Brassica's

This group also includes Swedes, Turnips, Radish, Chinese Cabbage, Kale & Kohl Rabi.

Soil preparation is the same for all Brassicas, they  need fertile soil as they are hungary feeders so to get the best crop make sure that the soil is well manured before planting. Dig well in the Autumn and work into the soil plenty of well rotted manure or compost, and consider feeding an organic liquid fertiliser in the summer. They also need an alkaline Soil at around 6.5 - 7.5 ph. If you get a chance to test the soil in the autumn and its below 6.5 consider applying lime.

Consider creating a collar for around the base of the plant when growing to prevent 'Cabbage Root Fly'  Click Here for more details on the Pests and Diseases that can affect Brassica's.

 When planting the crop into its final growing place ensure that you firm down well around the base of the plant.  As the plant grows it will overtime become very heavy and unless its planted well will become unstable.

Brussel Sprouts

Traditional hardy winter vegetable, and a favourite for the Christmas table.

"Hybrid Varieties"  - Picked when small and firm.
"Standard Varieties" -  Can be picked over a longer period i.e 'Early Half Tall'

Sowing & Transplanting

Under cover early Spring for a harvest in September.
Followed by the main sowing outdoors in shallow, drills 2.5cm deep and 15 cm apart in May.
Water the seedlings before lifting & transplanting. Space 60x60 cm's apart, or 45 x 45cm apart for compact varieties.

Maintenance

Control weeds with the occasional hoeing.
Feed with a liquid organic fertiliser in the summer.

Harvesting

Start picking from the bottom as soon as the sprouts are big enough. Some varieties are grown to crop all at the same time, which is ideal for freezing.

Storing

These are best frozen as a method of storing. Pick the sprouts when they are firm and young. Soak in cold water before blanching for 10-15 minutes. Allow to cool then seal in a plastic bag before putting in the freezer.

Cabbage

There are several types of Cabbages which if grown successionally can produce crops all year round.  They broadly fall into three groups Spring, Summer and Winter.

Sowing & Transplanting

Cabbages need a lot of room to grow so when transplanting to their final growing place space 45 x 60cm apart. For smaller varieties or to produce a smaller head you can reduce this to 45 x 45cm.

Maintenance

Control weeds with the occasional hoeing.
Consider creating a colour around the base of the plant when growing to prevent 'Cabbage Root Fly'
Feed with a liquid organic fertiliser just as the heads begin to develop. 
You may consider covering with netting that is raised slightly away from the plant. This is to prevent the 'Cabbage White' Butterfly from landing and laying their eggs.

Harvesting

When the head is fully grown or has developed to the size you require, use a sharpe knife to cut the head from the stalk. Don't forget that any damaged outerleaves are great for the compost bin.

Storing

Cabbages are mainly picked when required but they can be kept for a short while. Pick the heads and remove any damaged outerleaves. Store in a straw lined box in a cool dry place. They should be checked regularily, but can be kept in this way for a couple of months.

Cauliflower

known to be the more difficult of the Brassicas to grown you can get a successful crop if you get the conditions right. The soil needs to be particularily good and you need to ensure you protect the heads during growth.

Sowing & Transplanting

Cauliflower need a lot of room to grow so when transplanting to their final position space  45 x 45cm apart for Summer/Autumn harvesting and 55x55cm apart for Winter varieties. Small varieties can be positioned as close together as 15-20cm apart.

Maintenance

Control weeds with the occasional hoeing.
Consider creating a colour around the base of the plant when growing to prevent 'Cabbage Root Fly'
Feed with a liquid organic fertiliser just as the heads begin to develop. 
You may consider covering with netting that is raised slightly away from the plant. This is to prevent the 'Cabbage White' Butterfly from landing and laying their eggs.
Water as frequently as possible.
When the 'Curds' appear bend a couple of the outer leaves and cover the head to try and prevent damage.

Harvesting

When the head is fully grown or has developed to the size you require, use a sharpe knife to cut the head from the stalk. Don't forget that any damaged outerleaves are great for the compost bin.

Storing

Cauliflower don't keep well. You can freeze by cutting into florests and soaking in cold water. Then blanch for 3 minutes before rapidly cooling and placing in a plastic bag to put in the freezer.

Calabrese (Known as Broccoli, has a single large green head)

Most people don't realise that what we know in the Supermarket as 'Broccoli' is actually called Calabrese. Broccoli is very similar, but instead of producing one big head it produces many individual florets which can be picked when needed.

There are several types of Calabrese which if grown successionally can produce crops all year round.  They are one of the easiest Brassicas to grow and many people have great success.

Sowing & Transplanting

Calabrese don't need quite as much room to grow as its cousins. so when transplanting to their final growing place space 15 x 30cm apart.

Maintenance

Control weeds with the occasional hoeing.
Consider creating a collar around the base of the plant when growing to prevent 'Cabbage Root Fly'
Feed with a liquid organic fertiliser just as the heads begin to develop. 
You may consider covering with netting that is raised slightly away from the plant. This is to prevent the 'Cabbage White' Butterfly from landing and laying their eggs.

Harvesting

When the heads are ready, use a sharpe knife to cut from the stalk.

Storing

Broccoli doesn't keep that well, but you can freeze the florests. Soak in cold water, then blanch for 3 minutes before rapidly cooling and placing in a plastic bag to put in the freezer.

Purple Sprouting Broccoli

These produce high yeils of individual florets and are generally hardier and easier to grown that the 'Calabrese' variety.

Sowing & Transplanting

Calabrese need a lot of room to grow so when transplanting to their final growing place space 60 x 60cm apart. For smaller varieties or to produce a smaller head you can reduce this to 45 x 45cm.

Maintenance

Control weeds with the occasional hoeing.
Consider creating a colour around the base of the plant when growing to prevent 'Cabbage Root Fly'
Feed with a liquid organic fertiliser just as the heads begin to develop. 
You may consider covering with netting that is raised slightly away from the plant. This is to prevent the 'Cabbage White' Butterfly from landing and laying their eggs.

Harvesting

When the head is fully grown or has developed to the size you require, use a sharpe knife to cut the head from the stalk. Don't forget that any damaged outerleaves are great for the compost bin.

Storing

Cabbages are mainly picked when required but they can be kept for a short while. Pick the heads and remove any damaged outerleaves. Store in a straw lined box in a cool dry place. They should be checked regularily, but can be kept in this way for a couple of months.