Start cole crops to extend harvest

By Kathy Hatfield
Gardening Columnist

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In the next two months, most fresh garden produce will be winding down, but if you start now, you can extend the harvest with broccoli and other cole vegetables.

Members of the cole family are actually all the same species, Brassica oleracea. They've been selected for their different characteristics: tightly compacted leaves (cabbage), compact flower buds (broccoli and cauliflower), an enlarged stem bulb (kohlrabi), tender buds in the axils of the leaves (Brussels sprouts), and a loose display of frilly leaves, often in unique colors (kale, collards and ornamental kale). Because these plants can cross-pollinate, it's easy to hybridize and select for desired traits.

The presence of bitter chemicals called glucosinolates gives these vegetables their distinctive flavor, as well as that zesty bite to radishes and mustard, which also belong to this family.

These same phytochemicals provide many health benefits, including protection against heart disease and cancer. For less than 50 calories, an average serving of broccoli provides more than 2 grams of fiber and ample amounts of vitamins A, B2, B6 and C, truly a dieter's dream!

You're not likely to find healthy transplants to purchase at this time of year, but starting your own is easy, and you're more likely to get what you want. All of the cole family members start out with the same small heart-shaped leaves, so it's impossible to tell them apart if their labels have been misplaced.

For a fall crop, you can direct sow the seeds in the garden. Choose a sunny spot where you have not grown cole crops for the past two or three years. The insects and diseases that affect this family of plants can remain in the soil. An area that has produced an early crop such as peas, carrots or spinach should work well. Prepare the soil for replanting by adding some well-rotted compost. Cole crops like rich, water-retentive soil.

Plant the seeds about 1/2 inch deep, 12 to 18 inches apart, or simply scatter the seeds over the prepared area and thin them later. Water them well and keep them moist or they will not germinate. To help retain moisture, cover the seeds lightly with grass clippings or straw. Check the soil moisture often, especially during the hot summer days.

Once the seeds have germinated, thin them if necessary to stand about 18 inches apart. About five weeks after sowing, fertilize each plant with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Follow package directions on the amount to use.

What should you plant for a fall crop? Broccoli, cauliflower, Chinese cabbage, kohlrabi and broccoli raab, an Italian specialty that is like a combination of mustard greens and broccoli, can all be grown as fall crops. If you choose a variety that has a maturation date of 50 to 60 days, you should be able to harvest the crops before prolonged cold weather and hard freezes.

Many gardeners agree that fall-planted cole crops taste better than those planted in the spring. Warm weather may cause broccoli to button up, or form tiny heads. Kohlrabi may split, and both broccoli and cauliflower can become tough and fibrous. They also have a stronger, more bitter taste. Those grown in cooler weather and harvested after a light frost have a more delicate flavor. As the crops mature in cooler weather, they accumulate more sugars in their tissues, improving overall taste and quality.

If you notice dark, pellet-shaped droppings on your plants, you may have cabbageworms. They are not actually worms, but caterpillars that can be controlled with a biological control called Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt. You may find it with the brand name Dipel or Thuricide. It is quite effective and will not harm people or pets. Keep in mind, though, that it will destroy all caterpillars, even those that become the beautiful butterflies we may want to attract.

If you still have caterpillars lurking in your coles when you harvest them, a 20-minute soak in cold, salty water will usually drive them out.

It's time to harvest broccoli when the head is still firm. If yellow petals begin to show, or the buds start to separate, harvest the heads immediately. In preparing broccoli and other coles for meals, do not overcook since this will cause them to lose their fresh color and many nutrients.

Here's a quick and easy cold salad to try with your homegrown broccoli and cauliflower.

Broccoli-Cauliflower Salad

Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Crumble and set aside. In a medium-sized salad bowl, layer in order the broccoli, cauliflower, cheese and bacon. Prepare the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar. Drizzle dressing over top and serve. Yields four servings.