How often and how to properly water cabbage in open ground

White cabbage is the staple of our diet. It's used in soups, stewed, eaten raw, and fermented. We eat the head—the enlarged apical bud. To develop, cabbage requires ample, but not excessive, water.

Conditions for watering

Most cabbage roots draw moisture and nutrients from the surface soil layers. In hot weather without precipitation, the surface soil dries out quickly, and significant moisture evaporation also occurs from the surface of the cabbage leaves.

The crop experiences its greatest water requirements during the first few days after planting in open ground and during the head formation phase. Irrigation regulates soil and air humidity. An air humidity of 60-80% is considered optimal for head growth.

To ensure adequate moisture, the beds are watered during the coolest times of the day—early morning and evening. Avoid watering during hot weather. The sun burns the leaves and accelerates moisture evaporation, which reduces the amount of water absorbed by the plant.

Water requirements

The roots of any plant absorb moisture best at temperatures that correspond to normal air temperatures—15-25°C. Higher (or lower) temperatures can negatively impact plant development, reducing immunity and slowing head development.

Cabbage is most sensitive to water temperature during the first two weeks after planting. During this period, it is recommended to water with settled water rather than running tap water. If the water source is natural (a lake or river), then water from a well can be used immediately. Water from a tap should be poured into a container; it warms up within a few hours.

How to water cabbage in open ground

There's a proven method for determining when to water. It's used to determine soil moisture. Scoop up a handful of soil, reaching 7 cm into the bed. Form a ball and drop it onto the path from a height of just under a meter. It's time to water if it crumbles.

During the first three weeks after planting, irrigation water consumption is moderate; once the head begins to form, the volume is increased to 20-40 liters/m². If the water is applied directly to the roots, 5 liters per plant is used.

Under the root or from above

In dry weather with high average daily temperatures, white cabbage varieties require a combination of watering: at the root and on the leaves. Failure to do this will result in slow growth of the leaves, a waxy coating, and a lack of mass in the head. Insufficient moisture will also impair the cabbage's flavor.

When watering, it's essential to monitor soil moisture; stagnant water should be avoided, as it promotes root rot. To prevent overwatering, loosen the soil after rain and watering, and hill up the stalks of late-ripening varieties. Kohlrabi and Brussels sprouts are an exception; they don't require raking.

Drip irrigation

This technology has become a favorite among many gardeners. It saves time and water, ensuring deep soil moisture without overwatering. The simplest version doesn't require a lot of time or money:

• water source;
• filters;
• taps, connectors;
• drip tube.

Any container is raised to a height of 1 meter, a tap is installed, filters are installed, and a tape is mounted. The design can be supplemented with automation (a timer or controller), so watering can occur without human intervention.

How often to water

Vegetable gardens are planted with different varieties and ripening times. Their watering schedules may vary. The frequency of soil watering depends not only on the variety's characteristics but also on the structure of the garden soil.

By ripening time

Early varieties ripen quickly, so no more than 3-4 irrigations are needed per season. Late and mid-late cabbage require more moisture per season, so at least 5-6 irrigations per summer are needed.

Early ripening varieties are watered for the first time on the 3rd day after planting the seedlings, and all subsequent waterings are carried out once every 10 days until harvesting.

From variety

Water consumption for cauliflower increases as it grows. Initially, water consumption ranges from 6 to 8 liters per square meter, increasing to 10-12 liters per square meter by midsummer. Regular tillage is necessary to conserve moisture. In hot, rainless weather, water every 3-4 days; in moderate weather, water every 7 days.

Broccoli prefers consistently moist soil at a depth of 25-30 cm, so water frequently, especially every other day during hot weather. If this isn't possible, water on weekends and mulch the soil.

How does soil type affect

Fertile garden soil, rich in humus, has good water retention capacity and stays moist longer after watering. Cabbage grown in black earth and clay soils requires watering 1.5 times less frequently than cabbage planted in light, sandy soil.

Different phases of development

Watering schedule for white cabbage of different ripening periods from planting to harvesting:

• early varieties need moisture 3 days after planting;
• mid-season and late-season varieties require watering on the day of transplantation;
• During the summer, late-ripening varieties are watered every week;
• the frequency of summer watering of ultra-early and early varieties is once every 5 days;
• Early cabbage is not watered for 2 weeks before harvesting, late cabbage – for 4 weeks.

How to water cabbage for a good harvest

When cauliflower begins to form a flower head, it's time to feed it with micronutrients. Universal fertilizers are best for this crop:

• Uniflor-micro;
• Florist;
• Aquadon-micro.

After the central head of broccoli is cut off, additional florets begin to form in the leaf axils. To ensure larger florets, fertilize the cabbage plants with a phosphorus-potassium fertilizer—1 heaped tablespoon per 10-liter bucket.

Adviсe

There are two ways to prevent the heads from cracking during prolonged rains:

• use a shovel to cut off some of the roots;
• Use your hands to turn the head of cabbage clockwise by 90-180°.

Both methods serve the same purpose: reducing nutrition. Large heads of cabbage are best cut off.

A head of cauliflower that has turned yellow from the sun can be restored to its original whiteness:

• clean and wash the cut inflorescence;
• Pour cold water into a large saucepan, add 1 tsp citric acid crystals;
• lower the head into water for a few minutes.

Errors

Improper watering practices combined with prolonged rainfall can cause heads of cabbage to crack. About a month before harvesting, reduce watering frequency and stop completely if rainfall persists. Overwatering after a prolonged drought is a serious mistake; it will definitely lead to cracking.

Mistakes that cost you your cauliflower harvest:

• planting overgrown seedlings;
• placing the cabbage bed in the shade;
• leaf removal.

Conclusion

Choosing a convenient irrigation system makes maintaining cabbage beds easier. Adding compost and peat improves soil moisture retention. Using mulch reduces irrigation water consumption. These simple measures guarantee a bountiful cabbage harvest.