The Brassica Family
(for you to print out)

The Brassica Family includes:- Cabbages, Cauliflowers, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts and Wong-bok (chinese cabbage) like rich organic soil, lots of compost, broken down animal manures, liquid fertilizers and a heap of mulch.
Seedlings
You can either buy seedlings from your local nurseries or sow the seed directly into the soil. Brussels Sprouts need a frost to form compact sprouts. They are not successful in frost-free areas.
Companion plant Lettuce amongst the Cabbages, Cauliflowers, Broccoli; this will help to confuse the Cabbage Moths which dislike Lettuce. You could also try planting out leeks and spring onions amongst your seedlings.
Organic Insect Deterrents
Try boiling Lettuce leaves in water, cool then sieve and use the juice as an insect spray.
Also try Molasses. The recipe is 1 tablespoon of molasses dissolved in 1 litre of hot water. Allow to cool, then mix in one teaspoonful of detergent. The detergent will help the molasses to stick to the leaves. Spray the young plants thoroughly not forgetting underneath the leaves.
Or you could do what I do which is the pick and stomp trick. Pick the grub off the plant and stomp on it. Also note that Brassicas Family and Tomatoes do not like being planted beside each other. see friendly sprays
Transplanting Seedlings
Transplant seedlings in the late afternoon, after the heat of the day, when it is cooler. Lightly fork in some fresh compost, then transplant the plant and water in well to insure that the roots are firm and that there are no air holes around the roots. Do not over compact as this may damage delicate roots. Spread a couple of handfuls of mulch around the plant but not too close to the stem as this could cause rot. For the first couple of days, water and cover the plants, until they are over the shock of transplanting. You could use either an up turned flower pot or margarine container for this. If you are forgetful, as I am, use a small tree branch with leaves on. By the time the leaves dry out and fall off the branch, the plant will be established, (not dead under a pot a week later). see transplanting
Liquid Fertlizer
Liquid fertilizer is the main asset for the organic gardener; not only is it a very good plant booster and foliage spray; it can also be used as a form of pest control.
You can either use Animal/Bird manure or good fresh Compost, Kitchen Scraps, Seaweed or Seagrass.
In my garden my main source of fertilizer is the herb plant called Comfrey.
see liquid fertilizers