[Sadgit]

Can i ask ...... are you supposed to keep brassicas covered with net all season ?

I have to, otherwise they disappear, either caterpillars or pigeons.

Ditto... might look at debris netting this year as I guess it lasts longer that fleece..

[Sadgit]

what does "harden them off mean?"............i think i needed to go on a coarse so much to take in.

google is your friend
http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0504/hardening_off.asp

[Trebor]

Hardening them off means gradually getting them used to the change in temperature outdoors compared to indoors.

You do this by putting them outside during the day and bringing them back in at night. About a week or two is usually long enough for this.

[dawnj]

thankyou I will start today but.....should I cover them from the birds ?

[Trebor]

Yes, keep them covered from the birds. I use an upturned hanging basket cage as a temporary measure. Depends on the size of what you are covering.

Already lost a load of cabbages this year by not following my own advice!