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gardening_n00b

Gardening First Timer - help on Broccoli and Cauliflower?

10 years ago

Hi Folks!
I'm totally new to gardening and only know what I read online. I'm trying some broccoli and cauliflower as a test run, I know it's not the ideal time....any tips would be greatly appreciated

- I'm super excited about this for better or worse.....

http://imgur.com/a/158VC

-I live in southern California - daytime temps are about 65 high, night time about 40 at the lowest right now

-I dug up some dirt, added some compost and planted the guys in the photos linked above

-On Top the broccoli has holes in the leaves in the middle and along the edges looks like some kind of pest I assume? I don't see anything on the leaves and looked pretty close any ideas what it could be and what to do?

-The bottom picture the cauliflower you can see the yellow leaf - I read this could be nitrogen deficiency and added some organic veggie fertilizer according to the bag directions. Does that sound right based on the picture?

-Do I need to test my soil also with some fancy kit?

-I want to do a much bigger garden in March so this is kind of a practice run....if it dies whatever.....
Thanks!!!

Comments (5)

  • 10 years ago

    they look ok--the oldest leaves will yellow from being in a container before planting out. Some liquid fertilizer intended for vegies won't hurt, either organic or not, depending on your preference, liquid faster acting in cooler soil. Watch for aphids and pests in general--slugs/snails if it gets regularly rainy. Pill bugs can be a problem, keep the soil surface clear of litter. Broccoli is pretty easy--aphids can be the biggest problem if it is warmish. Cauliflower can be a difficult should we get a heat wave--these are cool-weather loving veggies, and the past couple of years with all the winter heat waves makes for problems--hopefully we get a cool/coldish winter and lots of rain.


    gardening_n00b thanked hoovb zone 9 sunset 23
  • 10 years ago

    Have you seen little white butterflies in your yard? They are white cabbage butterflies, and their caterpillars eat holes in the leaves of many vegetables, including broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, lettuce, etc. The caterpillars are the same color as the leaves and very hard to spot. don't worry about a little minor damage. The good thing about cold weather is that we have less insect activity. If you're looking for pests, look at the underside of the leaves. The smart ones are hiding there.

    gardening_n00b thanked lgteacher
  • 10 years ago

    Bingo - Just spotted a caterpillar! Thanks!

  • 10 years ago

    Unless you protect your Brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, etc), be prepared to have them mutilated by cabbage worms once they know where your crops are. Even if they don't kill your crops, you're going to have to watch carefully for worms in the mature heads of your veggies (they don't just eat leaves and there isn't much more disgusting than biting into a worm while eating your broccoli).

    Cold weather where I live means I'll only have 50 worms per plant instead of the 150 I get in the summer, so I protect mine year round with tulle row covers to keep the moths out that lay the eggs. BT spray is another organic option for controlling them, but has to be reapplied every week and a half or so. Being lazy, I just stick with row covers ;)

  • 10 years ago

    Brassica are cool-weather plants that you may want to consider an autumn/winter crop every year.

    My mother soaked my father's garden vegetables in a kettle of cool salty water to drive out the bugs before cooking. I was an unobservant kid, so I don't know if it worked, but I do remember holes in the leaves and no worms at dinner, so I guess it worked. ;-)

    Note that after you get big central broccoli heads, you'll get numerous smaller side forets for the rest of the season, so don't discard the plants.

    The little florets are great for stir-fry, or you can toss them in your pasta water for the last few minutes of boiling, drain together and dress with olive oil, chili flakes and grated cheese for a quick easy meal that features all your garden successes.

    And wishing you many gardening successes in the New Year!