Growing Cabbage in the Midwest
 (Read 100+ times)
By Agnes Farside
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Many people do not realize how many different types of cabbage there are such as round, red, green, pointed, flat, and savory. Most are also unaware of how rich cabbage is in essential vitamins. Cabbage is not hard to grow, provided the gardener practices proper culture and insect and disease prevention.
Planting
Cabbage is a cool-weather vegetable that is usually started from seeds indoors, hardened off, and then transplanted to the garden in early spring. Cabbage is one vegetable that can be planted very early because it can withstand medium to light frosts. Since the mature plants cannot tolerate heat, it is best to plant and harvest as early as possible. It is also an excellent fall plant and seeds should be planted in midsummer.
Cabbage should be planted according to the varieties planting guide. Most early plants are planted 8 to 12 inches apart, while later ones are planted 15 to 18 inches apart. An average spacing is 10 to 18 inches apart. The wider the spacing the larger the cabbage heads. The seeds should be sown one-fourth to one-half inch deep, and again, this depends on the variety being planted. Once the seedlings sprout, thin to desired distance. The seedlings that are removed can be used in new row.
Caring for Your Cabbage
Starter fertilizer is an excellent way to give your cabbage plants an extra boost in the beginning, and adding a little organic fertilizer as plants are growing is also an added benefit. Cultivate to keep weeds down and keep soil moist, but well drained.
Harvest Time
Harvest cabbages after the heads have developed and they feel firm. An early harvest should produce cabbage heads that weigh one to three pounds. Cabbage that is going to be stored in cold moist conditions should be firm, and free of any insects or defects. When cutting the heads, leave the loose outer leaves on the stump, as this axils area is where small sprouts will grow. These delicious sprouts grow to about four inches round. Pick when the feel firm to the touch.
Problems
Cabbage is susceptible to diseases and insects but these can be controlled with proper plant care. Blackleg or Black Rot can cause the plants to be stunted, turn color, rot and die.
Aphids, Flea Beetles, and Cabbage Worms are known pests and should be dealt with accordingly.
Uses of Cabbage
Cabbage has been used for centuries in salads, as slaw, in cooked dishes, and mad into the every-popular sauerkraut. Recently a coworker prepared fried cabbage for my husband. He fixed it at home and to my delight, it tasted great.
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Author Bio Box: Agnes Farside
 Please view some of my other articles at:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/110407/agnes_farside.html
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