What To Know
- About a week before transplanting outdoors, gradually acclimate your seedlings to outdoor conditions by placing them in a sheltered spot for increasing periods of time.
- Gently loosen the roots and place the seedling in the hole, ensuring the crown (where the stem meets the roots) is at soil level.
- Store your harvested cabbage in a cool, dry place for up to a week.
Craving fresh, crisp cabbage for your salads and stir-fries? Learning how to grow cabbage at home is easier than you might think! This versatile vegetable can add flavor and nutrition to your meals, and the satisfaction of growing your own is truly rewarding. Let’s dive into the steps to cultivate your own delicious cabbage patch.
Choosing the Right Cabbage Variety
The first step to success is selecting the right cabbage variety for your garden. Consider these factors:
- Head Size: Do you want compact, small cabbages for salads, or larger heads for coleslaw or sauerkraut?
- Maturity: Some varieties mature quickly (around 60 days), while others take longer (up to 100 days). Choose based on your growing season and desired harvest time.
- Climate: Some varieties are better suited to warmer climates, while others thrive in cooler temperatures. Research the best options for your region.
Popular cabbage varieties include:
- Green Cabbage: ‘Early Jersey Wakefield’ (fast-growing), ‘Stonehead’ (large heads), ‘Danish Ballhead’ (classic, versatile)
- Red Cabbage: ‘Red Acre’ (vivid color), ‘Ruby Ball’ (sweet flavor)
- Savoy Cabbage: ‘Savoy King’ (delicate leaves), ‘Winterbor’ (cold-hardy)
Preparing Your Garden Bed
Cabbages thrive in well-drained, fertile soil. Here’s how to prepare your garden bed:
- Sunlight: Cabbage needs at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Soil: Choose a location with loose, well-draining soil. Amend your soil with compost or aged manure for added nutrients.
- pH: Cabbage prefers a slightly acidic soil pH (6.0 to 6.5). You can test your soil pH and adjust it with lime or sulfur if necessary.
Starting Cabbage Seeds Indoors
Starting your cabbage seeds indoors gives them a head start and allows you to control their environment.
- Timing: Start seeds 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost in your region.
- Seed Trays: Use seed trays with drainage holes. Fill them with seed starting mix.
- Planting: Press each seed about 1/4 inch deep into the soil, spacing them a few inches apart.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist. Use a watering can with a fine rose to avoid disturbing the seeds.
- Light: Provide a sunny windowsill or use grow lights to ensure adequate light.
- Hardening Off: About a week before transplanting outdoors, gradually acclimate your seedlings to outdoor conditions by placing them in a sheltered spot for increasing periods of time.
Transplanting Cabbage Seedlings
Once your seedlings have developed several true leaves (the leaves that appear after the first two seed leaves), it’s time to transplant them outdoors.
- Spacing: Space your seedlings 18-24 inches apart in rows that are 2-3 feet apart.
- Planting: Dig a hole slightly larger than the seedling’s root ball. Gently loosen the roots and place the seedling in the hole, ensuring the crown (where the stem meets the roots) is at soil level.
- Watering: Water your seedlings thoroughly after transplanting.
Caring for Your Cabbage Plants
Once your cabbage is planted, regular care is essential for healthy growth.
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot weather. Water deeply, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
- Fertilizing: Cabbage is a heavy feeder. Apply a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) every few weeks, or use a slow-release fertilizer at the time of planting.
- Weeding: Keep weeds under control to prevent them from competing with your cabbage for nutrients and water.
- Pests and Diseases: Inspect your plants regularly for pests like cabbage worms, aphids, and slugs. Control them with organic methods like handpicking, insecticidal soap, or row covers. Be on the lookout for diseases like clubroot and black rot, which can be prevented by crop rotation and good soil sanitation.
Harvesting Your Cabbage
Cabbage is ready for harvest when the heads are firm and tightly packed. You’ll know it’s time when the leaves feel heavy and the head is about the size you desire.
- Harvesting: Cut the cabbage head about an inch above the soil line.
- Storage: Store your harvested cabbage in a cool, dry place for up to a week. You can also freeze cabbage for longer storage.
The Joy of Homegrown Cabbage
Growing your own cabbage is a rewarding experience. You’ll enjoy the satisfaction of nurturing your plants from seed to harvest, and the taste of fresh, homegrown cabbage is simply unbeatable.
Answers to Your Questions
Q: Can I grow cabbage in containers?
A: Yes, you can grow cabbage in containers, but choose a variety that is compact and will fit comfortably in the container. Make sure the container has drainage holes and use a high-quality potting mix.
Q: How do I prevent cabbage worms?
A: Handpick the worms, use insecticidal soap, or cover your plants with row covers to prevent them from reaching your cabbage.
Q: Can I save seeds from my cabbage?
A: You can save seeds from your cabbage, but it’s important to choose open-pollinated varieties (not hybrids). Let the seed heads mature on the plant and then collect the seeds once the pods are dry.
Q: What happens if my cabbage doesn‘t form a head?
A: Cabbage may not form a head if it’s not getting enough nutrients, water, or sunlight. Also, some varieties are prone to bolting (going to seed) in hot weather, which can prevent head formation.
Q: What can I do with my leftover cabbage leaves?
A: Don’t throw away those outer leaves! Use them in soups, stews, or even compost them to add nutrients back to your garden.
