PLANT SUMMER CABBAGES

STEP BY STEP

STEP 1: Young plants of summer cabbages can be planted into the garden now to grow on. If you haven’t grown your own from seed, there is still time, or very often you can buy plants from nurseries or garden centres. Plant out in ground that has been fertilised and firmed, spacing the plants about 30-45cm (12-18in) apart, depending on the type you are growing. Firm the roots and water to help settle the plants.

STEP 2: If cabbage root fly is a problem in your garden, it pays to protect the new plants straight away by fitting a collar around the base of the plant. This acts as a physical barrier and prevents the flies from laying eggs on the soil at the base of the stem. You can buy collars, or cut out circles 10-12.5cm (4- 5in) in diameter from cardboard, felt matting or thick polythene.

STEP 3: Pigeons can also be a serious pest and if the plants are not protected, they will soon be pecked and destroyed. A low frame of chicken wire over the plants will keep the birds off until established. Once the plants start to grow and push up the wire, I remove it and replace straight away with insect-proof mesh that will protect the plants from cabbage white butterflies over summer.