popular calabrese

The easiest brassica member to grow is the Italian calabrese - sold in shops as broccoli.

Calabrese is not tolerant of cold winters and so is planted in late spring to crop by high summer or early autumn. We will plant another batch in a month or so to extend the season.

The soil has been heavily limed to provide conditions that the cabbage family like. These plants were grown in modules in the greenhouse and planted under netting protection.

They are popular with pigeons and rabbits and will be pecked and munched if we don't spoil the fun. The netting will not stop butterflies and their offspring. The nasty job of picking off caterpillars is a treat for later on!