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Should I direct sow my
brassicas...?
Dear
Martin...
I have another question
for you. I really want Dr Hessayon to write a book on raised bed
vegetable gardening, it seems to be a very different activity to
traditional beds.
Every packet of Cauliflower/Cabbage says to plant seeds in a seed tray and then transplant to final locations. They never say plant in-situ and thin out. With a raised bed 6-feet by 4-feet, I know from experience that I can grow 11 really good cabbages (4-3-4). From my point of view, it would be easiest to mark out the positions, plant three seeds in their final location, and thin out to leave the strongest seedling, no transplanting necessary. Is it different from the cabbage's point of view? All the best, Max
Martin says... Dear Max
Many thanks for your recent enquiry concerning direct sowing cabbages. Quite a few members of the brassica family have
traditionally been raised in seed trays, modules or seed beds and
then transplanted into their final growing position and there a
couple of main reasons for this; one is to help negate the threat
of club root in the soil by producing stronger plants with
established root systems and the other is to avoid taking up
valuable garden space - these plants are in the ground for a long
period anyway and growing from seed extends this ground occupation.
Some gardeners will grow a quick early crop of say peas or radish
whilst the cabbages are tucked up in their seed bed!
Transplants are also likely to require less
protection from the elements - they are hardier and of course are
planted out later in the season - although covering the plants is essential to
prevent birds and cabbage white butterfly caterpillars decimating
the crop, and don't forget cabbage collars to fend of cabbage root
fly.
Having said that, it's also widely recognised that
brassicas like firm, slightly compacted and undisturbed soil
conditions so direct sowing should suit them well.
If you don't desperately need the space the seedlings are taking up, have suitable amounts of fleece around to protect, ground conditions are suitable for germination (ie. not frozen, too cold or waterlogged) and the soil has been sufficiently limed to reduce the chances of club root, then I'd be incline to give direct sowing a whirl! You're probably aware that there are many types of cabbage around so make sure you follow the seed producer's recommended sowing times and have a few module-raised plants on standby just in case it all goes badly wrong, but it would be interesting to see how your plants turn out. If you get time or remember, I'd love to know what
happens and I'll suggest to our Kitchen Gardener Lynn that we try
something similar next year.
Martin |
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