Cabbage

Savory Cabbage

How to Grow Cabbage

Growing cabbage is a rewarding endeavor that can yield a bountiful harvest with proper care. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Choose the Right Variety

Select the cabbage variety suited to your climate and intended use. Common types include green, red, and savoy cabbage. Some popular varieties are 'Savoy King' and 'Early Jersey Wakefield.'

2. Select a Planting Site

Cabbage thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Aim for soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Consider rotating crops to avoid disease buildup by planting cabbage in a different location each season.

3. Prepare the Soil

Before planting, enrich the soil with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure. This improves fertility and drainage. Tilling the soil to a depth of 12 inches helps aerate it.

4. Start Seeds Indoors or Direct Sow

You can start cabbage seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date or sow them directly in the garden. If starting indoors, transplant seedlings when they have at least two true leaves and are approximately 4-6 inches tall.

5. Transplanting

Space the seedlings 12-24 inches apart in rows that are 24-36 inches apart. If direct sowing, plant seeds about ½ inch deep.

6. Watering

Maintain consistent moisture in the soil, particularly during dry spells. Cabbage requires about 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Avoid overhead watering to prevent diseases; water the base of the plant instead.

7. Fertilizing

Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and then again every few weeks. Monitoring nitrogen levels is particularly important, as cabbage is a heavy feeder.

8. Weed Control

Keep the planting area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and water. Mulching can help suppress weeds and retain soil moisture.

9. Pest and Disease Management

Watch for common pests like aphids, cabbage worms, and loopers. Hand-picking or using insecticidal soap can be effective. Practice crop rotation and inspect plants regularly for signs of disease.

10. Harvesting

Cabbage is ready to harvest when the heads feel firm, generally 70-100 days after planting, depending on the variety. Cut the head from the plant with a sharp knife, leaving the outer leaves intact.

11. Storage

Store harvested cabbage in a cool, dark place with high humidity. Properly stored, cabbage can last several weeks to months.

COMPANION PLANTS

Borage
Borage attracts helpful insects like pollinators and wasps that target cabbage pests. It also enhances cabbage flavor and adds minerals, including calcium.

1. Nasturtium
   Nasturtiums draw aphids away from cabbage and their spicy leaves can keep cabbage worms away, making them valuable in your garden.

2. Dill
   Dill attracts ladybugs and wasps that attack cabbage pests like aphids and caterpillars. It can also boost cabbage growth when planted nearby.

3. Onions
   Onions and other alliums can keep pests like cabbage loopers and aphids at bay. Their strong smell may confuse these harmful insects.

4. Peppermint
   Peppermint helps repel cabbage moths and beetles. Its fast growth can also cover the ground, reducing weeds around your cabbage.

5. Thyme
   Thyme attracts helpful insects while deterring pests. Its low growth helps prevent soil erosion.

6. Cauliflower and Broccoli
   These brassicas grow well with cabbage, sharing the same needs and maximizing garden space.

7. Carrots
   Carrots have shallow roots that don’t compete with cabbage for nutrients. Planting them together fosters garden diversity, helping to keep pests away.

When planning your garden, include these companion plants to support your cabbage. Rotate them to keep soil healthy and reduce pest problems.