[wrinkly1]

i/m making a raised bed. if i build it up with compost i am led to understand that brassicas need firm ground. if it is say- 8,, high won/t the caulis etc. tend to blow in very light soil.    cheers.

[sunshineband]

I grow brassicas in raised beds, and firming that soil really well is the only time I ever tread on it ... once in a four year cycle.

Caulis do just fine like that.

[goodtogrow]

Makes sense, or stake them to prevent wind-rock...

[Goosegirl]

I grow brassicas in raised beds, and firming that soil really well is the only time I ever tread on it ... once in a four year cycle. Caulis do just fine like that.

I never autumn-dig over my brassica bed intended for the next year. If you are doing it now then the winter rains will help too firm it, then heel-tread over in spring to firm it further. When you plant your brassica seedlings/plants, really firm them in well with your knuckles around the stem (don't get too close to it though or you'll damage it) and knock in supporting stakes (like 4' hedging stakes with a pointed end) about 8" to one side of each Brussel sprout plant so you can tie the stem in later as it grows. I like the stretchy rubber stuff you can buy in a ball as it doesn't cut into the stem as much as twine. It's mostly re-useable too.