Brassicas

Where to grow Brassicas (cabbages, cauliflowers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and similar) like lots of light. Remember, too, that they need firm ground – you’re likely to get weaker plants if your soil is light and fluffy. Getting started It’s always worth starting them off in a seed bed in summer or in seedtrays in a greenhouse in spring, then planting them outdoors at the final spacing when they’re 10-15cm high. When transplanting, puddle them in using plenty of water, to make sure their roots are in good contact with the soil. F1 hybrid varieties will grow with more vigour and many will offer greater resistance to disease. Problem solving Club root will stunt brassicas, leading to poor results, so avoid growing them in affected sites. This fungal disease is more prevalent in acid soils with poor drainage, so deter it by adding lime to reduce acidity, and improve drainage with sharp sand and grit. In summer, cover plants with finemesh netting to keep off cabbage white butterflies; in winter use wider-mesh netting to protect from pigeons. Put felt collars round stem bases to deter cabbage root fly. Keep down weeds, which can harbour pests and diseases, and avoid disturbing the shallow roots of brassicas with the hoe. Stake topheavy Brussels sprouts in winter.