Sprouting broccoli

[amo]

I just come back from holiday to find them all gone, eaten by some caterpillar. I was going to plant them this week.

Do you know where I can buy some replacements?

I am so cross with myself for not giving them better protection.

Thank you very much

amo

[vivie veg]

If you haven't already thrown them on the compost heap, give them a bit of TLC and they might grow back.

Try Car bootsales or some garden centres, but it's getting late.

[John]

Hello Amo
Bad luck with the SB plants!
You could try resowing. Its surprising how well brassicas can germinate and will grow rapidly at this time of year. I know that according to the books it's too late for SB but I reckon its worth a try especially as you live in one of the milder areas of the country. Sow the seeds in a small tray outdoors then prick out into say 2½in - 3in pots to give everything the best possible start, finally plant out when they start to become pot bound. Choose a late variety like 'Claret'. You could also try 'Spike' - this is a variety that doesn't need a cold spell to start it into flower bud formation - some catalogues even suggest thay you can sow it up to the end of August.
Your final plants might be on the small side but with a bit of luck you should get a crop.

John

PS Johnboy might pick up on this one. In the past he has put up some excellent postings on getting the best out of SB.

[amo]

Thanks

I got some seeds left, I got nothing to lose to try again then I will do some this p-m.

Better some small plants that nothing at all!

Sb are my son favorite vegetable and I don't want to disappoint him.

Thanks

amo