Growing Cabbage (continued page 2)

Sowing Cabbage
Plan a succession of sowings from mid spring until early summer for a long period of harvesting. 

For a mid to late summer crop, sow the seed thinly in late winter in seed beds protected by poly-tunnels / cloches. Click here if you would like to buy a poly-tunnel or cloche from GardenAction's recommended online supplier (UK only). Plant into permanent position during mid to late spring 30-40 cm (12-15") apart each way. Protection from severe weather may still be necessary during this time.  Cabbages grown outdoors should be transplanted when four or five cabbage type leaves have appeared.

Care of Cabbage
Cabbages sown in spring do not require a great deal of care, but do not allow them to dry out as this will impair their growth. Water liberally during hot and dry weather. Hoe around the plants during the growing period to control the weeds and aerate the soil which will also deter insect pests from laying their eggs. A layer of garden compost around (but not touching) the plants will conserve water, prevent weeds and deter those pesky insects!

Where you have no garden compost, covering the surrounding soil with a weed control fabric will do exactly the same job and will last for many years. Click here if you would like to buy your weed control fabric online.

Cabbages are greedy feeders and require plenty of fertiliser during the growing period.  As the plants mature, some of the leaves may turn yellow. Break off these discoloured leaves as soon as they appear.

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