Cabbage

What you'll need:

Cabbage seeds or young seedlings (you can find these at garden centers or online)

A pot (at least 12 inches wide and deep) or a patch of soil in your garden

Rich, well-draining soil (if the soil feels too heavy, mix in some compost to loosen it up)

Some vegetable fertilizer (ask for "all-purpose" or "leafy veggie" fertilizer)

When to start:

Cabbage loves cool weather. You can plant it in early spring or late summer. If you're starting with seeds indoors, begin about 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Once the weather is consistently cool (around 50-70°F/10-21°C), you can move them outside.

Finding a good spot:

Cabbage needs plenty of sunshine but also appreciates some shade during the hottest part of the day. Aim for a spot that gets around 4-6 hours of sunlight daily. If you're planting in pots, a sunny balcony or patio works great!

Tip: If you're planting in the ground, make sure the soil is loose and full of nutrients. Adding some compost will give your cabbage a boost!

If you have seeds:

1. Fill small pots or seed trays with moist soil.
2. Sprinkle 2-3 seeds in each hole, covering them with just a thin layer of soil (about 1/4 inch deep).
3. Water gently so the soil stays moist but not soggy.
4. Keep the pots in a warm, bright spot until they sprout, which usually takes about 7-10 days.
5. Once the seedlings grow 3-4 leaves, pick the strongest one and transplant it into a larger pot or directly into the garden.

If you have seedlings:

1. Dig a hole slightly bigger than the root ball of the seedling.
2. Place the seedling in the hole, making sure the top of the roots is level with the soil surface.
3. Gently press the soil around the base of the plant to keep it steady.
4. Water right after planting.

Planting tips:

• Space your cabbage plants about 18-24 inches apart if you're planting in the ground. This gives them room to grow big heads.
• If using pots, plant one cabbage per large pot.
• After planting, sprinkle a bit of fertilizer around the base and lightly mix it into the topsoil.

Watering:

• Cabbage likes consistent moisture. Check the soil every few days; if the top inch feels dry, it’s time to water.
• Water deeply but avoid soaking the leaves—wet leaves can invite diseases.
• Early morning is the best time to water, as it allows any damp leaves to dry out during the day.

Feeding time:

• Feed your cabbage every 3-4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Follow the instructions on the package, but don’t overdo it—too much fertilizer can lead to lots of leaves but small heads.
• If you notice the leaves turning yellow, it might be a sign your cabbage needs more nitrogen. You can add a little extra nitrogen-rich fertilizer.

Sunlight and temperature:

• Cabbage thrives in cooler temperatures, ideally between 50-70°F (10-21°C). If it gets too hot, the heads may split or become bitter.
• If you live in a warmer area, consider planting your cabbage in partial shade to protect it from the afternoon sun.

Minor problem solving:

• Pests: Cabbage can attract caterpillars or aphids. Inspect the leaves regularly and remove any bugs by hand or rinse them off with water.
• Yellow leaves: This could mean too much or too little water. Adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
• Small heads: Make sure your cabbage has enough space. Overcrowding can prevent the heads from growing properly.

When to harvest:

• Cabbage is ready to harvest when the heads are firm and compact, usually about 70-100 days after planting.
• The size of the head depends on the variety, but most cabbages will be about the size of a soccer ball when ready.
• To check if it's ready, squeeze the head—it should feel solid and dense.

How to harvest:

• Use a sharp knife to cut the cabbage head from the stem, leaving a few outer leaves attached.
• Don’t pull the whole plant out of the ground! Leave the roots in the soil, as smaller “baby” cabbages may sprout from the remaining stem.

After harvesting:

• Harvested cabbage can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• If you’ve grown a lot of cabbage, you can shred it and freeze it for later use in soups or stir-fries.
• At the end of the season, remove any leftover plants to make room for new crops.

Q: Why are my cabbage leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves can happen for a few reasons: overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency. Check your watering schedule first. If that doesn’t fix it, try adding a bit of nitrogen-rich fertilizer.

Q: How do I stop pests from eating my cabbage?

A: Covering your cabbage with a fine mesh net can help keep insects like cabbage worms away. You can also handpick pests off the leaves or spray them with a mixture of water and mild soap.

Q: Can I grow cabbage in containers?

A: Yes! Just make sure the container is deep enough (at least 12 inches) and wide enough to allow for growth. One cabbage per pot is ideal.

Q: What should I do if my cabbage splits?

A: Splitting usually happens when the plant gets too much water all at once. Try to water consistently, especially after dry spells, to avoid this.

Q: Can I plant cabbage next to other vegetables?

A: Yes! Cabbage grows well with plants like onions, garlic, and herbs like dill and mint, which can help deter pests. Avoid planting it near tomatoes or strawberries, though, as they can compete for nutrients.