Jiggs Dinner Culinary Collection

Planting Cabbage: Plant seeds 1⁄4" deep & space 20-24" apart. Transplant or thin small plants to 15-18 inches apart in rows 30-36 inches apart. Transplants can be started in April for May planting. Transplant after 4-6 weeks. Use a starter fertilizer, soaking the root ball thoroughly prior to transplanting. Direct seed in late spring, as seedlings can tolerate a light frost. Cabbage can be direct seeded up until mid-late June for a continuous harvest. Soil temperature should be 21-26 degrees C for optimal germination in 4-7 days.
Growing: Cabbage prefers full sun, but will tolerate part shade. Prepare a rich, loose soil that holds moisture well and has pH level of 6.0-6.5. Cabbage is a heavy feeder and will also benefit from applications of boron, calcium and magnesium, particularly during the early stages of growth. Heads are ready when firm and when the interior is dense. Heads will split when over mature; rapid growth due to excess moisture and fertility will also cause splitting.

Planting Carrots: Sow as soon as ground can be worked. Even moisture and soil temperature (18-24 degrees C) are essential for good germination. Sow seed 1⁄4-1⁄2 inches deep. Seed takes 14-21 days to germinate. Planting a few radish seeds helps to loosen the soil and mark the rows for these slow emerging seeds. Thin plants to at least 1 inch apart in rows spaced 18-24 inches apart.
Pelleted Seed: Pelleted seed is easy to handle and saves space while reducing the amount of thinning required. Pelleted seed requires more moisture than regular seed so keep moist until coating has cracked.
Growing: Carrots are best grown in full sun but will tolerate light shading. Choose deeply-worked, stone free soil with pH of 6.5. Chantenay types are suitable for shallow or heavy soils. Raised beds or rows are recommended. Carrots are light to moderate feeders. Avoid using fresh animal and green manures at the time of planting. Moisture is required for good root formation.

Planting Rutabaga: Sow thinly 1⁄4 -1⁄2 inches deep. Space young plants to 4-6 inches apart in rows 24-30 inches apart. Sow seed as early as the soil can be worked for a mature crop for early market. For the main storage crop, plant in late June or early July, so that roots can develop in the cooler weather. Late plantings are less susceptible to root maggot damage. For an extra early crop, start indoors in April for transplanting in May.
Growing: Full sun and soil pH of 6.5. Moderate feeders; require a deep, loose cultivated soil with medium water retention. Apply generously, compost and well-rotted manure prior to planting. Benefits from regular feedings with a compost tea or fertilizer with higher amounts of phosphorous and potassium for good root development. Boron is a key trace element for the prevention of Brown Heart (water core). (Boron may also be applied separately as a spray 4-6 weeks after planting).

Planting Summer Savoury: Sow seeds directly into the ground 1⁄8 inch deep or just scatter on top of the soil. Prefers full sun and average soil. Thin to 10 inches apart in rows 16-18 inches apart. Successive sowings may be made in the spring until mid-summer. Summer savory germinates quickly, and often self-seeds. Does not transplant well.
Growing: Cut as soon as the plants get about 6 inches tall and before flowering. Hang in bundles upside down in an airy place. When dry, remove leaves from the stems. Store in airtight containers.

Planting Parlsey: Parsley is a biennial, and will overwinter, but it is mostly grown as an annual. Can be slow in germination, doing best in warm, moist soil (60-85 degrees F), with pH of 5.0 to 7.0. Soaking seed in lukewarm water for several hours before sowing is beneficial; some advocate use of boiling water, or freezing seed for a short time. Sow indoors, from late winter to early spring and outdoors in early spring, before last frost. Ensure constant moisture until after germination (may take 3 weeks or more). Thin or space plants at 6 inches apart. Harvest as needed, beginning with large, outer leaves.

Planting Parsnip: Parsnip seed does not keep well from year to year; use only fresh seed, sowing as early as ground can be worked. Sow seed 1⁄2 inches deep in rows 18-24 inches apart. Thin to 3 inches apart. Adequate moisture and a cool soil temperature of 15-18 degrees C is essential for good germination which may take up to 21 days.
Growing: Full sun and soil pH of 6.5. Requires a rich, deeply cultivated soil with plenty of organic matter; incorporate compost or well-rotted manure prior to planting.

Planting Onions: Onion seeds started indoors 6-8 weeks ahead of transplanting will be earlier, larger and have a better shape than sets and direct seeded onions. Plant 3-4 seeds in a1 inch cell. Thin to 2 seedlings per cell. Seedlings can be trimmed to 3-4 inches in height to promote stockier transplants. Thin or transplant to 3-4 inches apart in rows 18-24 inches apart.
Direct Seeding: Plant seed as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring. Onion seed germinates in a wide range of soil temperature, 18-29 degrees C. Sow and cover seed with 1⁄2 inches of soil; keep moist.
Growing: Onions benefit from full sun, soil pH of 6.0-7.5 and a well-drained soil with plenty of compost or well-rotted manure added. Feed with a complete balanced fertilizer during the growing season, particularly when the bulbs start to form.