Kem Ormond likes to mix it up in her raised vegetable garden. Photo / Phil Thomsen
Kem Ormond likes to mix it up in her raised vegetable garden. Photo / Phil Thomsen
Kem Ormond is a features writer for The Country. She’s also a keen gardener. This week, she’s letting you know the benefits of buying and planting mixed brassicas.
OPINION
While I’m a keen seed grower when it comes to vegetables in my garden, one thing I don’t grow from seedis my brassicas.
Why, might you ask? I prefer the mixed punnets of brassicas available at my local garden store.
These usually come with two cauliflowers, two cabbages, and two broccoli seedlings, perfect for staggering plantings and avoiding that “all at once” harvest.
I’ve not yet come across red cabbage in the mixed punnets, but extra seedlings are always easy to share with friends.
The wonderful thing about brassicas is that cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli all mature at separate times, so planting a mix makes good sense.
Personally, I’m not the biggest fan of plain broccoli, but I do love it in a fresh salad, summer quiche, or stir fry, and don’t forget the stalks, which are lovely steamed.
Cauliflower is endlessly versatile, and cabbage makes the base for wholesome coleslaw, stir fry, or hearty steamed rolls.
Brassicas can be grown from spring through to autumn, and by planting a few every couple of weeks, you can enjoy a continuous supply.
They thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with the occasional boost of compost.
Cauliflowers come in various colours. Photo / Kem Ormond
For best results, give larger varieties plenty of space, 50 to 70 cm apart, so they’re not competing for nutrients, water, or room to grow.
Of course, brassicas do come with their challenges.
They’re a magnet for pests like slugs, snails, and aphids, but the biggest headache by far is the white cabbage butterfly, which loves summer brassicas.
Don’t let that put you off, as wire-framed cloches, organic sprays, and even a good old-fashioned egg-and-caterpillar hunt (great fun for the kids!) can keep them under control.
A maturing row of mixed brassicas. Being smaller, the broccoli is ready for harvest before the cabbage and cauliflower. Photo / Phil Thomsen
Plant your brassicas in a sunny position with a touch of shade, keep them well watered, and avoid sowing in the peak of summer when they’re prone to bolting.
With a little care, you’ll have a steady supply of these hearty, versatile vegetables right through the season and even extras to pass on to family or friends.
Recipe: Raw broccoli salad
I don’t use measurements for this salad, and it always works out.
Just adjust the ingredients according to how big you want the salad.
Ingredients
Good-sized broccoli chopped up into small florets (I do a quick blanch to keep the gorgeous green colour)
