No matter how different the different types of cabbage may look, there are commonalities when it comes to growing cabbage. A bountiful cabbage harvest does not fall from the sky. Rich in vitamins and fiber, these spicy vegetables need to be cared for.

location and soil conditions

The cabbage family is a fastidious company that thrives when given a warm, deep, and nutrient-rich spot in your garden. Whether red cabbage, white cabbage, kohlrabi, broccoli, cauliflower or savoy cabbage - they keep you on your toes with their demands until harvest.

Good neighborly relations

Friendly neighbors not only contribute to the quality of life for people. The same also applies to plants. Cabbage plants thrive best in the immediate vicinity

  • potatoes and dill
  • beans and peas
  • Carrots, tomatoes and marigolds
  • Swiss chard, rhubarb and salads
  • Spinach, cucumber and leek

The close proximity of garlic, chives and onions, on the other hand, has a rather counterproductive effect on cabbage growth.

soil condition

All cabbage species are extremely hungry for nutrients and moisture - especially during the growing season. The soil must be loosened well before planting. A pH value of the soil between 5.5 and 6.8 is optimal (if necessary, balance with mature compost or lime).

Nutrients and plenty of regular watering are essential during the main growth phase, especially if the soil is very light. But be careful when fertilizing: Too much fertilizer affects the shelf life. Fertilizing with nettle manure every 3-4 weeks is optimal.

The cauliflower is the pinnacle of the cabbage family. In order to grow cauliflower successfully, the soil conditions and location must be right. Garden novices should first try green cabbage to “warm up” to cabbage cultivation. Kale thrives almost anywhere.

Crop rotation: never cabbage on cabbage

If you want to grow cabbage again next year, you should choose a different location. Heavy soils need at least a year's break - with light soils, the soil even needs 2 - 3 years until it is suitable for a lush cabbage harvest again.

Grow and sow outdoors

Depending on the type and variety, cabbage can be sown directly outdoors or grown in pots and later planted in the bed. Early, middle and late varieties of cabbage are commercially available. You can cultivate the early varieties again immediately after the first harvest. If you grow cabbage varieties with different cultivation times, you will always have fresh cabbage vegetables from your own garden at your disposal over a long period of the year.

tips and tricks

Cabbage is demanding. If you do not yet have any information about the soil conditions in your garden, a soil analysis makes sense.

Category:

Vegetable garden