Fruit and Vegetables
Here are some hints and tips on growing and showing some popular vegetables
CABBAGES
Cabbages require well-consolidated soil, so leave some time between digging and planting. Some organic matter is good and the ground must not be acid - apply lime if necessary in winter. Choose a sunny spot and apply a general fertiliser about a week before planting out. Protect from birds and slugs and keep well watered. Although cabbage can be raised from seed, buying plants is common - though you will not get the choice of the right variety doing it this way and for exhibition purposes, seed is preferred. Apply a liquid feed as the heads mature.
PRESENTATION
To get the best results, your cabbages should be shapely, fresh and solid hearts with the surrounding leaves perfect and of good colour. The two cabbages should match in size and shape. They should have approximately 75mm of stem. You will lose points for hearts that are small, loose, soft, split or lack freshness or are pest damaged.
KEY GROWING TIPS
- Protect from birds
- Prepare the bed well, with organic matter and well-firmed.
- Water if the weather is dry and feed occasionally.