BRASSICAS

 

Developing cauliflower plants produce large waxy grey green leaves.

A mature cauliflower showing the white developing flower head, the part which is eaten.

Savoy cabbages have curly succulent leaves which make up the head of this vegetable.

Broccoli are one of the easiest brassica to grow and varieties are available all year round.

These common garden vegetables including cabbages, cauliflowers and broccoli have been a success on the farm this winter and spring. These first trial plantings did well and seem to be suited to my heavy soils.

Brassicas For Hobby Farm

I expect other brassicas such as Brussels sprouts, Savoy cabbages, kohlrabi, turnips and Swedes would also do well on the farm as they have similar growing requirements to the more commonly grown cabbages and broccoli.

Countless Varieties Throughout The World

Having been cultivated in central and western Europe since prehistoric times, countless varieties are now grown throughout the world. Doing best when conditions are cool and moist they are often planted in autumn then harvested in spring in temperate zones. Brassicas developed in Asian regions are now more common and provide a new range of tasty and easy to grow vegetables. Examples include Chinese chard, pak choi and Chinese kale. Some brassica varieties have also been developed for warmer climates and can be grown in summer if sufficient water is available.

Soil And Space Are Important

Brassicas require a well drained soil rich in organic matter and are susceptible to root diseases if planted in the same location for several seasons. A fertilizer rich in nitrogen should also be added in order to develop large healthy leaves. Avoid planting brassicas too close and follow the recommended planting distance. Inexperienced gardeners often fail to understand how large these plants will become when mature. A 30cm to 50cm spacing should suffice for large growing varieties such as cabbages, cauliflowers, broccoli and Brussels sprouts.

Effective Control Of Insects And Weeds

They are also quickly attacked by cabbage white butterfly larvae, snails, slugs and aphids, however, early intervention can minimize damage to the crop. Keeping the area weed free and encouraging the presence of beneficial insects will also help to control aphids and other sap sucking insects. An application of the biological control agent Bacillus thuringiensis, available in nurseries, has proven to be an effective control measure for insect larvae such as those of the cabbage white butterfly and other leaf eating grubs.

Brassicas Seedlings

The more common brassicas are available throughout the year in nurseries. Look for seedlings with clean fresh clean leaves that are free of insect damage. Avoid old tough looking seedlings with thickened woody stems as these seedlings will be slower to become established on transplanting. Brassicas are easy to grow from seed, a packet contains enough seed for a year round supply of these health giving plants.

Having experienced some early success with these crops, I plan to experiment with techniques for growing these popular vegetables on a larger scale at some stage in the future.