How to Grow Cabbage
More in Outdoors
Step 1: Purchase the Plants
Cabbage is a cool-season vegetable that comes in a multitude of colors and textures. The seedlings transplant very easily into the garden. Popular types include red, green and Savoy.
Step 2: Prepare the Site
Cabbage requires a rich spot that receives full sun to do well. Use a garden fork to work a healthy dose of compost and manure into the garden bed. These materials supply a good mix of the three main elements needed for cabbage growth: nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus.
Step 3: Plant the Cabbage
Cabbage is a cool weather crop, so it should be planted in early spring or late summer. Cabbage seedlings should be planted to a depth level with the first set of leaves, which means the hole needs to be dug deeper than the root ball. Add a tablespoon of slow-release 10-10-10 fertilizer to each planting hole and thoroughly mix it in. Space the plants 10" to 12" apart in rows. Water well.
Step 4: Cultivate the Cabbage
Water the seedlings every day for at least a few weeks, especially in warm weather. Mulch the cabbage plants to prevent weeds and keep the soil temperature cool. Every couple of weeks feed the plants with a liquid fertilizer. Keep a lookout for cabbage loopers, green inch-worm like caterpillars.
Step 5: Harvest the Cabbage
Cabbage is ready to be harvested when the plant forms a compact head. Give it a gentle squeeze to test for maturity. To harvest the cabbage use a sharp knife to cut through the main stalk of the plant just below the head.
Was this project helpful?
Advertisement
Find your DIY inspiration or just steal ideas from the best renovations and remodels done by the DIY Network pros.
COMMENT ON THIS PROJECT
Sign in
All fields are required.
Signing in
Please enter your email address and we will send your password
E-mail Address
Your password has been sent and should arrive in your mailbox very soon.
Not a member?
Sign up with DIY Network to share tips with other do-it-yourselfers and comment and ask questions on projects.
It's free and easy.
