https://gardenandgossip.org/ Thu, 16 Apr 2026 03:03:17 +0000 MyBB https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=2390 Thu, 20 Nov 2025 20:22:11 +0000 Veggie]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=2390 Sounds easy, doesn't it. However, it was noticeable that some seed companies have different dates for sowing the same seeds. Who do I trust?

Secondly, I found several varieties of cabbage that have 2, widely different sowing dates - some in spring and again later in the year when they would overwinter ready for spring harvest. 
This, struck me as a bonus - buy one packet but sow it twice during the year.
 
Cauliflower "All Year Round" is well known. I've copied this from Kings Seeds :-

Sow October in a cold frame, plant out in March, cut in June. Sow February to April, cut late June to September.

Cauliflower, not being one of the easiest of vegetables to grow is certainly regarded by many old hands as the test of a real gardener. But with good planning, regular care and a small dose of common sense, you can pretty much have cauliflower on the table all year round.

I'll be back later with the dual season cabbages.]]> Sounds easy, doesn't it. However, it was noticeable that some seed companies have different dates for sowing the same seeds. Who do I trust?

Secondly, I found several varieties of cabbage that have 2, widely different sowing dates - some in spring and again later in the year when they would overwinter ready for spring harvest. 
This, struck me as a bonus - buy one packet but sow it twice during the year.
 
Cauliflower "All Year Round" is well known. I've copied this from Kings Seeds :-

Sow October in a cold frame, plant out in March, cut in June. Sow February to April, cut late June to September.

Cauliflower, not being one of the easiest of vegetables to grow is certainly regarded by many old hands as the test of a real gardener. But with good planning, regular care and a small dose of common sense, you can pretty much have cauliflower on the table all year round.

I'll be back later with the dual season cabbages.]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=2300 Wed, 22 Jan 2025 21:40:06 +0000 Veggie]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=2300 You don't have an undercover, netted area in which to plant them. 

Would you plant them in a group or separately around the garden - or any other option that comes to mind? 

Asking for a friend. ]]> You don't have an undercover, netted area in which to plant them. 

Would you plant them in a group or separately around the garden - or any other option that comes to mind? 

Asking for a friend. ]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=2193 Tue, 16 Jul 2024 21:57:13 +0000 Veggie]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=2193 Since I have little luck with cabbages, cauliflowers and anything that forms a head, I'm going to explore the confusing world of broccoletto, broccolini,  spigariello and broccoli raab - not to be confused with Cima di rapa - which is related to the turnip. I said it was confusing and I have a niggling feeling that some of these may turn out to be very similar, if not the same.  

I seem to have seeds for most of these, including Real Seeds "Quick Heading Calabrese or Broccoli". "Makes heads about 60-80 days after planting out."  https://www.realseeds.co.uk/broccoli.html

Broccoletti, also known as broccolini or baby broccoli, is a hybrid of broccoli and Chinese kale. It has long, thin stalks with small florets that resemble broccoli heads. The leaves are edible and tender, with a peppery taste.

Broccolini, on the other hand, is a hybrid of broccoli and Chinese broccoli. It has longer and thinner stalks than broccoletti, with a smaller broccoli-like head at the top. Broccolini is slightly bitter and has a milder flavor than broccoletti. https://www.handycookbook.com/broccolett...n-mystery/

Spigariello is sold by Franchi Seeds https://seedsofitaly.com/eden-project-fr...olearacea/

Sorry if this is a bit muddled - I'm researching as I write. I'll be back tomorrow. ]]> Since I have little luck with cabbages, cauliflowers and anything that forms a head, I'm going to explore the confusing world of broccoletto, broccolini,  spigariello and broccoli raab - not to be confused with Cima di rapa - which is related to the turnip. I said it was confusing and I have a niggling feeling that some of these may turn out to be very similar, if not the same.  

I seem to have seeds for most of these, including Real Seeds "Quick Heading Calabrese or Broccoli". "Makes heads about 60-80 days after planting out."  https://www.realseeds.co.uk/broccoli.html

Broccoletti, also known as broccolini or baby broccoli, is a hybrid of broccoli and Chinese kale. It has long, thin stalks with small florets that resemble broccoli heads. The leaves are edible and tender, with a peppery taste.

