Cabbages

Cabbage: The Surprisingly Easy Veg You Need In Your Garden

TL;DR: Cabbages are super easy to grow, making them perfect for beginners and pros alike. They come in spring, summer, and winter varieties, so you can have a steady supply all year round. Just give them some sun, fertile soil, and a bit of attention, and you'll be enjoying homegrown cabbage in no time. Watch out for pests like cabbage white butterflies and flea beetles, but with some netting and regular care, you’ll be laughing!

Cabbages are one of those unsung heroes of the garden – they’re reliable, versatile, and surprisingly easy to grow. If you’re just starting out on your gardening journey, or if you’re looking for a dependable crop, cabbages are a fantastic choice. Plus, nothing beats the taste of a freshly picked homegrown cabbage, and you’ll get varieties you just can't find in the supermarket. Let's dive into the world of cabbage cultivation and see how you can get the best out of these leafy greens.

Understanding Your Cabbage

Firstly, let’s get one thing straight - cabbages are part of the brassica family, which also includes other yummy veggies like broccoli and cauliflower. They like firm, fertile soil and plenty of sunshine. We can split them into three main types: spring, summer and winter, each with their own ideal cabbage planting and harvesting times. Spring cabbages, with their pointed heads and mild flavor, are sown in late summer for a spring harvest. Summer cabbages, the classic round ones with a stronger flavour, are sown in spring for a summer or early autumn harvest. Finally, winter cabbages, often the wrinkly-leaved savoy types, are sown in spring for harvesting through the winter months. To keep your plate (and tummy!) happy all year round, why not try growing cabbages of all three types?

How to Grow Cabbage: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here's how to grow your own cabbages, and it's simpler than you might think:

1. Position: Choose a sunny spot, cabbages love the light, and make sure the soil is firm and fertile.
2. Preparation: Before you start, dig in plenty of well-rotted manure or compost. This helps with drainage and gives your cabbages the nutrients they need to thrive.
3. Sowing: Sow your seeds in modules or seed trays, either indoors or outdoors, depending on what type of cabbage you are growing and what time of year it is.
4. Planting Out: Once your seedlings have four or five true leaves, it’s time for them to move to their final spot in the garden. Make sure you leave enough space for them to grow properly – look at your seed packet to see the correct cabbage spacing for your variety.
5. Watering: Keep your cabbages well-watered, especially during dry spells, they don't like to be thirsty.
6. Feeding: Give them a boost during the growing season with a high nitrogen cabbage fertilizer.
7. Harvesting: Wait until the heads are nice and firm before you harvest them.

Common Cabbage Pests and Diseases

As with most plants, there are a few things to look out for when growing cabbages. Here’s a rundown of the most common issues and how to tackle them:

• Cabbage Root Fly: This pest can kill young seedlings, so cover them with fleece for protection.
• Cabbage White Butterfly: The caterpillars love to munch on cabbage leaves, so use netting to keep them off.
• Club Root: This fungal disease causes swollen roots. Crop rotation is a good way to prevent it.
• White Blister: Remove any infected leaves and make sure there is good air circulation around your cabbages.
• Flea Beetles: Netting will help protect your crops from these critters that eat small holes in the leaves.

Prevention is always better than cure, so netting is a great way to avoid most of these issues.

Final Thoughts

Organic cabbage growing is really rewarding, and there's nothing quite like harvesting a big, beautiful cabbage that you’ve nurtured yourself. With a little bit of care and attention, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown cabbages all year round. So why not give it a go? Happy gardening!