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Post by Shrubrose on Mar 8, 2008 17:38:02 GMT
Thought I'd start a thread for one of my all time favourite vegetables. I sowed some on 21.2.08 (All Year Round) and it's started germinating! ;D Have done it for the last couple of years and never managed to get any to my table - the caterpillars have feasted well though!!! So anyone else who's trying cauli this year, feel free to share your ups and downs with me  |
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Post by carolann on Mar 9, 2008 8:23:37 GMT
I love Cauli as well, I have some in the GH bed (all year round) that are ready to put ouside now. I started them in October 07, but I think I will wait till after this storm as passed. I must admit to putting the blue pellets down to protect them from the slugs, what I do is put a ring around the whole bed and that seems to protect them till they are bigger. I will have to re-think about putting them down this year with the chickens having the run of the veg plot.  |
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Post by Shrubrose on Mar 9, 2008 8:42:43 GMT
I might try some netting this year Carolann, I'm determined to get something back for my efforts I did some cauli around October too but made the mistake of putting it into the raised bed. I think there's one hanging on! |
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Post by carolann on Mar 9, 2008 10:23:10 GMT
Lost all mine that where outside but not to the chickens, but I did have a mole  making tunnels through 4 of the veg beds, caught the little blighter  so he wont be doing that again. ;D |
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Post by Shrubrose on Mar 10, 2008 7:06:59 GMT
 Remind me always to be nice to you! ;D Definitely got one little soldier from last Autumn but it is developing; no more than an inch high though 
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Post by Chuckles on Mar 10, 2008 11:25:53 GMT
I adore Cauli on the plate, but grow it  I've had 2 attempts so far at growing them, All Year Round and Autumn Giant. They germinate well, grow well and start to heart up then when the Cauli is about the size of the top of an egg cup then  they bolt or just stay dormant and go all yellow and horrid. I'm giving them a last chance this year, have a variety called Cool to sow. Any tips or guaranteed varieties gratefully appreciated by me too |
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Post by 4pygmies on Mar 11, 2008 8:20:29 GMT
It's one I always struggle with too. The only time I have ever achieved florets which were edible was 2 years ago when I bought a few plants from the market on impulse (had a spare space) in late summer. I shoved them in, totally forgot about them and was amazed to find some lovely, if small, heads the following Spring. I grow organically and always have problems with brassicas despite all sorts of cages , companion planting etc but these were completely bug free.....they were really tasty too ;D Maybe total neglect and late planting is the key...  |
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Post by Shrubrose on Mar 15, 2008 7:43:25 GMT
Sounds good to me 4P ;D Given that I dont often get time in the garden - except in spurts so to speak Some of mine got to a good size, which was a lovely surprise |
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Post by Shrubrose on Mar 30, 2008 16:33:35 GMT
Oo-er, only one newly sown cauli left! But, it looks very upstanding and respectable so I reckon it's a go-er ;D |
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Post by Chuckles on Mar 31, 2008 17:51:50 GMT
It's one I always struggle with too. The only time I have ever achieved florets which were edible was 2 years ago when I bought a few plants from the market on impulse (had a spare space) in late summer. I shoved them in, totally forgot about them and was amazed to find some lovely, if small, heads the following Spring. I grow organically and always have problems with brassicas despite all sorts of cages , companion planting etc but these were completely bug free.....they were really tasty too ;D Maybe total neglect and late planting is the key... So glad I'm not alone on this. Have sown some of the Cool variety and they have germinated so lets see what happens. Sounds like you'll be having one meal then Shrub ;D |
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Post by Shrubrose on Apr 1, 2008 6:26:28 GMT
Provided I can do the 4P thing Chuckles and forget about it! ;D. Still just the one up |
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Post by Tig on May 16, 2008 18:22:11 GMT
I have purchased a pack of All Year Round seeds today, my first bash with them, I love cauli so I'll give them a go. They need a fair bit of space around them though according to the packet, so I hope they don't mind sharing x Tig |
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Post by Tig on May 17, 2008 11:25:20 GMT
Sowed nine this morning |
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Post by Shrubrose on May 17, 2008 14:19:25 GMT
First year I did 'em Tig I got lovely hearts on them (but they got seriously nibbled in situ) - they were planted about a foot apart and seemed to do well size wise.
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Post by Tig on May 17, 2008 15:01:01 GMT
Phew, that's a relief! The packet says 18-24", and my veggie growing book says 15-24", but if I can get away with a foot that will be brill in the limited space I have left - thanks Shrub |
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Post by Shrubrose on May 17, 2008 17:06:01 GMT
I suspect packets and books play somewhat safe Tig - they want you to get the best results I guess so that you'll buy more again? Anyway - gardening's always an experiment with me - and as I've only got a small patch I suppose I bung more in than I should but I'm not out to get massive veg, just well sized enough so as not to waste anything. I chuck chicken pellets down a couple of times around certain things to give them a bit extra - seems to work anyway. |
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Post by Weeterrier on May 17, 2008 19:30:04 GMT
If my cauliflowers get any sort of curd at all, I'll be flabbergasted. ;D
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Post by Shrubrose on May 18, 2008 6:34:05 GMT
You never know Wee - that's the fun of it all! Well for a novice like me anyway |
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Post by Weeterrier on May 18, 2008 11:12:08 GMT
Being a novice is all comparative. Just think, compared to me, you are an expert. ;D
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Post by Shrubrose on May 18, 2008 15:28:22 GMT
I suspect you'll learn faster though! |
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Post by Tig on May 23, 2008 9:57:49 GMT
Five out of the nine seeds sown have germinated - we're off |
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Post by Deleted on May 23, 2008 16:06:21 GMT
Ive sown all year round and walcherim winter pilgrim i will let you know how i get on with them.
Karen
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Post by Shrubrose on Jun 4, 2008 17:47:53 GMT
How's everybody doing? My solitary cauli is coming on a treat and the slugs seem to be leaving it alone - for now (please God).
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Post by Tig on Jun 4, 2008 18:46:04 GMT
Mine are still diddy, not planted out yet, waiting to dig up new potatoes, more yum yums  x Tig |
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Post by Shrubrose on Jun 4, 2008 19:18:48 GMT
Oooo lucky you! I haven't done potatoes this year <sadsmiley>
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Post by Shrubrose on Jun 29, 2008 16:18:58 GMT
My solitary cauli is hanging on despite repeated slug-fests. ;D
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Post by Tig on Jun 29, 2008 19:34:42 GMT
Finished transplanting mine out today, I ended up with six, I've got some organic s & s pellets to put down in a minute, now that the rain has stopped. This is a first for me so anything I get will be novel ;D
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Post by Jardack on Jun 29, 2008 20:10:36 GMT
I cheated and bought some little plants a few weeks ago from the GC. Planted them straight out and they are doing great! Albeit a bit too close together cos I made a mistake! Can't wait to see if I can get anything from them tho... Jardack  |
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Post by Shrubrose on Jun 29, 2008 21:14:21 GMT
I reckon you'll end up with something for sure Jardack. I woldn't worry about putting them so close together unless you want monster veg, of course They look great! Glad you've got a result Tig - my first year was best - fooled me into thinking it was easy |
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Post by Jardack on Jun 30, 2008 19:15:50 GMT
Thanks Shrubrose, I am getting very excited about them as they look great so far!!
Hope your little one grows nicely for you.
Jardack
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Remind me always to be nice to you! ;D
I've had 2 attempts so far at growing them, All Year Round and Autumn Giant. They germinate well, grow well and start to heart up then when the Cauli is about the size of the top of an egg cup then 
they bolt or just stay dormant and go all yellow and horrid.
