BBC Gardeners' World Magazine podcast presenter Claire Vennis has advised gardeners to plant cabbages this month for a spring crop. In the latest episode, she explained how to create optimal growing conditions for the vegetable.
Planting tips for cabbages
Vennis recommended choosing a weed-free patch that hasn't been recently dug over, as cabbages prefer firm soil. For acidic soil, she suggested liming in winter, but noted that missing it this year isn't a problem.
She advised spacing plants at least 30cm apart and rows 45-60cm apart, though this depends on the variety. Overcrowded plants can be harvested as immature greens.
"Plant them right up to the first set of true leaves, firm them in well and water them thoroughly. This helps them establish and gives you a lovely crop to look forward to next year. Make sure to keep an eye out for root fly. A bit of netting works wonders," she said.
Lawn care advice
Separately, specialists at GreenThumb have shared advice on restoring lawns affected by drought. They explained that a brown lawn isn't necessarily dead, as grass often goes dormant during extreme conditions and recovers when temperatures cool and rain returns.
They recommended raising the mower cutting height during hot weather to leave grass slightly longer, which helps shade the soil, reduce evaporation, and protect roots from intense sunlight.
