How to Care for Brassica Plants

Prepare a proper soil for brassica plants. Remove all stones and debris from the soil. Work in plenty of organic fertilizer such as compost, well-rotted manure or peat moss. Walk on the soil to remove air pockets. Test the soil's acidity with a soil testing kit, or have the soil tested by a local extension. Brassica soil must be well-drained and should have a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. Add lime to the soil as recommended by an extension agent or garden specialist to raise your soil to the proper pH.

Provide adequate lighting. Brassica plants prefer a partial shade area with up to four hours of sunlight daily.

Protect your plants from pests and disease. Examine plants regularly for possible symptoms. Symptoms of pests and disease include leaf drop, spots on the plants, wilting plants, holes and wounds on the plants, dried or scorched plants and stunted growth. Common pests of brassicas include birds, moths, aphids, worms and beetles. Diseases of brassicas include leaf spot, rot and wilt. Pests and disease must be treated with pest deterrents, pesticides or anti-bacterial, anti-viral or anti-fungal treatments as directed on the treatment packaging to prevent spread of the problem and possible death of the plant.

Keep the soil moist, never soggy or muddy. Brassicas require different frequencies of watering depending on the climate in which they are grown. Insert your finger 1 inch into the soil. If the soil feels dry, water the plants thoroughly.

Harvest brassicas when heads or sprouts are well-formed or leaves are developed. Harvest leaves from the bottom of the plant.