Cabbage and leaf vegetables

### Fully hardy ## Can survive in mild regions/sheltered sites J Protect from frost

Broccoli

Broccoli includes Calabrese and sprouting broccoli; the latter is usually purple but there’s also a delicious white type. Needs lots of room to grow, but this nutritious crop is well worthwhile.

Care: Takes about four months to grow. Harvest buds before flowers open.

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Cabbage

Fall/winter varieties have denser heads and can be stored; spring/summer types, which are round or pointed, should be eaten right away.

Care: Harvest spring/early summer cabbages as spring greens. Net in summer from cabbage white butterflies.

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Cauliflower

Most varieties can be grown year round, and have snow white heads, but also try purple, green, or orange. Plant close together for a crop of mini cauliflower.

Care: Harvest when curds are firm and tight. Net plants in summer from cabbage white butterflies.

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Kale

A tough, hardy vegetable that needs some space and has decorative crinkly leaves in green, red, or black. Very tasty and nutritious. Young and tender leaves can be harvested in summer.

Care: Taller types may need staking. Net in summer from cabbage white butterflies.

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Bok choy

This oriental vegetable can be cooked or eaten raw in salads. Green and red varieties available. Decorative and fast-growing. Flowering stems also edible.

Care: Plants can bolt if planted too early or they don’t have enough water. Net in summer from cabbage white butterflies.

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Spinach

Easy to grow. Harvest while young and tender for salads; cook mature leaves in butter. Nutritious and tasty. Sow in succession for a continuous crop.

Care: Plants can bolt if weather is hot and dry, and they don’t have enough water. Net in summer from birds.

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Also try… Brussels Sprouts, Chinese Cabbage, Red Cabbage, Romanesco Cauliflower, Swiss Chard

Updated: October 18, 2015 — 11:35 am