Deepest sympathies to all those who lost their psb. I have loving nurtured mine since about this time last year.
I find them easy to get going, but often don't plant out at the right time, keep them in the pots too long. This year i have a bed ready for them already. Netted them last year with debris net, very successfully, and had minimal 'pillar damage as a result.
Had the nets off since begining of winter, because they got a bit tall for the set up i had but thankfully no pidgeons around here.
Snow took its toll on the smaller specimans that were planted a bit later (waiting for space) but about 7 big fellas are looking good.
Shoots only just forming, and i can't wait. Gave them a good earth up with garden compost a couple of weeks ago, and i'm expecting a delicious sweet bounty any week now.
My PSB lessons are:
1. Keep them moving into bigger pots or free up bed space to get them in situ from about April.
2a. Firm ground before planting
2. Give them 3ft spacing.
3. Construct a 5ft high frame and keep covered with debris net.
4a. Stake them end of autumn.
4. Keep them netted during snow and get out to clear any snow buildup.
5. Pick, steam, butter......OMG can't wait!!!
6. Follow on with sweetcorn, squash and pumpkin so i'm not in any hurry for the ground space.
They are so worth the wait!!!!!