[JohnB47]

I've just bought some calabrese 'marathon'  plants and I'm wondering about the planting depth. They are sturdy plants, about 8" tall and the bare stem (up to the first leaves) is about 3" in length.

Do I plant them at the same depth as they are in the modules, or plant them up to the first leaves (as I tend to do with brussels sprouts).

Thanks.

[DD.]

I plant all brassicas deeper, for extra support - so go for it!

[gazza975526570]

I do the same - plant them deeper as with all brassicas

[sunshineband]

and in good firm ground too 

[JohnB47]

Thanks everyone. Deep and firm it is (just like the sprouts).

[sunshineband]

and don't forget to render them butterfly proof.

Our first crop last year came with a free side helping of caterpillars on the plate 

[JohnB47]

and don't forget to render them butterfly proof.

Our first crop last year came with a free side helping of caterpillars on the plate 

Thanks, I'm wise to that too. My first experience with sprout seedlings has taught me well. 

[sunshineband]

 

a lesson we learn the hard way 

[ember]

and don't forget to render them butterfly proof.

Our first crop last year came with a free side helping of caterpillars on the plate 

Thanks, I'm wise to that too. My first experience with sprout seedlings has taught me well. 

Don't we just!!! When our kids were little and I was in a rush (as you are) I chopped up a cabbage, gave it a quick wash, chucked it in the bloiling water and served with a garnish of baby slugs and catterpillars etc.    The kids still ate their cabbage though, bless 'em 

M

[SkipRat]

They may also need netting if pigeons are a problem, I have to cover everything brassica.

[strangerachael]

I netted all my cabbages carefully from the off and I still found two types of caterpilars on them  .... mystery 

[mumofstig]

what size holes are in your netting? It has to be 7mm or less to stop the butterflies getting in. Or if a leaf touches the netting they can poke their bottoms through to lay eggs

[sunshineband]

Determined little so and so's aren't they? 

[mumofstig]

they be devious indeed!

[strangerachael]

Well, it's fairly fine netting, they've never got through it before, and none of it is touching the cabbages. Possibly a butterfly might have squeezed through a hole but then I would have expected it to get stuck inside.... I reckon they must have laid some crafty eggs while I was off fetching the netting...