How to Plant Cabbage in Pots

Thinking of growing your own fresh and crunchy cabbage in your backyard, but don't have enough garden space? Well, worry not! You can still grow this healthy vegetable in pots, even on a small balcony, with minimal effort and expenses. Here's how:

Choose the right pot and soil

Firstly, select a pot that's at least 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide, with drainage holes at the bottom. Cabbages require well-drained soil, so use good quality potting soil, mixed with compost or aged manure to enrich it further. Ensure the pot is placed in a spot that gets at least six hours of sunlight every day.

Planting the cabbage seeds

Cabbage seeds can be sown directly into the pot or grown indoors first, then transplanted later. If you're planting cabbage seeds directly in the pot, sow them about half-inch deep, spaced two inches apart. Cover lightly with soil and water gently. Once the seedlings grow taller, thin them out so that each cabbage plant has enough space to grow and mature. Alternatively, start seeds indoors six weeks before the last frost date, then transplant them into the pot once they are at least three inches tall.

Caring for the cabbage plants

Cabbage plants need consistent watering to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply every few days, particularly during dry spells. Cabbage plants require frequent feeding, so use a balanced fertilizer every two weeks or so. Watch out for pests like aphids, cabbage worms, and slugs that can attack cabbage plants. You can deter them using organic repellents, such as neem oil or soap sprays, or set up physical barriers like floating row covers.

Harvesting the cabbage heads

Cabbage plants take around 70 to 100 days to mature, depending on the variety. To ensure a quality harvest, keep track of the days and look out for heads that are firm and compact. Once the cabbage heads have reached maturity, cut them off with a sharp knife at the base, leaving a few of the bottom leaves. Storing cabbages is easy, simply wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you're ready to cook them.

Conclusion

Planting cabbage in pots is an enjoyable and rewarding experience that can provide you with fresh and nutritious cabbage right at your doorstep. By following these simple steps, you can have a bountiful harvest of crunchy, delicious cabbage that can be used in various meals. Why not try it out and see how easy it is to grow cabbage in pots!