Cabbage
Soil Preparation
Cabbages prefer a firm soil so the plot should not be dug over before planting.
The soil needs to be alkaline. I add slow release (Dolomite) lime to the previous crop (peas or beans) and this will have been released in time for the cabbages. If you have not done this add Garden Lime (available in the shop) a few weeks before planting.
Cabbages need plenty of Nitrogen so work into the surface some high nitrogen fertilizer ( I use either Groworganic or chicken pellets and hoof and horn).
Sowing
I always start cabbages indoors. Sow in seedtrays or modules and pot on into 9cm pots when large enough. Grow on in a coldframe and plant out when ready. Cabbages need a firm soil so don't dig over the plot.Add .well-rotted manure or garden compostand rake over the plot.
When to Sow
Spring Cabbage: July - January, plant out September
- March
Summer Cabbage: February/ March, plant out April-June
Autumn Cabbage: February - April plant out May-June
Winter Cabbage: April - June
plant out June-July
Maintenance and Feeding
Protect the plants from pigeons and butterflies with netting.
Feed with Groworganic or Blood, Fish & Bone.
When to harvest
Spring Cabbage: March-June
Summer Cabbage:June- September
Autumn Cabbage: September- November
Winter Cabbage: November- March
Varieties
Spring Cabbage: -Winter Jewell, Pixie
Summer Cabbage: - Primo. Kingspi, Greyhound
Autumn Cabbage: - Picador,
Winter Cabbage: - Tundra
Cabbage Greyhound
Cabbage Picador