Cabbages (from the family Brassica) are one of the most cultivated crops available in various shapes/sizes and colour with multiple uses within cookery.
There is a huge variety of Brassicas to choose from within Allotments
Kale
Radishes
Kohlrabi
Cauliflower
Broccoli
Turnips
Chinese Cabbages
Savoy Cabbages
Planting / Sowing occurs from Feb – Sept depending on variety.
They’re divided into essential 3 subcategories depending on which season to harvest:
| Sow | Plant | Harvest |
| July/Aug | Sept/Oct | April/May |
| Feb/March | May | July/Aug |
| April/May | June/July | Dec/Jan |
Brassicas are best sowed as plug plants till they are ready for their final position. For final positioning the require a minimum of 4 true leaves.
Spring cabbages often replace legumes to make use of nitrogen in the soil. They are best crop rotated to avoid club root disease. Adding lime to the soil and positioning it to full sun is ideal.
Top dressing of well-rotted manure helps to enrich the soil. Brassica’s also require regular watering to ensure there is sufficient moisture for the roots to draw from.
Cabbage does require netting to prevent hungry or intended wildlife consumption by acting as a physical barrier. Ones to watch for include the Cabbage Root Fly, Cabbage white caterpillars, Slugs/Snails and Birds.