Growing cabbages is one of the most rewarding experiences. But let’s face it, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as harvesting big cabbages. Big, juicy cabbages that are just begging to be taken to the market.
With the right knowledge and some attention to detail, any farmer can successfully grow huge cabbages. From selecting the right variety to maintaining space between them and fertilizing properly, this article will help you master the science of growing big cabbage in no time.
Table of Contents
Get the Right Variety
The variety you select will determine how much cabbage you grow, so it’s important to consider carefully which type is best for your garden. Here are some tips for choosing the right variety:
- Determine your growing season and choose varieties that are suited to it.
- Look for a variety that will give you large and firm heads.
- Look for varieties that are disease and pest resistant so you don’t have to worry about pests or diseases ruining your crop.
Some varieties take longer to grow than others, so make sure to choose a variety that will fit within your available gardening time.
Prepare the Soil Before Planting
Before planting any plant you must first prepare the soil. Make sure you’ve nutrient-rich, well-drained soil that’s free from weeds and fungus. Start by tilling the top 6-12 inches of soil and adding amendments such as compost or aged manure. This will help loosen up the soil, so it’s easier for your roots to spread out and access the water and nutrients they need.
You should also test your soil’s pH beforehand, so that it can be adjusted accordingly if it’s acidic or alkaline. The ideal pH range is 6 – 7, which will enable your cabbage plants to absorb essential minerals like phosphorus and nitrogen effectively. If you’re uncertain of how to do this, there are test kits or services you can use that might even provide a custom tailored solution for boosting nutrient levels in your soil.
Water Regularly and Mulch to Conserve Moisture
Regular watering and mulching is essential for growing huge cabbages. You must always ensure to keep the soil moist at all times.
Watering should be done atleast twice a week—But if the weather is particularly hot or dry, increase your watering schedule to every other day. Whenever possible, try to water in the morning, as without adequate moisture in the soil during the day, your plants can suffer from extreme heat and dryness.
Mulching
Mulching is fundamental when conserving moisture in the soil and keeping weeds at bay. Spreading a few inches of organic material like bark chips or hay around the plants gives them an extra layer of insulation against moisture loss. This way, you’ll find that your cabbages are larger and healthier when they reach maturity.
Fertilize and Provide Adequate Space for Growth
Perfect fertilizer and adequate space are two holistic methods to help cabbage grow remarkably big. Make sure you understand your soil’s composition, and add compost or fertilizer as needed. Give each cabbage about 24 to 34 inches of space in the garden for it to grow large—they need room to breathe and spread out their leaves.
Fertilizers
When fertilizing your cabbage plants, make sure to look for a slow-release fertilizer that contains macro-nutrients like potassium and nitrogen—these will help ensure your cabbages get adequate nutrition during their growth stages.
Spacing
Enough space between the plants is necessary to allow growth as well as minimizing overcrowding—it may sound counterintuitive, but giving each plant its own separate pot will actually maximize the size of each head since they won’t have to compete with other plants in their immediate vicinity for resources.
Spacing also helps to provide adequate air circulation so that the humidity doesn’t become too high – damp conditions can promote mold growth and disease which might damage the developing head of the cabbage while it grows.
Protect From Pests and Diseases
There are lots of pests and diseases out there that love cabbage and could pose a challenge when not controlled.
To combat these potential problems, make sure you use row covers and netting. This prevents moths and other insects from laying eggs or feeding on your plants, meaning they can’t do any damage.
Row covers also have the added bonus of keeping out heavy frost and can even provide a little extra warmth in cold climates. As an added bonus, it acts as a physical barrier between your cabbages and hungry wildlife like deers.
Plant Disease control
If you notice signs of disease attack on your cabbages—such as yellowing leaves or stem cankers—you should promptly treat them with an organic pesticide approved for food crops. Make sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully so your cabbages don’t get any more damage than necessary.
Plant in an Area With Plenty of Sun
Cabbage plants loves the sunshine and if your they are getting enough sun, they will grow bigger and faster. Plus, cabbage won’t do well in shade, since the sunlight helps the leaves to expand and develop more chlorophyll, resulting in a more vibrant color.
So make sure you pick a spot with direct sunlight for up to 6 hours per day. If you can’t find a sunny spot like this, you can use a greenhouse to replicate these conditions—that way your cabbages will have adjustable temperature and light conditions so they get all the nutrients they require for optimal growth.