What To Know
- Early cabbage can be started directly in the garden or indoors in seed trays.
- Transplant seedlings in the evening or on a cloudy day to minimize stress.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the head from the plant, leaving a few inches of stem attached.
Craving the sweet crunch of fresh, homegrown cabbage in the early months of spring? Learning how to grow early cabbage is easier than you might think. With a bit of planning and care, you can enjoy this versatile vegetable long before the summer heat arrives.
The Allure of Early Cabbage
Early cabbage varieties, like ‘Early Jersey Wakefield‘ and ‘Golden Acre’, are renowned for their quick maturity and tender, flavorful heads. They are perfect for salads, coleslaw, stir-fries, and even kimchi. Growing your own early cabbage offers several advantages:
- Freshness: Nothing beats the taste of freshly harvested produce.
- Control: You choose the varieties you grow, ensuring the flavor and texture you prefer.
- Sustainability: Growing your own food reduces your environmental footprint.
- Cost Savings: You can enjoy significant savings compared to buying from the store.
Choosing the Right Variety
The first step to success is selecting the right early cabbage variety. Here are some top contenders:
- ‘Early Jersey Wakefield’: This classic variety matures in about 60 days, producing small, tightly packed heads with a sweet, mild flavor.
- ‘Golden Acre’: Another fast-growing variety, ‘Golden Acre’ matures in 65 days and offers larger, golden-green heads with a crisp texture.
- ‘Red Acre’: If you’re looking for a vibrant color, ‘Red Acre’ produces deep red heads with a slightly sweeter flavor than green varieties.
Preparing Your Garden Bed
Early cabbage thrives in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5. Here’s how to prepare your garden bed:
1. Site Selection: Choose a sunny location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
2. Soil Improvement: Amend the soil with compost or aged manure to improve drainage and add nutrients.
3. Tilling: Till the soil to a depth of 8-10 inches, breaking up any clumps.
4. Rake Smooth: Rake the soil surface smooth to create a level planting bed.
Sowing Your Seeds
Early cabbage can be started directly in the garden or indoors in seed trays. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Direct Sowing:
1. Timing: Sow seeds outdoors in early spring, after the last frost has passed.
2. Depth: Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep and 12 inches apart.
3. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist until germination.
Starting Indoors:
1. Timing: Sow seeds 4-6 weeks before the last frost.
2. Seed Trays: Use seed trays filled with seed-starting mix.
3. Watering: Maintain a consistently moist environment.
4. Hardening Off: Gradually acclimate seedlings to outdoor conditions before transplanting.
Transplanting Your Cabbage
Once your seedlings have developed several true leaves, it’s time to transplant them to the garden.
1. Timing: Transplant seedlings in the evening or on a cloudy day to minimize stress.
2. Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart.
3. Watering: Water thoroughly after transplanting.
Caring for Your Cabbage Plants
Early cabbage requires consistent care to thrive. Here are essential practices:
- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during dry periods.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks.
- Weeding: Remove weeds regularly to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
- Pest Control: Monitor for pests like cabbage worms and aphids. Use organic methods like row covers or insecticidal soap to control them.
Harvesting Your Early Cabbage
Early cabbage is ready for harvest when the heads are firm and tightly packed. Here’s how to harvest:
1. Timing: Harvest heads when they reach the desired size, typically 6-8 weeks after transplanting.
2. Cutting: Use a sharp knife to cut the head from the plant, leaving a few inches of stem attached.
Enjoying Your Harvest
Once you’ve harvested your early cabbage, you can enjoy its fresh flavor in a variety of ways:
- Salads: Add shredded cabbage to salads for a crunchy, refreshing element.
- Coleslaw: Create a classic coleslaw with shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, and your favorite seasonings.
- Stir-fries: Add chopped cabbage to stir-fries for a healthy, flavorful addition.
- Kimchi: Ferment cabbage with spices and seasonings to create a tangy and spicy Korean side dish.
Beyond the Harvest: Tips for Success
- Succession Planting: Plant seeds or transplants every 2-3 weeks to enjoy a continuous harvest throughout the season.
- Crop Rotation: Rotate your cabbage crop annually to prevent the buildup of soilborne diseases.
- Companion Planting: Plant companion plants like onions, garlic, and dill nearby to deter pests.
FAQs
Q: What is the best time to plant early cabbage?
A: Plant early cabbage seeds outdoors in early spring, after the last frost has passed. You can also start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost and transplant them outdoors once the weather warms up.
Q: How often should I water my cabbage plants?
A: Water your cabbage plants deeply and consistently, especially during dry periods. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
Q: What are some common pests that affect cabbage?
A: Cabbage worms, aphids, and cabbage loopers are some common pests that can damage cabbage plants. Use organic methods like row covers or insecticidal soap to control them.
Q: Can I save seeds from my early cabbage plants?
A: You can save seeds from your early cabbage plants, but be aware that they may not be true to type. This means that the offspring may not have the same characteristics as the parent plant.
Q: What are some tips for storing fresh cabbage?
A: Store fresh cabbage in the refrigerator for up to a week. Wrap it loosely in plastic wrap or a paper towel to prevent moisture buildup. You can also freeze cabbage for longer storage.
A Bountiful Harvest Awaits
Growing your own early cabbage is a rewarding experience. With a little planning and care, you can enjoy the sweet crunch of fresh, homegrown cabbage long before the summer heat arrives. Happy gardening!
