Cabbage is a cool-season vegetable that is easy to grow in the garden. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to plant cabbage in your garden:
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To plant Cabbage, Select a location in your garden that receives full sun to partial shade. Cabbage plants prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8.
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Prepare the soil by mixing in compost or well-rotted manure to add nutrients and improve drainage. Use a garden fork or trowel to loosen the soil to a depth of at least 8 inches.
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Sow cabbage seeds directly in the ground, planting them about 1/4 inch deep and 12 inches apart. Alternatively, you can start your seeds indoors in pots about four to six weeks before the last frost date, and transplant them outdoors once the risk of frost has passed.
Water the soil regularly, keeping it evenly moist but not waterlogged. Use a watering can or hose with a gentle spray to avoid damaging the seedlings.
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When the seedlings are about 4 inches tall, thin them out to leave only the strongest plant in each group, spaced about 18 inches apart.
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Fertilize your cabbage plants every two to four weeks using a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formula. Follow the instructions on the package for the proper amount to use.
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Keep the area around your cabbage plants weed-free to reduce competition for water and nutrients.
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Monitor your cabbage plants for pests and diseases, and take appropriate action if necessary. Common pests include cabbage worms and aphids.
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Harvest your cabbage when it is fully mature, typically in late summer or early fall. To harvest, cut the cabbage head off the plant with a sharp knife or pruning shears, leaving a few inches of stem attached.
With proper care, your cabbage plants should produce healthy and flavorful heads of cabbage for you to enjoy.
