How to Grow Cabbage

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.