"Chris" ] wrote in message

Why do cabbages have to be planted firmly?
And how do you do it?
I want to use the ground that has had potatoes in it - and that
ground
is really loose!
Should I compress it with a sledgehammer?

Some plants such as Brussels Sprouts just like to have very close
contact with the soil. Put the seedling in and then firm it down well
by pushing down on the soil around the plant with your hands. Don't
squasht he rots to extinction but be firm. (I hope that description
isn't as inadequate as I believe it sounds - sigh!)