Chris Collins explains why we should all be growing some of these handy edibles this summer
Of all my allotment stalwarts, the brassicas are my favourites. These cruciferous vegetables are rich in nutrients and super versatile in the kitchen, with edible leaves, stems and flowers. And types of hardy Brassica oleraceas can be grown through even the coldest weather to be harvested as and when needed.
From purple-tinged kale and crinkly savoy to fragrant red cabbage and buttons of Brussels, there are too many brassicas to mention in this article but I’ve rounded up some of my favourites which you can grow now.
Cabbages
These tend to be grouped according to the season they can be harvested. So, if you sow each season, you could be cutting cabbage almost all year round. In a small garden, you’ll need a spot that they can call home for a prolonged period. Spring cabbage, for example, is sown now but won’t be ready for harvesting until the following spring. I sow seed 0.5cm deep in pots or a seedbed then thin or transplant to 30cm apart (45cm for larger heads).
Purple-sprouting broccoli
This brassica can also be planted outdoors now, 45cm apart. You could get one or two in a raised bed, and this will be plenty to feed a small family. With the right varieties, you can be harvesting tasty florets from autumn to late spring. Snip spears when they’re 10-20cm long, before flowers open. They taste almost like asparagus!
Broccoli raab
Or why not experiment with faster-growing brassicas such as broccoli raab as Lucy Chamberlain also suggests on page xx. Grown for its cut-and-come again, mustardy spears – these bushy plants can be grown in containers, and can cope with low temperatures.
Question & Answer
Q. My brassicas always get yellow leaves, what am I doing wrong?
A Brassicas can be a bit fussy about soil and need fertile conditions to flourish. Add plenty of organic matter to the planting site or grow a green manure in the autumn before planting. Mulch in the summer to conserve moisture and douse with an organic feed.
Q. My garden is very exposed, how do I stop my Brussels sprouts from toppling over?
A. The top-heavy stems can be rocked by the wind, so plant out the seedlings with the bottom leaves touching the soil and firm in well. You can add organic matter before planting to ensure they have a solid base, and pull or ‘earth-up’ soil around the stems as they grow.
Q. How do I harvest leaves from my spring cabbages?
A. The beauty of spring cabbages is they have multiple uses. They can be snipped for loose leaves, or, if you have space, leave them to mature until they form pointed heads, which can be harvested whole. Stumps will also sprout smaller cabbages – encourage this by cutting crosses into the stems 1cm deep when you harvest.
For more advice on organic gardening head to gardenorganic.org.uk, where you can also find out how to become a member and support the charity Garden Organic.
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