The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has advised UK gardeners to avoid growing brassicas—such as cauliflowers, broccoli, and cabbages—due to the effects of climate change on the UK’s growing conditions. This year has seen a particularly poor harvest of these vegetables, with farmers predicting it may be one of the worst on record. The UK experienced its hottest summer on record, with temperatures reaching 38.1°C (100.1°F) at Kew Gardens in London on 13 August. Scientists say such extreme heat is a result of the climate crisis, mainly driven by the burning of fossil fuels. The RHS says home gardeners should stop growing cauliflowers and other brassicas because they are struggling in the current climate. Many horticulturalists have already stopped growing them for years due to the difficulty of getting a successful harvest. Cauliflowers and their relatives are described as being very thirsty and easily stressed in high temperatures, which makes it hard for them to form a proper head. The charity recommends considering other vegetables instead, such as tomatoes, Asian loofah, and okra, which are better suited to the current climate. Horticulturalists at RHS gardens have been experimenting with alternatives to brassicas. Simone Bratt, who manages the kitchen gardens at RHS Bridgewater, said she had not grown cauliflowers for several years due to unpredictable weather conditions. This year, even attempts to sow them in spring failed due to the intense heat. She suggested purple sprouting broccoli as a better option, as it can be harvested gradually rather than waiting for a single large head. Gardeners have also found success with other warm-weather crops. Tomatoes and peppers have thrived outdoors, and melons and watermelons can now be grown in parts of the UK where watering is possible. Some gardeners have turned to kale, which is more drought-resistant due to its deep roots. Cucumbers and sweet potatoes have also been grown successfully outdoors. Horticulturists at RHS Garden Wisley and RHS Hyde Hall have reported good results with crops like chillies, aubergines, loofah, and okra, with some unexpected successes like yard-long beans. These findings suggest that adapting to the changing climate may offer new opportunities for UK gardeners.