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Allotment Stuff => The Basics => Topic started by: ruffmeister on August 31, 2006, 15:19:53

Title: over wintering
Post by: ruffmeister on August 31, 2006, 15:19:53
hi there peeps,

we have leeks, cabbage, and purple sprouting brocccoli and want to over winter them, whats the best method, do they need covering or should i leave them alone?

any help greatly appreciated. :-)
Title: Re: over wintering
Post by: supersprout on August 31, 2006, 16:55:28
Hi ruffie, you can leave them alone, they are tough :)

BUT

Pigeons might want to feed on your brassica: I keep mine covered with mesh all winter. Mesh also stops the rain from splashing the leaves of low growing overwinterers (cabbage/spinach/mustard) which is appreciated by the kitchen staff ;)

For a weed-free leek bed that you can harvest in frost, I'd go for a cosy straw mulch viz:

(http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e220/supersprout/IMG_0154.jpg)

Title: Re: over wintering
Post by: saddad on August 31, 2006, 17:20:54
Sound advice all round from SS as usual..
;D
Title: Re: over wintering
Post by: Hyacinth on August 31, 2006, 17:21:39
(so envy you that straw SS)

Remember also the winter winds....good idea to stake the psb. SS is right - tough as old boots, so won't need covering.