Cauliflowers 
To grow perfect cauliflowers you'll need a rich and deep soil and there mustn't be a check to growth, so careful planting and watering are essential.
Sowing
Sow thinly 13mm (0.5in) deep in a seed bed in rows 15cm (6in) apart. Thin the seedlings to 7.5cm (3in) apart.
The main sowing period is March to May, although early crops can be achieved by sowing under glass in January/February or sowing a suitable cultivar in the autumn.
Growing
Transplant the young plants to their growing position when plants have five or six true leaves, setting the lowest leaves at ground level. Water well the day before moving, firm in well after transplanting and 'puddle' in the plants with plenty of water. Space summer and autumn cropping types 60cm (2ft) apart and winter cultivars 75cm (2.5ft) apart; spacing 30-45cm (12-18in) apart will provide mini, 'one person' curds.
Water well in dry weather and conserve soil moisture with a mulch. Occasional summer feeding with a liquid fertiliser will improve results as cauliflowers are a hungry crop.
Protect the plants from birds by covering with netting or fleece.
Protect the curds of summer types from the sun by bending a few leaves over them; doing the same with winter varieties will protect against frost - particularly important with the less hardy romanesco types.
Harvesting
Start cutting when the heads are firm; you've left it too late once the florets start to separate.
