There are a variety of uses for cabbage.It is possible to grow a supply of cabbage that will last all year.The plant needs regular fertilization and plenty of sun to grow well.cabbages should be tended to at least a couple of times a week to keep them clean and healthy.
Step 1: There are multiple varieties of cabbage.
If you plant varieties with different maturities, you'll have a longer harvest.You will have fresh cabbage longer if your cabbages are maturing at different times.The maturities of cabbage are from 60 to 120 days.The cabbage varieties are grouped by harvest.From mid to late spring, cabbages are ready.It is possible to harvest summer cabbages in late summer and early fall.Fall and winter cabbages are harvest later in the fall.The Savoy cabbage has a longer harvesting period.The harvesting season for this variety starts in the fall and lasts through the winter and early spring of the next year.
Step 2: Start seeds 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost.
Your seeds are to be sown deep and wide at a depth of.25 inches (0.64 cm) and a width of 5.1 cm.They can either be placed in a spot with plenty of sunlight or under grow lamps with temperatures between 60 and 70 F.If you don't want to grow your own cabbage, you can buy transplants from a local grower or farmer's market.
Step 3: The soil should be prepared with aged manure and compost.
Put the soil of your planting bed to a depth of about 2 inches and mix in a layer of compost.There is a layer of compost.After fertilization, make sure the bed stays moist until you transplant it.
Step 4: Move your plants outdoors after 3 to 4 weeks.
Transfer your seeds to your garden after a couple of weeks.frost won't kill them if they are exposed to cold.You will need to set the seedlings outside in a sheltered area for about a week to get them hardened.Set your plants so that the main stem is buried in the soil once they are hardened.When hardening off the seedlings, place them in an area where they won't be exposed to harsh wind or sunlight.Leave them out for 1-2 hours at a time to start, then gradually work your way up to 7 or 8 hours by the end of the week.You need to thin the seedlings to only have one per cell or pot.Pick the strongest seedling in each tray if you wait until the seeds have begun to grow.Before you transplant them, you should have at least 3 or 4 leaves.
Step 5: The cabbage should be arranged in rows with plenty of sun exposure.
The cabbage needs at least 6 hours of sunshine a day.The bigger the cabbage heads, the faster they grow.There are rows of 12 to 24 inches (30 to 61 cm) apart.If not a little more, leave a minimum of 24 inches between each seedling for fall and winter varieties.
Step 6: Place cabbage among plants.
Plants such as beans, celery, cucumbers, potatoes, onions, and lettuce will improve your cabbages' health and help them thrive.There are some plants that are helpful near cabbage.Don't plant near broccoli, cauliflower, strawberries, or cabbage.These crops deplete your soil faster.If you want to get the best results, plant them on the other side of the garden.Companion plantings can be found in the Old Farmer's Almanac at http://www.almanac.com/content/companion-planting-guide.
Step 7: Row covers and collar protect against pests.
They are vulnerable to cutworms.A collar made from a plastic cup and pushed into the ground around the seedling will protect it.Nets and row covers can be used to protect your cabbage.
Step 8: The soil's pH needs to be kept between 6 and 6.
If you want to test your soil yourself, you can buy a kit online or at your local gardening shop.You have the option of contacting the agricultural extension of your state university if you live in the US.They will test your soil for free.If you need to lower the pH in your soil, use products such as organic mulches.Adding hydrated lime or wood ash will raise the soil's pH.
Step 9: 2 inches of water and mulch can be used each week.
The cabbages need moist soil.Water the soil around the cabbages at least once a week.The mulch keeps the soil moist.If you notice pests or disease in your cabbage, inspect it.Pest damage can be kept to a minimum by spraying with a biological pesticide every other week.In cooler weather, don't wet the foliage of your cabbages.cabbages are more vulnerable to disease when there is wet leaves.It's possible to prevent water and soil from splashing onto your cabbages by watering the soil near the base of the cabbage instead of spraying water directly onto it.
Step 10: The soil needs to be fertilized three weeks after planting.
Optimal growth can be achieved with a fish emulsion or liquidfertilizer.When the cabbage starts to develop new leaves and when the plants start forming heads, add thefertilizer.If the leaves of your cabbages are starting to yellow, this is a sign that they need a boost of fertilization.
Step 11: Pick up pests and weeds from your cabbage.
Remove pests from cabbages at least once a week.Since cabbage pests are small and difficult to see, a close inspection is required.There are shallow roots to cabbages.You don't want to damage the root system of your plants if you pull out the weeds.
Step 12: It's best to let your cabbage grow for 70 days.
Different varieties grow at different ratesMost cabbages are ready for harvest within 70 days after you transplant them.If you want the heads to grow bigger, leave them a little longer.The heads are typically 1 to 3 pounds.You can harvest spring cabbages that are young and loose greens.
Step 13: The cabbage head should be cut at the base.
The cabbage head should be cut off as close to its base as possible with a clean, sharp knife.Move it to a shady spot after cutting it.After harvesting, remove the entire stem and root system.Disease can build up in your soil.
Step 14: cabbages can be wrapped in plastic.
The cabbages should be refrigerated as soon as possible after harvesting.Your cabbage heads will last longer if you use plastic wrap or a plastic bag.cabbage will last at least 2 weeks in the refrigerator and may last as long as 2 months.
Step 15: You can keep fresh cabbage longer by setting up a root cellar.
If you want to keep your cabbage fresh, store it in a root cellar.If cabbage is stored in a moist place with a consistent temperature of between 32 and 40 F, it will keep well for 5 to 6 months.
Step 16: Before you cook or eat, make sure you clean your cabbage heads.
When you're ready to eat a cabbage, wash the heads and remove the outer leaves.The tightly packed leaves of cabbage heads hide insects.Wrap the rest of the cabbage head tightly and chill it.