[Hairbj]

Hi
I’m somewhat new to growing veg based in the midlands and have four raised beds into which I dug in cow manure in the winter
All my plants have blown and gone to seeding
I have been online and seen a note that says they like a lot of nitrogen (gained from manure) but I have also come across an article saying they don’t like nitrogen and I shouldn’t be using manure

Would appreciate any thoughts on which I should believe?

[jaydig]

I seem to manage to grow decent caulis and broccoli, probably more by luck than judgement, but this seems to work for me.
1)   I lime the soil a couple of months before planting.  I only use builders' lime, as it's cheap and I've never had a problem with it.
2)   About a week prior to planting I give the bed a generous dose of fish, blood and bone, dig it in, rake the bed and leave it.
3)  When planting the brassicas I put a dusting of lime inside the planting hole, and firm the soil well around the plant.
4)  Always ensure they have plenty of water - not swamped, but never dry.
5)  Obviously, net the bet over as soon as you plant, or the next time you visit the plot you'll have nothing left but the ribs of the leaves.

You may not need to lime your soil, it depends on how acidic or alkaline it is naturally, but it is something I have to do, particularly as the plot I took on has patches where club root is rife.  Good luck!

[DD.]

Hi Hairbj.

As your post is about GYO, I'll move it to the appropriate forum. The welcome forum is the place to introduce and to tell us a bit about yourself, so please pop back here and feel free to do so.

[TonyB.]

Hi from Alvechurch. (very local to the geographically unaware).

1st year with allotment for me. Manure and lime and harvested my 1st broccoli end of May which surprised me . Just don't ask me how as I have no idea!

[sunshineband]

Very detailed answer already so will only add that imho the absolutely key piece of information is that they require very frim soil around their roots. I tread the bed down so it is really solid, not stamped on, just trodden


Generally brassicas "blow" because their roots rock in the ground

[Hairbj]

Many thanks for the feedback folks - much appreciated
I’ll try that advice next year

[Goosegirl]

All brassicas need a good firming down when planted. Don't leave it too late to plant them out or they can get a bit stressed. Make (don't dib) a deep hole and plant them right down so their first leaves are just showing. Backfill with soil then ram your fists around the stem and keep doing this until the hole is completely filled. All brassicas like nitrogen but don't give them too much. I'd use blood, fish and bone or Growmore, then feed them occasionally with diluted Maxicrop.