dave

Brandywhisky, does the bag really say "soil". I hear people calling what is technically not soil, soil, all the time, even when it's not. I haven't seen soilless mix labeled as soil, but wouldn't be surprised if I did see it. In any case, the bag should (hopefully) say what's in the mix.

Dump one of the plants out and check soil moisture levels, or stick a finger way down into the mix. As Dave alluded to, it's a common thing to see very dry looking potting mix on top but have it soaking wet down at the bottom of the pot.

As the others say your planting mix is too wet. If you are going to add anything to your mix it should be perlite for drainage. I never have this problem but I only use pro mix for seed starting and transplanting and I make sure it is moist but not wet. I mix my soil with warm water before filling my pots and I squeeze a handful and only a small trickle of water comes out. If it's more than that I add more of the mix

I may be way out but I'm wondering from the spelling and the vocabulary if the OP may be in the UK. In which case the Seed and Cuttings mix would probably be labelled 'compost'. If so it's soilless and the right thing to use. So I'd suspect a watering issue. Some pictures would be helpful. If they were droopy after only one day it sounds more like under than over-watering. Exactly how and when are you doing the watering, brandywhisky?