The majority of the cool season vegies patch is given over to the Brassica family - cabbages, kales, broccoli and sprouts. These easy-to-grow veg do best in a sunny position in well-drained, moist soil that has been enriched with well-rotted manure dug into the soil before planting. The leafy Brassicas appreciate some nitrogen so are good grown where legumes such as beans or peas last grew and generously added nitrogen to the soil. 

Our favourite brassica is broccoli - heathy and delicious, they can be used in a multitude of ways in the kitchen: steamed, stir fried, into pasta or blanched. We fertilise broccoli plants every two weeks (at least) as they grow, alternating with seaweed solution, 'Harvest' liquid feed and wormwee.

Broccoli

Broccoli isn't for the impatient gardener as seeds should be sown from late spring to summer; or seedlings can be successionally planted through March - June to prolong the harvest into spring. Broccoli is naturally low in energy/kilojoules/calories, fat, and sugars. It is a good source of folate, for healthy cells. broccoli is also a great source of vitamin C, providing over three-quarters of your daily vitamin C needs in one serving. It is also a source of dietary fibre, for a healthy digestive system. There are two main types of broccoli: sprouting and non sprouting - the non-spouting beaing the one headed vareity we're used to buying in the shops. The purple sprouting is hardier and more generous- will take warmer weather. Once a plant opens its yellow flowers then it is generally past eating as the flavour gets a bit overpowering and the plant gets very woody. Harvest them sooner rather than later. Grow fast with plenty of water and food, and pick as soon as possible.

Varieties we like:
'Green Dragon' is a quick growing compact broccoli which is easily grown in the home garden. Available by seedling.
'Magic Dragon' is a dwarf, flavoursome variety of broccoli which is ideal for growing in containers. Available by seedling.
'Bambino brocoli' a small heading vareity of broccoli. Available by seedling.
'Broccolini' baby broccoli is a cross between broccoli and Chinese kale, Broccolini® baby broccoli combines an asparagus-like stem with tiny buds reminiscent of a mini broccoli head. Unlike broccoli, though, Broccolini® baby broccoli stalks are firm, tender and succulent from flower to stem, don't need peeling or scaling, and are 100 per cent edible with a mild broccoli, slightly peppery taste.

'Romanesco' has slightly waxy large grey green leaves similar in appearance to Cauliflower leaves (it is a variant form of Cauliflower). When the plant  is approaching maturity it forms a single head about twenty to thirty centimetres across that has a slightly green hue and a wonderful mosaic pattern. Romanesco is usually ready for harvesting in about four months, when the head has formed into a hard ball.  Cut the head off at the base and use it chopped up in a stir fry, steamed or in a white sauce like Cauliflower.  Romanesco Broccoli doesn't put out very many secondary shoots, so once the main head has been harvested remove and compost the plant and prepare the bed for your next crop.

Remember: Harvesting the first head will encourage smaller broccoli heads from sprouting out as side shoots, so you will be able to harvest for a second time.

Cauliflower also come in a range on non-white cultivars that let's face it makes them more appetising - orange, purple and green! Purple varieties include 'Graffiti' and 'Purple Cape' - he purple colour is caused by the presence of the antioxidant group anthocyanin, which can also be found in red cabbage and red wine. Treat the same as white caulis, watching out for white butterfly and pegging the large leaved over to protect the developing heads. Seeds are available from Diggers Club.

Why purple? Well the colour is caused by a pigment called anthocyanin which is responsible for the colour of blueberries, grapes and red cabbage and has a number of health benefits, such as improved eyesight, blood flow and tumors, that are intriguing scientists from all over the world.