Soil for brassicas

[Alison Adams]

We are using mostly raised beds on our new veg garden as the soil is such poor quality – its mostly rubble, not much real soil at all in some places. We have bought 4 tons (so far, lots more needed) of topsoil which is gorgeous to fill the beds, but I am thinking perhaps it's a bit light for cabbages and Swedes as the top surface is quite dry and fine, it wont ‘heel in’ very easily and we do get some strong winds here.
So, is there anything I can add to the soil to firm it up (anyone got some spare clay ?!) or might I be better putting them straight into the best bit of the stoney and not very good quality original ground ?

Any thoughts ?

Thanks, Alison.

[shirlthegirl43]

Not being able to get decent topsoil here at an affordable price, I fill my raised beds with multi-purpose compost when I can afford it and mix that with well rotted manure and whatever comes out of the compost bin. I have grown brassicas in there - I just tramped it down for a few days before putting them in.

Could you seive some of your rubble to get the best soil and mix that with compost or your new topsoil for them?

[TEB]

Brassicas need to have their roots firmed in, can you add compost to the planting hole, light sandy soil is what I have and can grow brassicas reasonably well. Make sure the soil is alkaline and add lime if not.

[Snadger]

As long as you keep the soil moist around the plants you shouldn't have many problems! Make sure it's wet when you heel them in as well!

[teakdesk]

As long as you keep the soil moist around the plants you shouldn't have many problems! Make sure it's wet when you heel them in as well!

I agree.

You don't need to "heel in" to make the soil a solid lump.... just make sure there are no air pockets.

If the plant blows around in the wind it will create air pockets so all you need do is tie the plant to a small stake - use a thin stick and cotton tightly around the leaves; don't worry if the leaves are at a funny angle, as the plant grows and becomes secure it will sort itself out.

[kate&rob]

i've got loads of clay you can have.

[gojiberry]

Cabbages will do alright in your new light topsoil, and will tollerate a certain amount of wind rock. On the other hand sprouts have to almost be cemented into the ground to get good solid sprouts forming.

Ian

[Bramble_killer]

I'll swap your nice topsoil for my heavy clay one