Cauliflower Challenge

I’ve never grown cauliflowers before so was really pleased to accept these cauli seedlings that I was given by my allotment neighbour, Brian. I’ve always heard that they’re quite tricky to grow but Brian assured me that they’re not so bad if you prepare the soil properly and make sure they’re not allowed to dry out if things get parched in the summer.

I should probably point out at this juncture that our neighbour is extremely good at growing everything he plants. He did have a couple of cucumber plants that died on him last summer, but only when I was looking after them for him when he was away on holiday. He’s one of the old hands at the allotments and has had real experience of growing most veg knowing when’s best to put things in and what grows well where. In fact he’s been a font of all knowledge since I took on the plot and I’ve now come to accept that if he hasn’t got his onions in yet or put out his runner beans I probably shouldn’t be doing either.

This isn’t to say that I just copy everything he does – I’m not an allotment stalker! It’s all organic on our plot and his isn’t. When I first moved on I suspect he thought some of my methods were frankly crazy but now that I’ve got a couple of years’ successful growing under my belt he does occasionally ask me questions about stuff I’m doing on the plot. The caulis will be a test though. Will ours turn out as well as Brian’s? I’ll keep you posted…

Comments

[Matron]

So exciting to get things to germinate this time of year isn't it? I have planted rows of carrots and beetroot about 5 weeks ago and still not germinated despite being protected with fleece. Hope these last few warm days will help.