Growing Winter Veggies

Question

For 2 years now I’ve planted cabbage, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower in the late fall. The plants are robust, but no veggies ever develop. I live in the Bay Area in California. Three years ago I had excellent success with my winter crops. What’s up?

Answer 1

There are several reasons your plants may not be heading. Too much nitrogen is the most common reason, giving you more leafy growth instead. They need phosphorus to produce the nice flowering heads. I would add some bone meal to the soil. In addition, your pH might be off. A soil test can help with both to know for certain. For addition information/causes, these articles should also help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/cabbage/cabbage-head-formation.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/brussels-sprouts/brussel-sprouts-produce-loose-leafed-poorly-formed-heads.htm