Any veg that you think are too much trouble?

[Nik]

Hi Alys,

I have never managed to produce an edible cauliflower. I am going to try again this year but if it doesn't work then I think I'll give up. Are there any veg that you think are just too much trouble to bother with?

[Alys Fowler]

Leeks drive me mad. I have leek moth and leek fly both of which destroy the leeks and despite all the enviromesh they still get it. So I’ve given up on leeks. I do grow wild leeks (Babington’s leek) that aren’t bothered one bit by the pests and are perennial. Carrots used to test my limits, but now I take a devil may care attitude and scatter seeds left, right and centre. The minute I stopped caring about rows I found I grew carrots rather well.

Remember that all brassicas need lots and lots of food. You need to feed all summer long to get what you want. Try Nine Star Perennial broccoli (actually as cauliflower that you cut like sprouting broccoli) that is as tough as old boots once it gets going and will flower for 5 or 6 years before you need to replace it.