Your comments and tips

21 Jul 17, Rob (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

Not realy a good plan, the old leaves both provide some nutrients and protect the flower from sun damage insects even bird guanu and if you've got kids they find it good fun to keep looking for the first flowers.when they do finally find them its a great moment as there is that success feeling, that adds to the fun and enjoyment of gardening

Reply or Post a new comment

24 Jun 17, Stuart worsfold (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

My cauliflowers and cabbages were planted about 6 weeks ago. They have grown huge with early foliage but not starting to heart yet. Can I cut the older leaves off and would it encourage them to heart faster

Reply or Post a new comment

26 Jun 17, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)

I have the same problem - too much N and probably too much water. My plants struggled to get above surrounding plants and then took off. We are too good to our plants. I have stopped watering them to try and make them go to seed (heads). Take a few bottom leaves off.

Reply or Post a new comment

27 Feb 17, robert (Australia - tropical climate)

Can I grow brocoli/cauliflower/rhubarb in Townsville and if so what time of year is best. Do they go into direct sunlight or shady area. Just moved to here and I want to establish my own garden for my needs.

Reply or Post a new comment

28 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

You can grow broccoli and cauliflower. There is a local group called - Permaculture Townsville and their website is: permaculturetownsville.org. Have a look at their site and maybe contact them for local advice. Rhubarb would be a real challenge as it likes cooler winters. Peter Cundall of various gardening publications suggests freezing the root, wrapped in plastic for a month during what we would call winter. I have not tried it but he has had many years of eperience and says it works. Trust this helps.

Reply or Post a new comment

13 Feb 17, Trevor (Australia - temperate climate)

I have just started cauliflower inside. The seedlings have popped up and I have the seedlings next to a bright window. They look like they are stretching/elongated but afraid to put them outside as it is too hot. Will they be ok until I put them out in 4 - 6 weeks? Or maybe find a shady spot outside? I have them growing in toilet rolls. Thanks

Reply or Post a new comment

14 Feb 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

The legginess and leaning towards the light is a common feature of indoor grown seedlings. If you could find a light,airy spot outside that would be better. If you only have open places make a frame over them with some leafy branches or timber and an old net curtain. Keep the water up to them and they will 'harden off' as they grow. If they are still leggy when you are ready to plant them just plant them a bit deeper. Trust this helps.

Reply or Post a new comment

27 Jun 17, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)

I had this problem early this year. I replanted the seedlings so that they weren't so long out of the soil. Then I put my seedlings out in the open late arvo and brought them back in 8-9 am. A bit of work doing this and if you forget they could dried out with the midday sun. Or as suggested make a frame up and put some shade cloth over them. Some places have 50 -- 70 -- 90% shade cloth - put it over the top. A bit of time, effort and a few $$ will make it easier in the future. Or some people grow the plants indoors and use a light bulb over the top of them at night. Just a few inches above the seedlings.

Reply or Post a new comment

12 Feb 17, Des (Australia - temperate climate)

G'day Mark, you could try a two metre fence, horses love green veg. For "Caterpillars", use Yates Nature's Way. It is organic and it stops the larvae eating. It takes longer to work but you will find almost instant results. Being organic there is no harm in using it almost up to harvest.

Reply or Post a new comment

23 Jan 17, (Australia - temperate climate)

I plant all caterpillar eating veggies ie kale, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage, in the one large bed and net it while they are still seedlings. No white butterflies can get to them.

Reply or Post a new comment