This week's fun activity... Cole Crop Seed Planting

Cole crops are plants in the mustard  (brassica)  family, like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and kale.   The word “cole” comes from the Latin word for "stem." It does not mean “cold” crops, though all of these plants do better in cooler weather. Many vegetables in the mustard family are Fall harvest crops, so now is the ideal time to start them from seed. They’ll be ready in Fall when the weather cools down!   Plus, since these are not fruiting vegetables, they’re perfect for growing in small spaces without worrying about pollinators.

Materials: Seeds – examples: Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Kale, Kohlrabi, Turnips Planting Container or Garden Bed Soil Organic Mulch or Compost Optional Companion Plants (aromatic herbs like dill, chamomile, peppermint, rosemary, and sage)

Step 1 - Prepare Whether you’re using a garden bed or a container, make sure it has adequate drainage.  In a container, place some rocks or gravel at the bottom so your plants do not sit too long in wet soil.  A raised garden bed is naturally draining. Mix in compost or mulch to your soil.  Cole crops are heavy nutrient feeders so a healthy amount of compost will help them grow and reduce your need to fertilize the plants!  Finally, make sure you have enough space.  The larger plants, like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, need at least 18 inches per plant.  Use a big container!

Step 2 - Plant Press your seeds into the soil and plant your vegetables. Remember to give your plants enough space!   You can also plant multiple seeds per hole; just remember to thin out your seedlings once they sprout.

Step 3 - (Optional): Companion Plants Planting aromatic herbs around your vegetables can enhance their growth and prevent insect damage!   Particularly fragrant herbs like dill, mint, and sage work well. Keep them cut so they don’t shade out your vegetables.

Step 4 – Water Water regularly!   Plants grown in containers need to be watered frequently, as much as once a day!  On very hot days, you may want to water your plants twice, in the morning and afternoon. Avoid watering at night, because the plants aren’t actively photosynthesizing and won’t draw up as much water.

Step 5 - Harvest Depending on the particular vegetables you’re growing, they should be ready in about two to three months, perfect timing for a cool weather harvest!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR FBBG MEMBERSHIPS    We are continually processing memberships! You will receive a temporary card in the mail as we process your packets. Membership questions? Please contact  Dkoepsel@fbbg.org JOIN TODAY! You can easily purchase a membership on-line by clicking  here. THANK YOU!

We’d love to see your creativity! Tag us on:  Facebook ( Friends of Boerner Botanical Gardens )  Twitter (@FBBG) or Instagram (friendsofbbg)  to show off your Crops Seed Plantings or any of our weekly activities!

Please continue to watch for our weekly activities...  fun learning for ALL ages!