Author Topic: Planning to plant brassicas - first time!!! (Read 2614 times)

suziequeue · « **on:** August 08, 2012, 07:46:02 pm »

Well - we have finally got some semblance of an allotment together and I thought that I would plant some brassica plants.

I am getting eight each of:
Cabbage Duncan
Spring cabbage spring hero
Spring green winter jewel and
Sprouting broccoli claret AGM

All the stuff on the web about preparing brassica beds mention the importance of having plenty of ll rotted manure etc etc.

Because our soil is so poor I am planning to plant them in big holes filled with.... well - sounds like I should just fill them with pure manure........

Would this be acceptable??

We have access to an unlimited supply of free, very mature manure....

lachlanandmarcus · « **Reply #1 on:** August 08, 2012, 08:16:53 pm »

I mixed topsoil and very well rotted manure half and half and had very good results. However Im not sure that manure alone would have the complete balance of nutrients by itself?
Having said that I find brassicae the most exciting crop to grow - Im not sure why really, they just do it for me!!

Mammyshaz · « **Reply #2 on:** August 08, 2012, 11:38:51 pm »

Make sue it is WELL rotted as fresh manure can damage plants and especially young, tender roots.

I dig in fresh manure in autumn ready to plant in the plot in spring so it has time to mature.

Hope this helps

deepinthewoods · « **Reply #3 on:** August 09, 2012, 12:13:12 am »

brassicas prefer heavy topsoil, break the soil to a reasonable tilth and plant the plants up to the growing tip, im assuming your planting plugs or seedlings? then once the plants are growing, topdress with the manure.
brassicas have such a small root system for the size of the plant that you try to make the plant feel stable by planting deep, then encourage the rootball by top dressing. manure rich soil will make them grow too lushly to be strong for the winter.
another tip is to soak them in compost tea as you plant them.
and i agree brassicas are the best,they provide the most lb / ft2

lachlanandmarcus · « **Reply #4 on:** August 09, 2012, 07:28:10 am »

also the regimented rows of impressive globes makes you feel like you have achieved the 'lovely old chap' award - the ones at the allotments who only grow military rows of brassicae and who have perfected the art over about 50 years!

suziequeue · « **Reply #5 on:** August 09, 2012, 10:30:02 am »

ooooh YES lachlanandmarcus.

I do have that picture in my mind of how the rows are going to look

Lesley Silvester · « **Reply #6 on:** August 09, 2012, 05:00:13 pm »

Brassicas like the soil to be firmed round their roots. I usually tread it down.

suziequeue · « **Reply #7 on:** August 12, 2012, 08:48:48 am »

What about the lime issue?

I am planing to ix top soil with well rotted manure and plant the plugs into that.

I know that manure and lime don't mix but I also heard that lime is important for brassicas.

How do I reconcile the two??