Cabbages are extremely hardy members of the brassica family, thriving in conditions that
would normally kill many other crops. Their suitability to most temperate climates and soils
and the minimal amount of attention required, make the cabbage one of the easiest crops to grow.
This plant with thrive on almost any type of well drained soil, but prefers a medium light loam
which is moisture retentive. If using manure apply at least several months before sowing and if
the soil in slightly acid rake in a thin layer of lime. Do not use a site that has had any brassicas
on the previous year,as this will increase the risk of disease being passed on.
Cabbages are normally sown in succession, this will stagger the harvest time so they won't be ready
all at the same time. Sowing can begin in the spring through to early summer. Prepare a seed bed
with a rake, working the soil to a fine tilth. Sow the seeds thinly in a drill at a depth of 1.5cms
keeping the rows 15cms apart. Alternately you can sow the cabbage seeds under glass and transplant
young plants into their final growing location. In both cases when the young plants are ready to
transplant, they should be planted in the final position with a spacing of 30-40cm.
During their growth do not let the soil around the cabbages thoroughly dry out. Keep the weeds at
bay with frequent hoeing, this will also help deter insect pests from laying their eggs in the surrounding
soil. Cabbages are greedy feeders, so during the season give applications of liquid fertilizer,also
remove any yellowing leaves from the plant if they occur.
Harvest the plants when the hearts are firm, this is best done by lifting the whole plant by the
roots and cutting the stem when the cabbage is going to be used.
