Asian Vegies Update

The October edition of the Burke's Backyard magazine includes a free packet of Asian green seeds. The packet contains mixed seeds of Chinese cabbage, kailan (Chinese broccoli), pak choi white (Chinese white cabbage), pak choi green (bok choy) and tatsoi (Chinese flat cabbage).

Don's vegie garden

Seven weeks ago on the program Don planted some of the mixed Asian green seeds in his vegie garden. He chose a full sun position, then prepared the soil by digging it over and incorporating some well-rotted manure and complete fertiliser. The seeds were planted thickly in shallow drills, covered with a fine layer of seed raising mix and watered. Since that time the seedlings have been given a feed of a liquid plant food (such as Nitrosol) every fortnight.

Don checked on the progress of the seedlings and found that they are growing well, but are now too crowded (to grow to a good size the plants need to be about 200mm apart). These seedlings are ready to be 'thinned out' by removing some of the plants, which can either be replanted elsewhere or eaten. This will leave plenty of room for the remaining plants to develop further.

Snails and caterpillars

When the Asian green seeds were planted Don used snail baits, so the snail and slug damage has been minimal. If using snail baits, be very careful and use sparingly as per the directions on the packet. Snail baits are very toxic to pets - especially dogs - and native animals. Caterpillars had also done a little bit of damage to a few leaves, but not enough to cause any concern.

Further information

A packet of the Burke's Backyard Mixed Asian Greens seed mix is attached to the cover of the October edition of the Burke's Backyard magazine. The magazine is available at newsagents for $4.80.

Copyright CTC Productions 2001