Raise autumn brassicas until they are sturdy enough to handle, harden off if they have been protected, water before planting, plant firmly and protect young plants from pests. If they are grown in Wool Pots, the whole pot can be planted so the rootball does not need to be pulled from a rigid container.

Spring cabbage and other brassicas are a perfect example of where the propagation stage matters. The seedling needs enough protection to establish, but it eventually has to move into open ground where wind, pests and changing moisture levels can test it immediately.

Start with a sturdy plant, not the biggest plant

A compact seedling with a healthy root system is easier to establish than a soft, stretched plant that has been kept warm for too long. Give seedlings good light, adequate spacing and even moisture. If they have been raised under cover, harden them off gradually before the final move outside.

Water before planting

A dry rootball is harder to establish. Water the seedling and its planting area before you begin, especially in a dry August. Planting into hot, dusty soil and trying to catch up with water afterwards creates unnecessary stress.

How Wool Pots change the transplant step

With a conventional rigid pot, the plant has to be removed before planting. With Wool Pots, plant the whole pot. This reduces handling of the rootball. Set the pot at the correct depth and leave a small amount of the wool rim visible above the surrounding soil, following Wool Pots’ current instructions.

Firm brassicas well

Brassicas generally benefit from firm soil around their roots. After positioning the plant, backfill carefully and press the surrounding soil so the seedling is stable. Water at the base to settle the soil. In exposed sites, check plants after windy weather because rocking can interfere with establishment.

Protect the plant, not just the pot

• Use suitable fine mesh where cabbage white butterflies and pigeons are a problem.
• Check young leaves and undersides regularly rather than waiting for visible damage to become severe.
• Keep the area around seedlings reasonably clear so you can spot slug and snail feeding.
• Water consistently while plants establish, then encourage deeper rooting rather than frequent shallow watering.