[suecoops]

I often look at this site but haven't posted anything for a long time so I hope you don't mind me asking for help.  I've had the allotment for 4 years now and most things have grown and tasted good.  However regarding the brassicas they are always either eaten or have a milky substance over them.  I've tried growing them from seed myself and also bought plants from the local market but all have ended up the same however last year an old chap from a nearby plot gave me a perfect cauliflower so I know its possible on the site but must be something I'm doing wrong, I haven't seen the old chap recently otherwise I would have sought his advice.  I've tried growing broccolli, cauliflower, cabbage and brussels all with similar results.  Any advice would be welcome thanks 

[zazen999]

Milky substance?

Eaten is easy; all brassicas are chomped by every bug going so they need good netting from the day they go into the ground.

but I'm stumped on the milky substance; never ever had that. Can you explain more?

[paintedlady]

I found this on http://www.which.co.uk/documents/pdf/brassica-diseases-151474.pdf if that helps?  (sorry about the format ... just the way it came out when copied)

"White dusty leaves

Q What is responsible for the
white dusty covering on leaves?

A Dusty, whitish coverings of
leaves and stems is a sign of
crucifer powdery mildew (Erysiphe
cruciferarum). This spreads by
airborne spores. Swedes and
Brussel sprouts are the usual
victims in gardens, but other plants
can be attacked.
Sprouts develop black spots that
ruin their appearance and they
need extra trimming before eating.
In severe attacks the leaves turn
yellow and fall. This disease is
worst in the south-east.

Q What can be done about
powdery mildew?

A Hot, dry seasons are favoured by
powdery mildew. It especially
affects plants on light or sandy soil.
This can be helped by extra
watering. Wider spacing of plants
also reduces the disease’s severity.

Q Are there any ways to avoid
powdery mildew?

A Many brassica varieties are said
to be resistant. In practice, such
varieties still may be affected.
Late-sown crops are often less
affected. Late sowing of turnips
and swedes (in June) may reduce
disease. Excess nitrogen makes
plants more susceptible.
Powdery mildew survives the
winter on old plant material. Burn,
bury or completely compost old
plants to prevent carrying over the
disease into the new year."

[suecoops]

Thanks for your help! 

[Mark-S]

could be either powdery mildew or possibly white blister, all i can suggest is to ask you to post a photograph and i will be able to tell more......

[suecoops]

Okay will post a photo but may not be until later in the week, am now back at work, thanks for your help though 

[suecoops]

I've just realised I can't post a photo as I have no brassicas on the plot at the moment, I was asking for advice for when I do plant them.  Sorry wasn't thinking.  Thank you for all your help and I now realise the problem must be mildew