There is a special something about autumn. The sun is still warm but the colours of the day are different and the nip of the morning and the evening is such a pleasure especially after an extreme summer.I am not alone in appreciating the season, the garden too is relishing the gentler weather and, as a result, I finally have a vegetable garden that is worth showing you.
It is of course brassica growing season and the beds are stuffed full of different brassicas at different stages of development. Most have been raised from seed on the front verandah, just a few are shop bought punnets.
First, the cabbages.
I am growing several types this year - most for the first time. Red Drum Head is such stunning blue cabbage. So why is it called 'red'? Is it one of those Australianisms? You know where we call people with red hair 'Bluey'?
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| Crinkly, wrinkly Savoy |
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| Mini Cabbage |
As for Chinese cabbages I am starting my second lot of Red Pak Choi - we have already eaten the first sowing, they grow so fast and are eaten so quickly.
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| Tiny baby Red Pak Choi |
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| Mini Wombok |
Strangely, I have had hardly any cabbage moth grubs at all. Mind you, I am not complaining! I have really only picked off half a dozen grubs and that was some weeks ago now. The Red Drumhead have been completely untouched. Perhaps it's their colour - that red or blue putting the cabbages off the scent or sight?
Which cabbages are you growing this southern autumn/ winter? Northerners, what are you growing for the first time this year?
Later in the week I will show you the broccoli and cauli I am growing this season.
Which cabbages are you growing this southern autumn/ winter? Northerners, what are you growing for the first time this year?
Later in the week I will show you the broccoli and cauli I am growing this season.
looks great - your well ahead of me. Where do you get your seeds from?
ReplyDeleteVarious sources, Diggers mostly and some are Fothergills I think. I didnt really have any summer crops left as it had been a horrid summer so there was plenty of room to make use of. I usually raise seeds in February.
DeleteI've planted a few cabbages for the first time this year. But they're still tiny and I have no idea what sort! I'm not really much of a cabbage fan so you'll have to post some recipes to inspire me.
ReplyDeleteI am only a recent fan of the cabbage. You are right, with so many types I am going to have to be creative with the crop. I am fancing the idea of stuffed cabbage leaves for starters...
DeleteI haven't had many cabbage whites either this year. Perhaps the heat did them all in. Your cabbages are looking fabulous - I haven't planted enough really but I've run out of space so the couple I have in will have to do.
ReplyDeleteOoh, perhaps there is an upside to the record breaking heat. Global warning defeats the cabbage moth! I wonder if others are having the same experience? I fear I will have too many cabbages. With added space I have gone a little crazy perhaps? I also have loads of broccoli and cauli in, I may be all brassica'ed out by August!
DeleteThe crop I am growing for the first time is banana peppers. I have been really enjoying banana pepper pickles and would like to try to make some. :)
ReplyDeleteThose cabbages look good.
Oh I love bannana peppers. I didnt grow any this year but often do. I love stuffing them. Not sure what kind of pickled pepper recipe you fancy, but I have two pickled chilli recipes in my recipe index... if they interest you.
DeleteYour fall vegetables are getting so big already.
ReplyDeleteI am trying some fast growing Chinese cabbages and greens this year, bulb fennel, and retrying kohlrabi. Actually retrying a bunch of tomato and eggplant varieties that were vanquished by plant eating varmints.
They might be big becasue, while I have really poor soil, I have endless amounts of manure - sheep, cow, alpaca and chook as well as spolit straw from the neighbours cattle and horse yards. I have never had a garden so well manured!
DeleteI love fast growing things, they just keep morale up dont they? Radishes and rocket are great like that as well as Chinese greens. I am a regular bulb fennel grower as I really enjoy eating it but never tried kohlrabi. Hope they go well for you.
I have no cabbage. But I have some cauliflower, beetroot, silverbeet, spinach, brussel sprouts, peas, onion, leek and broad beans in. I don't get a lot of sun in winter. I am also away for the middle of winter so I didn't want to plant too much that would go to waste. But cabbages do take a while???
ReplyDeleteAlas I have had a few caterpillars perhaps they are just hanging around Sydney?
Oh what a shame the caterpillars are with you. It has been wet in Sydney, perhaps that made them happy? Cabbages do take a long time. Have fun on your winter trip.
DeleteYour cabbages are looking great! We decided not to put any in this year as they were so slow and took up so much room last year. My red cabbage was only just ready in time for Christmas, and we really struggled with cabbage moths and slugs. Looking at your photos though, I'm wondering if we should have put just a couple in... I've planted purple sprouting broccoli and brussels sprouts. So far no moths/ caterpillars... I hope your global warming theory is correct!
ReplyDeleteI actually forgot to add the brussels into the list. I am growing them for the first time this year as well.
DeleteAutumn is my favorite time of the year, your cabbages look great and I'm now wishing I put a bit more effort into growing some seedlings but the lack of rain really has stopped me doing anything much in the garden.As soon as we get some rain I will head to our weekend market and hopefully pick up some seedlings as they always seem to grow well for me.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to your post on Broccoli.
Seedlings are such a great back up, I hope there is a good range for you.
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