[suesowsseed]

Hi,

I'm not any good with brassicas    Tried to grow them a few times at home in the garden without much success.
I've tried cabbage, cauli, Brussels, Kale, swede, broccoli and PSB.  The only real success was the PSB this year, grown in a netted raised bed.

I have managed to grow some seedlings of each of the above again this year (2nd attempt as the first lot died) and I am preparing a bed for them on my new allotment this year 

I would appreciate any advise on how best to improve the newly dug soil for them.  I am going to tread it firm once the digging is finished.  I can't add manure as it's too fresh and still rotting down, haven't got an awful lot of garden compost and bought stuff will work out too expensive.  I have poultry manure pellets and blood fish and bone.

If I just plant in the soil I'v inherited (clay), what are my chances of success this year?

[Totty]

Clay based soil is full of nutrients and firm by its nature, add some BFB when planting and top dress with the pellets through the season and all should be well.

Totty

[fatcat1955]

Brassica's prefer really hard nearly compacted soil. As you have dug a new bed for them, dib a hole deep enough that the plant go's in nearly up to the first leaves. Then puddle them in in and when the water has drained really firm them in. Don't be afraid to use your boot. Cover them with very fine netting and water when we have had a dry spell say every 7 day's.