10 August 2008
PSB
Brassicas. Another vegetable type that we have never had any success with. If you’re wondering how we’ve ever kept going with this planting lark after all our failures, all I can say is that we’re northerners – we’re used to disappointment.
But no longer. Encouraged by my pea success and mindful of my crop rotation, I decided that it was time to do the right thing and break my brassica duck. We don’t really like cabbage or cauli or kale. Sprouts are good. But best of all is broccoli and very best of all is purple sprouting broccoli. Can that tender green taste be beaten? I don’t think so.
I thought it was best not to rely on my own efforts too heavily so I ordered young plants from Delfland who have served me well in the past. I already had some late PSB plants which have now been planted out, but I have also ordered some early and very early plants which should arrive soon. They’ll fit just nicely into the bed where the peas were.
Part of the reason for our brassica failure in the past has been the dreaded wood pigeons. So, project ‘Pigeon defence’ starts now. The first plants are in a deep bed that I’ve covered with netting until we can construct something a little roomier. I know that the little blighters can be very persistent (I know, they’re only hungry) so we’ll see how the protection goes. I’m not massively hopeful, I must admit.
Well, I’m a Yorkshire lass. Pessimism is in my blood.
Filed under: Veg showcase — Clare @ 5:43 pm
I use 3m? white plastic tubing (B&Q plumbing) bent into an arc and either pushed into the ground or slid over short stakes pushed into the ground (gives extra height). Then netting over the top and bricks/wood to hold down the edges. Works a treat.
There is a pic on my post of 27th February 2008.
(10.08.08 @ 8:42 pm)
I know you can do it! Don’t give up!
Brassicas are THE most satisfying crop, largely because they’re a bit of a challenge. Just make that netting robust, and choose a fine mesh; then you keep the cabbage white butterflies out as well as the pigeons. Which saves a lot of grief. Also don’t forget to use brassica collars on the young plants to foil the cabbage root fly.
(11.08.08 @ 9:54 pm)
Hi easygardener – I don’t know whay I didn’t think of that myself as I’ve seen it in so many garden and allotments. Seems like a much more practical and sensible idea. I will investigate…
Hi Soilman – thanks for the words of encouragement, I do need them. Yes, my netting is a very fine mesh (for some reason we have masses of the stuff!), an dI have now invested in some brassica collars – hopfully it won’t be too late for the plants that are already out.
(13.08.08 @ 5:21 pm)