General Notes: early – and heavy – infestation of cabbage worms this year.
Broccoli first crop heads were less regular and even, with decent color. Second crop was less vigorous than last year, with smaller than average heads and good color. Transplanted extra seedlings into Honeynut bed. Remember to harvest broccoli stems – they are delicious peeled.
Brussels sprouts were productive; sprouts were clean and tasty, though not large. Plants were short and reasonably sturdy. Harvested tops and kept tops clear afterward to avoid aphids. Consider fertilizing more next year.
Cabbage first crop was solid, both green and red varieties. Second crop was a bit more variable. Try planting farther apart or intersperse smaller conical type with larger savoy type. Savoy produced well. Conical variety had some predation and one split before we harvested it, yet they were the sweetest and most buttery cabbages ever! Transplanted extra seedlings into Soybean bed.
Cauliflower first crop produced well with a short harvest window. Second crop had some stunted heads and some normal ones. Research what causes “buttoning”. Consider a different fall variety? Transplanted extra seedlings into Bush Bean bed.
Collards were good though underwhelming again, despite trying different varieties. Research varieties well-suited to northern climate.
Gai Lan (sprouting broccoli) grew one row (4 plants) of two types. Produced a handful of stems each week for 7-8 weeks. Would be a desirable early crop if we’re willing to take more space from the regular spring brassica bed.
Kales had terrible germination, despite multiple direct seedings. Finally bought seed locally (available varieties) and germinated indoors on heating mat. (Kale needs surprisingly high temperatures to germinate!) Substitute dinosaur variety good, but not curly variety. Start indoors in April next year for planting in May.
Kohlrabi first crop was perfect! Second crop also did well. Transplanted extra seedlings into Watermelon-Cucumber bed.
