Cultivating Cabbage for Personal Home Garden

Growing and Caring for Cabbage: A Comprehensive Guide

Cabbage, a staple vegetable in many diets, has been cultivated for over 4,000 years. This leafy, nutritious vegetable belongs to the Brassicaceae family, commonly known as the mustard family.

Choosing the Right Location

Cabbage thrives best in average temperatures between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit and no higher than 75 degrees F. To avoid hot summer temperatures, it's recommended to grow cabbage in the spring or fall.

Soil and Fertiliser

In the absence of a soil test, 2 to 3 pounds of 8-16-16 fertiliser applied uniformly over 100 square feet of garden area is suggested. Maintaining soil pH between 6.0 and 6.8 is essential for optimum growth. If clubroot becomes a problem, add lime to the soil to raise the soil pH to 7.2.

Weed and Pest Control

Controlling weeds during the growing season and using row covers can help minimise damage from insect pests. Principal insect pests in cabbage include the cabbage looper, cabbage worm, cabbage root maggot, aphids, slugs, and flea beetles. Hand-pulling or shallow cultivation can be used for additional weed control, but be careful not to damage shallow roots.

Irrigation

When irrigating cabbage, avoid overwetting foliage and water early in the day to promote leaf drying.

Harvesting and Storage

Cabbage can be harvested once the head is firm and adequately sized. Remove all loose leaves prior to storage to maintain sufficient air circulation.

Crop Rotation and Disease Management

Crop rotation can help minimise disease problems in cabbage. Avoid planting brassica crops in the same area within 4 years. Principal disease problems in cabbage are blackleg, black rot, clubroot, and purple blotch. For identification and control recommendations for diseases and insects on cabbage, contact your local OSU Extension office.

Other Cole Crops

Other cole crops include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, collards, kale, and kohlrabi. The recommended cultivars of kohlrabi suitable for Ohio conditions were provided by the United States.

Nutritional Benefits

Cabbage is high in dietary fiber, iron, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, manganese, and other important nutrients.

Historical Significance

Cabbage's long history is evident in its widespread cultivation and versatility in various cuisines around the world. This humble vegetable continues to be a valuable addition to gardens and dinner tables alike.

Weed Suppression

Mulches can be used for weed suppression in cabbage cultivation.