Mastering Brassicas and Alliums

There's nothing quite like harvesting your own cauliflower, broccoli, kale, onions, and shallots. However, these veggies need more than just being left to their own devices to thrive. Brassicas, also known as the mustard family, are nutrient-hungry plants that often fall victim to caterpillars, and we frequently consume their floral parts. Alliums, while including many non-edible varieties, are popular for companion planting and can be somewhat finicky in terms of positioning. 

By understanding their unique growing requirements, common challenges, and best practices, you'll be well on your way to mastering the cultivation of these productive plants.  This one hour Master Class session delivered by Teresa Day, the session will cover –  

• Overview of Brassica Family (Brassicaceae) and their general needs with soil preparation and nutrient needs, optimal planting times, approach and conditions as well as watering needs.  
• Focus on specific common brassicas: Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Kale, Turnip, Swede, Kohl Rabi and Mustard Greens.  
• Overview of Allium family (Alliaceae) and their general needs with soil preparation and nutrient needs, optimal planting times, approach and conditions as well as watering needs.  
• Focus on specific common alliums: Garlic, Onion, Leek, Shallot, Chives, Walking / Egyptian Onion. 
• During the focus section we will be going over some of the following (depending on relevance for vegetable) -   
  • practical tips on seed starting and seedling transplanting techniques,  
  • companion planting considerations,  
  • common pests and diseases and how to deal with them,  
  • general maintenance to encourage plant health and longevity  
  • surprise knowledge that will make all the difference 

By the end of this Master Class you'll have the knowledge and confidence to successfully grow brassicas and alliums, ensuring a productive and enjoyable gardening experience throughout the years to come. 

This session is one of four in a Masterclass Series "Mastering Food Families". Other topics include –Crop Rotation and the Role of Legumes; Mastering Roots and Beets; Mastering Nightshades and Cucurbits. Book the Series Package for discount. Friends of SGA receive a 15% discount on Master Class full price tickets. You can become a Friend of SGA here. Green Garden Professional (GGPs) receive a 30% discount.

Sustainable Gardening Australia (SGA) is a not-for-profit non-government organiation dedicated to achieving a healthy biodiverse planet.

Its driving purpose is to:

• Encourage, educate and enable home and professional gardeners to adopt sustainable gardening practices to protect or enhance the natural environment;
• Provide information, education and undertake research about the natural environment;
• Reconnect people to the natural world through gardening; and
• Ensure an understanding of the impacts that gardening decisions about chemical and resource use have on the natural environment well beyond their neighbourhood.