Brassicas

Leafy vegetables or brassicas include cabbages, brussel sprouts, broccoli, kale and cauliflowers.

Preparing the ground for Brassicas

To prepare the ground for brassicas dig well in Autumn and add Garden Lime if soil is acidic. Then leave the ground as they require firm soil. It is also a good idea to add fertiliser, for example Growmore or organic Chicken Manure Pellets just before planting out.

Sowing Brassica Seeds

Seeds should be sown in modules using Surestart Seed & Cutting Compost and then transplanted at 5-7 weeks. Sowing times vary depending on variety. When transplanting use your foot to press the ground around the roots firmly to ensure the seedlings are well anchored. Water as soon as they are transplanted to reduce the risk of stress.

It is a good idea to use collars when growing brassicas to protect from cabbage root fly.

Brassica Seeds to try include:

• Unwins Broccoli Early Purple Sprouting
• Unwins Cauliflower ‘Snow Crown’

Or select from our Gro-sure range of brassicas, many of which are resistant to Club Root.

Products mentioned on this page

• Garden Lime Soil Conditioner
• Growmore Garden Fertiliser
• Earth Matters Chicken Manure Pellets
• Surestart Seed & Cutting Compost