Better Cauliflower Plants

Wednesday wasn't a great start to August. It was cloudy and although we only managed a few light showers, the dark heavy clouds contained a threat of a real downpour all day. It was a little milder than the last few days with the temperature managing to just make it to 20°C.

Last year I ordered my winter brassicas from a couple of well known seed companies. These arrived early last August and I wasn’t at all impressed by the quality of plants supplied.

Above are the plants I received last August which I transplanted into modules before finally moving them into the allotment.

I decided that this year I would try to raise my own plants and see if I could do any better. It’s certainly been difficult going with the very wet weather, the slugs and the vagaries of knowing the best brand of seed compost to use. I’ve been using New Horizon peat free multi-purpose this year for both sowing the seeds and later transplanting into modules. I’ve been feeding every time I’ve watered with liquid Miracle-Gro to supplement the nutrient level of the compost. This was a tip from the TV programme Beechgrove Garden from their compost trials.

My seedlings have grown well and are ready for transplanting into the plot once the bed is finally prepared. This variety is Aalsmeer sown on 17 June and transplanted into modules on 26 June. They should be providing us with cauliflowers sometime between May and June next year.