White cabbage is a valuable agricultural crop, belonging to the Cruciferae family. Planting it in the winter is an old recipe that has been undeservedly forgotten. It's not difficult and will delight you with its rapid ripening and excellent taste. Just follow a few guidelines.
Location, soil preparation
The sowing area must be fenced on the north and east sides to protect young shoots from frost in the spring.
Prepare the beds for planting in advance (late September - early October). This involves digging the soil, removing weeds, and fertilizing.
Fertilizers:
- ground limestone - 200 grams per square meter;
- manure - 9 kg;
- superphosphate - 200 grams;
- wood ash - 1 kg per square meter.
Selecting seeds
Various late- and mid-season cabbage varieties are suitable. Early-season varieties should not be sown, as they begin to grow at low temperatures and will experience active growth during spring frosts and unstable temperatures, which will damage the harvest.
Timing and planting technique
Cabbage should be planted when a steady nighttime chill sets in. The soil temperature shouldn't be above 3°C. At higher temperatures, the cabbage will begin to grow and freeze.
Planting can begin in dry weather. The seeds must be dry for sowing; it's best to sift more than for spring planting, keeping in mind that fewer seeds will survive. Simply scatter them over the bed, raking them into the soil. Do not water. Cover with spruce branches, sawdust, or non-woven material.
Spring care for plantings
When the sprouts appear in the spring, it is necessary to remove the cover, but only when the weather improves, to allow the cotyledons to breathe.
If the plantings are too dense, thin them out. Fertilize young cabbage with the following: compost; potassium – 20 grams; nitrogen – 40 grams; phosphorus – 10 grams.
Water generously during this time. Fertilize during the initial waterings and no later than a week before harvest.
Top.tomathouse.com: tips
- If the sprouts are caught in frost, water them with cold water in the morning and cover them to protect them from direct sunlight. This will prevent them from dying.
- If you're attacked by caterpillars, sprinkle your cabbage with ash. It will save the plant and fertilize the soil.
You can plant a number of other vegetables before winter, such as radishes, lettuce, dill, parsley, carrots, and beets.