Broccolini, on the other hand, is a hybrid of broccoli and Chinese broccoli. It has longer and thinner stalks than broccoletti, with a smaller broccoli-like head at the top. Broccolini is slightly bitter and has a milder flavor than broccoletti. https://www.handycookbook.com/broccolett...n-mystery/

Spigariello is sold by Franchi Seeds https://seedsofitaly.com/eden-project-fr...olearacea/

Sorry if this is a bit muddled - I'm researching as I write. I'll be back tomorrow. ]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=2156 Fri, 03 May 2024 12:54:37 +0000 Veggie]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=2156
  IMG_20240503_132438.jpg (Size: 91.8 KB / Downloads: 16)
  IMG_20240503_132503.jpg (Size: 86.94 KB / Downloads: 15)
  IMG_20240503_132655.jpg (Size: 84.09 KB / Downloads: 15)
  IMG_20240503_132712.jpg (Size: 90.32 KB / Downloads: 18)

A couple of weeks ago I acquired a shrink wrapped red cabbage - and forgot about it! Today I found it by the smell.  However, all is not lost, its still firm and edible - just a few outer leaves that had rotted.
In an effort to survive, the poor old cabbage has thrown out some shoots, and roots under the wrapping. I've cut the stump off and I'm going to plant it, in the hope that it will regrow. Poor thing deserves a chance of life after its efforts.]]>
  IMG_20240503_132438.jpg (Size: 91.8 KB / Downloads: 16)
  IMG_20240503_132503.jpg (Size: 86.94 KB / Downloads: 15)
  IMG_20240503_132655.jpg (Size: 84.09 KB / Downloads: 15)
  IMG_20240503_132712.jpg (Size: 90.32 KB / Downloads: 18)

A couple of weeks ago I acquired a shrink wrapped red cabbage - and forgot about it! Today I found it by the smell.  However, all is not lost, its still firm and edible - just a few outer leaves that had rotted.
In an effort to survive, the poor old cabbage has thrown out some shoots, and roots under the wrapping. I've cut the stump off and I'm going to plant it, in the hope that it will regrow. Poor thing deserves a chance of life after its efforts.]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=2055 Sun, 12 Nov 2023 16:01:28 +0000 Veggie]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=2055 https://www.cornishcabbageplants.com/
You may remember that I visited a local organic veg grower earlier this year and I've just seen a video of him planting out a delivery of Curly kale plants from this company. The plants were much larger than anything I would replant. Apparently they have been pulled from the ground, not dug up, and are replanted by being dropped into dibbered holes in the ground, as one would do with leeks. 
Not sure if this link to Pip's video will work https://www.facebook.com/watch/garthview/
Having seen the size of these kale plants I would have no qualms about moving brassicas around the garden or of growing them to a decent size in a seed bed before moving them to their final positions. No more  puny little seedlings for me!]]> https://www.cornishcabbageplants.com/
You may remember that I visited a local organic veg grower earlier this year and I've just seen a video of him planting out a delivery of Curly kale plants from this company. The plants were much larger than anything I would replant. Apparently they have been pulled from the ground, not dug up, and are replanted by being dropped into dibbered holes in the ground, as one would do with leeks. 
Not sure if this link to Pip's video will work https://www.facebook.com/watch/garthview/
Having seen the size of these kale plants I would have no qualms about moving brassicas around the garden or of growing them to a decent size in a seed bed before moving them to their final positions. No more  puny little seedlings for me!]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1902 Sun, 07 May 2023 19:33:48 +0000 Can the Man]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1902

  A0FC455F-41C5-4418-964B-E8A26915AB60.jpeg (Size: 175.37 KB / Downloads: 26)


  AEC2246A-ED1D-4163-B1DF-D0FD4FE9ECFC.jpeg (Size: 189.54 KB / Downloads: 23) ]]>

  A0FC455F-41C5-4418-964B-E8A26915AB60.jpeg (Size: 175.37 KB / Downloads: 26)


  AEC2246A-ED1D-4163-B1DF-D0FD4FE9ECFC.jpeg (Size: 189.54 KB / Downloads: 23) ]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1677 Wed, 31 Aug 2022 21:46:50 +0000 Veggie]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1677 Which ones do you grow and when do you sow them please? 
Now for the difficult question................ could you sow any cabbage now and eat it in spring as a looseleaved cabbage and leave some to heart up for summer? 
As you know, I don't have much success with brassicas but feel the need to try!]]> Which ones do you grow and when do you sow them please? 
Now for the difficult question................ could you sow any cabbage now and eat it in spring as a looseleaved cabbage and leave some to heart up for summer? 
As you know, I don't have much success with brassicas but feel the need to try!]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1449 Fri, 18 Feb 2022 22:46:23 +0000 Veggie]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1449
Sorting through my seeds tonight I found a packet of Suttons "Purple Sprouting Continuity Mix" which claims to have a 6 month harvest period, from October - March from a May sowing. 
The packet contains equal quantities of 3 different PSB - Rudolph, Red Arrow and Cardinal (75 seeds in total) 
Also in my seed box is Summer Purple, sown in April/May, harvested August onwards.
In theory, I could add these to the Continuity Mix, sow them all in May and be picking PSB from August to March.
Its tempting BUT all the seeds are way past their "Sow by" dates and I don't have much success with brassicas in any form. Remind me in May and maybe I'll give it a whirl.]]>
Sorting through my seeds tonight I found a packet of Suttons "Purple Sprouting Continuity Mix" which claims to have a 6 month harvest period, from October - March from a May sowing. 
The packet contains equal quantities of 3 different PSB - Rudolph, Red Arrow and Cardinal (75 seeds in total) 
Also in my seed box is Summer Purple, sown in April/May, harvested August onwards.
In theory, I could add these to the Continuity Mix, sow them all in May and be picking PSB from August to March.
Its tempting BUT all the seeds are way past their "Sow by" dates and I don't have much success with brassicas in any form. Remind me in May and maybe I'll give it a whirl.]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1350 Thu, 09 Dec 2021 16:55:51 +0000 Broadway]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1350 https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1339 Sat, 27 Nov 2021 14:49:12 +0000 Broadway]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1339
My brussel plants look healthy enough but have not produced sprouts?

