SPEEDY PLOT & POT FILLERS

FLAVOURS OF THE ORIENT

We start with a group of veg, collectively called oriental vegetables, which sown now will grow quickly in warm summer conditions and are very tasty indeed. Most oriental veggies belong to the cabbage (brassica) family so if possible should be planted with brassicas in your crop rotation to reduce pest and disease problems. However, most pests can be kept at bay with some fine netting stretched over a simple framework of canes.

CHINESE CABBAGE

Chinese cabbage (see main picture) is packed with vitamins and other nutrients and provides you with wonderful large crunchy heads which, depending on the variety, can be firm like a cabbage or loose, like a lettuce. They are perfect as a cabbage substitute or for salads and stir-fries and are a staple ingredient in many Asian dishes too.

HOW TO SOW

You can sow your seeds in cell or seed trays or direct outside in the ground. If you opt for trays, fill with any good multi-purpose compost and if sowing in cells sow two seeds per cell, thinning to the strongest seedling later. If in seed trays, prick out (move