Sturdy support

Dawnie Smiff

I spent most of last year mending the supports for my Purple Sprouting Broccoli. They’re really heavy plants and the supports did not withstand the wind. I was quite proud of my attempts this year and the support seemed sturdy!... However, woke up this morning to toppled plants and the cane support almost lying flat. I’m using 3 canes per plant... any tips on making a sturdier support for these heavy plants! My patch is in the front garden and we’re on a hill... so wind can be an issue!

Dovefromabove

Wind break netting around the brassica patch ... https://truetraders.co.uk/shop/netting-mesh/netting/wind-protection.html

ive not bought from that supplier so can’t recommend them - just used them as an example ... I bought mine from the local garden centre 

Dawnie Smiff

Thankyou... that’s a definite option.. shall have a go!! 

Dovefromabove

😊 

BobTheGardener

Also try planting them deeper, so that the soil level is where the lowest leaves meet the stem and then firming the ground really well around each plant.  I do this with all my brassicas and it really helps.

Dawnie Smiff

Going back to this discussion as we’ve just had gales that have toppled a couple of the plants. Is it ok to now build up soil around the base or will this rot the base of the stem?

Dawnie Smiff

** just had gales**

Dovefromabove

I usually tread them in firmly and add another sturdy cane or two to tie them to ... but I don’t think a bit of a build up of soil as well will do any harm. 

😊