![]() Don't take needless chances, even with "catch crops" of radishes. Rotate your crops, planting brassicas, of any kinds, in the same ground more often than once every four years runs the risk of club root infestation and once you have it, the ground is useless for up to a decade. Plant celery near to Cauliflower to repel the white cabbage butterfly.ĭon't plant cauliflower near strawberries or tomatoes - it doesn't like either. Rosemary, Thyme, Sage, Onions, Garlic, Beetroot, Chards. All these types are therefore richer in vitamins and minerals than other brassicas. The thick stems under the buds act as storage organs for nutrients, which would have gone into the flowers and eventual fruits had their development not been aborted. Drain them well and put them into freezer containers and into the freezer.Ĭauliflower is a variety of the common cabbage in which flowers have begun to form, but have stopped growing at the bud stage. Remove them from the boiling water, then put them into ice water for a few minutes. Separate the flowerettes, wash them well, and put them into boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes. Cut close to ground level with a sharp knife. Harvest when the flower shoots are firm and well-formed. Replace mulch as it deteriorates and pull weeds away from the plants.Ħ5 to 70 days. Then feed them with a good water-soluble fertilizer. Feed them with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer every two or three weeks until the point of production. Secure the plants' long leaves over the cauliflower heads to insure beautiful white heads.Ĭauliflower needs rich soil and adequate moisture for peak production. The curds may "yellow" if they receive too much sun, rain, or frost. The meat of the cauliflower heads are called curds. ![]() Mulch each plant to prevent soil erosion and to add nutrients to the soil as it decomposes. As you plant, put about a cup of root stimulator mixture into each hole along with a teaspoon of bonemeal to get the plants off to a robust start with strong roots and stems. Provide two or three plants for each family member. If you overcrowd cauliflower, they may not be able to reach their full potential. Plant only as deeply as the transplants are as they are removed from their containers. Space the plants 45cm (18in) apart in rows 60 to 90cm (24 to 36 in) apart. Water the day before moving, and keep well-watered until established. The seedlings are ready for transplanting when they are between 6 and 8cm high (2½ to 3in). Once the seeds have germinated, thin the seedlings to 7.5cm (3in) between each plant. Sow seeds 1.25cm (½in) deep and rows should be spaced 15cm (6in) apart. Seeds should be sown thinly, as this reduces the amount of future thinning necessary and potential risk from pests. Nearly all brassicas should be planted in a seedbed or in modules under glass and then transferred. Sow 4-6 weeks before the date you wish to plant them outdoors If your soil is acidic, it should be sweetened up by adding lime. Cow manure is good but just don't overdo it, as the manure may cause a build up of salt in the soil. Rabbit and chicken manures are good ones to use. ![]() ![]() Barnyard manures should be aged before adding to the garden. Prepare your soil by working into it organic matter such as compost, bark, wood ashes, and manure. Brassicas will fail if the soil is too acidic so add lime to the soil if necessary, aiming for a pH of 6.5 to 7.5.Ĭauliflower prefers deep, humus-rich soil with a good supply of water and high humidity. Tread on the soil to remove any air pockets and make the surface very firm. Start digging over your soil in autumn, remove any stones you find and work in plenty of well-rotted manure or compost. March to May outdoors or in September to October in coldframes to over winter.Īll brassica crops grow best in partial-shade, in firm, fertile, free-draining soil. Sow seeds January to February under glass. It is also good for canning and freezing. With a mild flavour, Snowball is an excellent keeper and suitable for eating either fresh in salads and snacks, or for use cooked: soups, steaming or stir-frying. Though strictly speaking described as an early cauliflower, Snowball is in fact far more versatile than that, similar to 'All Year Round', it can be used for successional production all year. Vigorous, early and reliable, the plants mature uniformly and have good leaf coverage. This easy maintenance variety is very suitable for the home gardener, the dwarf and compact plants can be set closer than others. The pure white, snowball-sized heads can be harvested when small, 5cm (2in) or left to mature to 15cm (6in), they can also be forced. Cauliflower Snowball is a superb heritage variety, first bred in America in the 1890's there probably still isn't a better cauliflower to grow in the garden. ![]()
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