Because cabbages are easy to grow, tough, can handle cold, recover from pest attacks, not to mention the nutrimental benefits, people have been growing and eating them for centuries.
Pests are the biggest challenge, I am sure you are all familiar with the white fluttering, flapping, flutters that hang around, destroying the crop. To combat them, if you can, grow cabbage near herbs like dill or coriander, this will (may) confuse the pests.
Otherwise cover them up with insect exclusion netting – the frames are perfect for that (see pic). Or alternatively you can try spraying them with a mixture of oil, garlic or chili, which may deter the caterpillars and aphids.
However, the best option is to ensure you have very healthy soil. Healthy soil grows strong plants, and as with us, the stronger they are the easier they can resist pests. So, ensure you have fed your soil with compost, worm castings and liquid food, to build it up and make it delicious!
You will know if the plant has bolted by the tall yellow flower stalk it sends up, which is very beautiful and attractive to plenty of beneficial insects. Then if you let it go to seed, more cabbages will follow in the next season – easy!
And if you have a rough looking cabbage, don’t give up on it, you can be surprised at how healthy the heart can be, even if the outside is a little worn. I know how it feels!
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Enjoy
Peter