[bazh]

What is everyones preferred method for starting off Brassicas I know traditionally there sown in a prepared seedbed and transplanted but from chatting to people most seem to prefer growing in seed trays then potting on then transplanting, which do you prefer and reasons why please.

[Bombers]

Deffo in the seed trays, where I can trasfer them from Kitchen windowsill onto mini greenhouse, and then out (protected from the sky rats) before final planting. They wouldn't survive the lottie else!

[mumofstig]

I sow in small modules but they then have to wait for their space to become available so sometimes even have to go up a pot size as well

[zazen999]

I sow into a pot and then put into the corner of a seed bed on the plot. Then, they get transplanted into final position - staggered - so that they don't all come good at once.

[Potiron]

Paper pots every time, then out they go when conditions are right with no root disturbance.

[bazh]

Fairly one sided so far then.

[woodburner]

I think I read somewhere that transplanting them encourages a better root system, but I don't know about trasplanting them more than once, and I may be confusing brassicas with leeks,  which also get transplanted.   

[Mrs sawnee]

Sow them in modules then pot them up and hardy them off before planting at the lottie.  Always have to cover them up though as the pigeons luv em!!!

[Noah'strolly]

Sowing in pots is helpful if you have club root in your soil. I gives them a chance to develop a good root system. Perhaps that's what you were thinking of, Woodburner.

[Stripey_cat]

And you can keep them up off the ground until they're big enough to stand a chance against slugs.  (Although I lost 30 hearting lettuces in one day last summer, so there are no guarantees!)

[peapod]

sow them in paper pots and then transplant straight to the lotty

[pushrod]

But what do you all do about the caterpillars? I have given up even trying because of them 

[Salmo]

Except for very early sowings I always sow mine in a nursery bed. I think they make a better root system than in modules. Make a drill about a yard long. Sprinkle a few seeds. If your fingers wobble and they are too thick remove excess so they are about 2 inches apart. When they are 6 leaves transplant.

[Stripey_cat]

But what do you all do about the caterpillars? I have given up even trying because of them 

Netting.

[zazen999]

Enviromesh.....I'm never growing broccoli without it again.