Q1 - What if anything have I done wrong?

Q2 - Can I still use the top leaves?

Many thanks......]]>
My brussel plants look healthy enough but have not produced sprouts?

Q1 - What if anything have I done wrong?

Q2 - Can I still use the top leaves?

Many thanks......]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1099 Thu, 27 May 2021 18:28:39 +0000 Veggie]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1099 1.  I cut off the top of the plants where the sprouting shoots had been.
2. Cut the stalks into two parts - one with roots, the other with the leafy bit.
3. Cleared a space in the middle of some montbretia (to distract the chooks from finding the PSB)
4. Dug holes and planted the roots and the base of the leafy bits. 
5. Walked away and left them to do whatever they wish.

Its something similar to how I propagate the perennial kale - but I use side shoots jabbed in the soil. There were no side shoots on the PSB. Believe me, I looked!!]]> 1.  I cut off the top of the plants where the sprouting shoots had been.
2. Cut the stalks into two parts - one with roots, the other with the leafy bit.
3. Cleared a space in the middle of some montbretia (to distract the chooks from finding the PSB)
4. Dug holes and planted the roots and the base of the leafy bits. 
5. Walked away and left them to do whatever they wish.

Its something similar to how I propagate the perennial kale - but I use side shoots jabbed in the soil. There were no side shoots on the PSB. Believe me, I looked!!]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1022 Mon, 12 Apr 2021 18:07:40 +0000 Broadway]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=1022
I've not really grown any brassicas of note in the past and am after a bit of advice.

What can I grow that gives me "spring like greens" from now ish to possibly next spring? I have various seeds that say sow at different times and I'm a tad confused. I wondered if there was something generic I could grow and pick for 5-6 months. I'm not fussed about getting cabbage heads.

Sorry if the above is a load of twaddle]]>
I've not really grown any brassicas of note in the past and am after a bit of advice.

What can I grow that gives me "spring like greens" from now ish to possibly next spring? I have various seeds that say sow at different times and I'm a tad confused. I wondered if there was something generic I could grow and pick for 5-6 months. I'm not fussed about getting cabbage heads.

Sorry if the above is a load of twaddle]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=998 Fri, 02 Apr 2021 07:04:16 +0000 Small chilli]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=998  .

Can I save seeds from this red drumhead cabbage?


  9721F199-2195-49FE-8BCB-075063DD8F7F.jpeg (Size: 593.68 KB / Downloads: 43)

2 reasons for the stupid question.
 1 the flowers are more like side shoots coming from the neck rather than a flower spike coming from the centre of the head.
 2 real seeds on there seed saving page say save from 20 different individuals! I don’t have space to grow 20 red cabbage just for seed saving!]]>  .

Can I save seeds from this red drumhead cabbage?


  9721F199-2195-49FE-8BCB-075063DD8F7F.jpeg (Size: 593.68 KB / Downloads: 43)

2 reasons for the stupid question.
 1 the flowers are more like side shoots coming from the neck rather than a flower spike coming from the centre of the head.
 2 real seeds on there seed saving page say save from 20 different individuals! I don’t have space to grow 20 red cabbage just for seed saving!]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=939 Sat, 13 Mar 2021 12:38:28 +0000 Vinny]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=939
If I could just get one plant I think it can be propagated from cuttings, but getting that one plant is harder than it seems.

I will gladly pay for the seeds and P&P. Or if anyone knows where I could purchase some, that would be better.]]>
If I could just get one plant I think it can be propagated from cuttings, but getting that one plant is harder than it seems.

I will gladly pay for the seeds and P&P. Or if anyone knows where I could purchase some, that would be better.]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=928 Wed, 10 Mar 2021 11:12:26 +0000 Vinny]]> https://gardenandgossip.org/showthread.php?tid=928

Can anyone give me a recommended variety for taste and not being liable to bolting?

I also toyed with the idea of using it as a green manure once I was finished with it. To get spinach year round would I need to plant different varieties?

 Everyone has something they just can't grow and spinach is one of my constant failures.

That's enough questions for now. ]]>

Can anyone give me a recommended variety for taste and not being liable to bolting?

I also toyed with the idea of using it as a green manure once I was finished with it. To get spinach year round would I need to plant different varieties?

 Everyone has something they just can't grow and spinach is one of my constant failures.

That's enough questions for now. ]]>