Features of planting and caring for white cabbage

Cabbage is a fairly popular crop. It has many beneficial properties, and growing cabbage outdoors is simple, but there are a few nuances you need to know. Let's talk about those. We assure you, growing a bountiful harvest won't be difficult for both experienced gardeners and beginners.

Preparing the soil for planting cabbage

Before planting, there are several things to consider, including choosing a suitable location, preparing the soil, and preparing the seeds. Cabbage is known for its tolerance to low temperatures. It should be planted in sunny areas with minimal shade.

Cabbage is a biennial plant. In the first year, it produces a head of cabbage that can be eaten.

In the second year, a flower stalk grows from which seeds can be collected.

The soil for planting cabbage should be fertile. Loamy soil with a high humus content is ideal. This will help retain moisture longer, nourishing the plant's root system. The soil should also be slightly acidic.

Good predecessors for cabbage include cucumbers, onions, root vegetables, legumes, and grain crops. These crops provide the soil with nutrients that positively influence the development of the cabbage head. Cabbage should not be returned to its previous location for 2-3 years.

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The soil for planting is prepared in the spring. To do this, it needs to be dug, narrow beds created, and fertilized with humus or compost. Superphosphate and potassium sulfate are excellent mineral fertilizers.

Preparing white cabbage seeds for sowing

To improve seed germination, soak the seeds in hot water. To do this, soak them in water for 15 minutes, then soak them in cold water for a few minutes.


It wouldn’t hurt to soak the seeds in a solution of mineral fertilizers for 12 hours.
To harden the seeds, keep them in a cool place for 24 hours, such as a refrigerator or basement. This will allow the seeds to germinate.

Planting white cabbage seeds in open ground

To ensure cabbage develops and matures, it's essential to sow on time. Otherwise, the crop will be susceptible to diseases and pests.


Seeds should be planted as early as May, and in some areas even as early as March or April. Don't delay planting, as the cabbage needs to ripen before the first frost.
For planting, prepare furrows 1 cm deep and space the seeds 3-4 cm apart. Place the seeds one at a time in the furrow. Compact the soil after planting. The first seedlings may appear within a week. If necessary, thin them out after emergence.


Caring for white cabbage

Watering is especially important. It must be high-quality and timely. Water the plant immediately after planting, every 3-4 days. The water temperature should be at least 18 degrees Celsius.

Fertilizing is also an important part of caring for cabbage. The first feeding is done 20 days after planting. A mullein solution is used for this. The second feeding is needed 10 days later. Chicken manure can be used. The third feeding is only for late-season cabbage varieties.

In addition, it is necessary to remove weeds and control pests and diseases.

The most dangerous pests are aphids, slugs, and snails. To kill them, dust the cabbage with wood ash or tobacco.

Chemical preparations are also considered effective means against pests.
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Hardening cabbage

The procedure is carried out during the seedling stage. It occurs 20 days before planting the seedlings in the soil. For hardening, the seedlings should be moved to a cool place; the temperature should not be allowed to drop below 5 degrees Celsius. In warm weather, ensure the seedlings receive sunlight.

Harvesting

Early cabbage is harvested in July-August. For this, the heads are cut with a sharp knife. Late cabbage is harvested last, in October-November. This cabbage can be stored all winter. If the cabbage is being harvested for fermentation, it should be done in October.

Cabbage will store better if cut with a long stalk. It's also recommended to leave a few leaves near the head. When storing, the temperature should not exceed 0-5 degrees Celsius. The humidity for storage is 80-85 percent.

Also find out about Growing cauliflower in open ground and caring for it.