planting out module raised seedlings

[kiranu]

I have just taken over a 2 acre walled kitchen garden & although I have always grown veg in my garden it is quite a step up in production to produce a large amount of veg & fruit for the owner! I have been using modules to start a lot of veg off in february/March. These include Beetroot, spring cabbage, cavalo Nero, Chard, Spring onions, Lettuce, Spinach etc. I wonder if anyone could advise when these module raised plants can be planted outside ? They all have roots filling their modules & in the case of the spring cabbages, Cavolo nero & chard they are all around 12-15cm tall. I have read different advise on when these module raised plants can be transplanted outside..some say that Kale shouldn’t go out until early summer!! Is this right or am I safe to plant them out now with some fleece at the ready in case of any frosts ?

[charles]

 That is funny advice you read, all the plants you mention are really hardy so they can safely go out now. I hope the beetroot is Boltardy. Fleece helps plants establish and protects from pigeons, rabbits etc, but in wet weather it can encourage slugs so watch for that.

(Fleece does not keep much frost off but these plants are ok in cold)

[kiranu]

Phew! Thanks Charles. Put my mind at rest. Yes the beetroot is Boltardy & have just sown some Chiogga & golden varieties in cells in the greenhouse. Is it too early to be direct sowing anything other than Boltardy at the moment then? Could I ask about Spring Cabbages? I sowed a variety called Hispi in module cells in mid-February & these too are looking nice & healthy & i’ve just potted them up into slightly larger pots. When should I be safe to plant these out ? I also have some January king module sown plants too but understand that they don’t get planted out until early/mid summer..is this correct as by summer these plants will be quite substantial I think?

[charles]

 You need a good book with planting dates, my OG has a lot, Hispi are completely frost hardy but really you have sown the January King too early, they are hardy but do you want them hearting in August? It works well to sow them in June for planting by early July, to heart up in late autumn. Wait until May for sowing other beetroot varieties outside.

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