How to Plant Cabbage at Home (Growing & Harvesting)

If you're looking for a vegetable that's easy to grow and packed with nutrients, cabbage is a great option. This hearty leafy green is also versatile, so it can be used in a variety of recipes. Here's everything you need to know about planting and harvesting cabbage at home.

Why You Should Plant Cabbage at Home?

Easy to Grow Plant

Cabbage is a cool weather crop that can be planted in early spring or late summer, making it a great choice for gardeners in most regions. Cabbage is also relatively easy to grow, as it is a hardy plant that does not require much care. With a little planning and some basic gardening knowledge, anyone can successfully grow cabbage at home.

Nutritious Vegetable

In addition to being easy to grow, cabbage is also a very nutritious vegetable. Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, and it also contains significant amounts of fiber, manganese, and potassium. Eating cabbage regularly can help boost your immune system, improve your digestion, and even lower your risk of some chronic diseases.

Versatile Ingredient

Cabbage can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and slaws. It can also be eaten raw or lightly cooked, making it a versatile ingredient for both cooked and raw recipes. Whether you are looking for new ways to eat more vegetables or simply want to add some variety to your meals, planting cabbage at home can give you access to fresh, delicious cabbage year-round.

How to Grow Cabbage in Easy Steps

Choose the Right Location

To ensure your cabbage plants grow to their full potential, it’s important to choose the right location for them. Cabbage prefers full sun, so pick a spot in your garden that gets at least six hours of sunlight each day. Additionally, the soil should be well-drained and rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy or clay-like, mix in some sand or compost to improve drainage.

Prepare the Soil

Once you’ve selected the perfect spot for your cabbage, it’s time to prepare the soil. Begin by loosening the top 12 inches of soil with a spade or garden fork. If you added any amendments to the soil, now is the time to mix them in thoroughly. Next, create furrows (narrow trenches) that are about 6 inches apart and 1-2 inches deep using a hoe or rake. These furrows will serve as planting rows for your cabbage seeds or seedlings.

Plant the Seeds or Transplant the Seedlings

If you’re starting with seeds, sow them thinly in the furrows you created earlier, then lightly cover them with soil. Water gently to avoid washing away the seeds. If you’re transplanting seedlings that you started indoors, dig holes that are twice as wide as the root balls and space them 12-18 inches apart in the furrowed rows. Gently firm up the soil around each transplanted seedling and water well.

Water the Plants Regularly

Cabbage plants need about 1 inch of water per week, so be sure to keep an eye on rainfall and supplement with irrigation if necessary. The best way to water cabbage is with a soaker hose or drip irrigation system, which will deliver water directly to the roots and minimize evaporation. Avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can promote fungal diseases.

Fertilize the Plants

To keep your cabbage plants healthy and productive, fertilize them every four weeks with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10. If you prefer, you can also side dress the plants with compost or manure during the growing season. Just be sure to avoid getting any fertilizer on the leaves, as this can damage them.

How to Harvest Cabbage?

Wait Until the Cabbage is Mature

Cabbage heads are usually mature and ready to harvest within 60-100 days after planting, depending on the variety. To tell if cabbage is mature and ready to harvest, look for a tight, firm head that is about 6-8 inches in diameter. The leaves should be crisp and green, without any browning or wilting.

If you live in an area with a short growing season, you can start harvesting early by selecting smaller cabbage heads. However, keep in mind that these heads will not store as well as larger ones.

Cut the Cabbage Heads from the Plants

To harvest cabbage, use a sharp knife or gardening shears to cut the heads from the plants, being careful not to damage the remaining leaves or roots. If you plan to store the cabbage heads, leave 2-3 inches of stem attached to each head.

Store the Cabbage Heads Properly

Once harvested, cabbage heads should be stored in a cool (32-40°F), dark, and humid place such as a root cellar or refrigerator crisper drawer. Cabbage can be stored whole or cut into wedges; however, cut surfaces will discolor and should be covered with plastic wrap or foil if they will not be used immediately. Whole cabbage heads will keep for 2-3 months while wedges will only last 1-2 weeks.

Read : The Secret of How to Grow Brussels Sprouts

Conclusion

If you're looking for an easy to grow, nutritious vegetable to add to your home garden, cabbage is a great option. Cabbage is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, and it's packed with vitamins and minerals.

Planting cabbage is simple - just choose the right location, prepare the soil, and water regularly. When it's time to harvest, cut the cabbage heads from the plants and store them properly. With a little care, you'll have a bountiful crop of delicious cabbage to enjoy all season long. - Garden Lot