Many people refuse to grow cabbage due to pests, watering and constant care. But there are ways to minimize labor and grow juicy, sweet heads of cabbage that cannot be compared with store-bought ones.
Watering and mulch: you don’t have to water at all
After planting, mulch the bed with a thick layer of pine needles (5–7 cm). The soil under the mulch is constantly moist. Last year, the author of the channel “Successful Project” (12+) did not water the cabbage even once, and the head of cabbage Krautkaiser grew to weigh 11.8 kg – a personal record.
What not to use for mulch
Plant cabbage on black or white spunbond. White is even better – the cabbage is lighter, the soil is cooler and damper, and the surface is dry. It is convenient to lay out baits and barriers against slugs on spunbond.
If mulch and spunbond are not satisfactory, water according to the schedule: after planting every 2-3 days, after rooting – 1-2 times a week, while filling heads of cabbage – 2-3 times. Watering is reduced 2–3 weeks before harvest.
Loosening and hilling
When mulching or planting on spunbond, there is no need to loosen and hill up the cabbage. The cabbage lies quietly with its outer stalk on a dry surface. If you are without mulch, loosen the soil after each watering or rain, otherwise a crust will form, the roots will suffocate and tear.
Fertilizing and pest protection
In total, cabbage is given 3 feedings during the summer:
- 2–3 weeks after planting – nitrogen (infusion of weeds, droppings, ammonium nitrate or urea);
- after another 2–3 weeks – complex fertilizer (nitrophoska);
- in the head formation phase – phosphorus-potassium fertilizers (superphosphate + potassium sulfate, Kalimag or potassium monophosphate).
If the cabbage is on spunbond, pour the solution directly onto the fabric, then spill with clean water.
Pest protection: for butterflies and caterpillars, use biological products every week. From slugs there are barriers made of superphosphate granules plus a Slug Eater around each bush. Cover the top of the bed with an insect net – this will protect both the cabbage and your pets from poisonous granules.
Personal experience
Previously, every year I suffered with cabbage: watering, loosening, hilling, pests – I didn’t have enough strength. One season I didn’t plant it at all, but my husband brought some rough heads of cabbage from the store. The next year, I covered the bed with white spunbond and sprinkled sawdust on top. The cabbage grew juicy and sweet, and I never watered or loosened it.
