Soil Structure/Brassicas

Although we don't grow sprouts any more we never used to get any problems - and we do get a lot of strong wind across the open field during the winter.

I think that well composted soil retains good structure even when firmed down. We used to put a lot of compost down each year and, when planting the sprouts, heel the ground quite firmly immediately around the deeply planted sprouts.

We used to leave the tops to grow fairly large and then cut them. Brussel tops are really tasty. In the 1950's, when I had my market stall, 'Tops' were the best selling green veg. Times change!

For veggies that needed some support, I used to put vertical canes in the soil and then weave other canes, horizontally, through them. They only required tying every three or four canes. Easy to erect and dismantle.