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PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS Start cabbage seeds indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the final spring freeze. Harden off plants over the course of a week. To ready the soil, till in aged manure or compost. Transplant outdoors 2 to 3 weeks before the last anticipated frost date. Choose a cloudy afternoon. Plant 12 to 24 inches apart in rows, depending on the size of head desired. The closer you plant, the smaller the heads. Mulch thickly to keep moisture and regulate soil temperature. Practice crop rotation with cabbage every year to avoid a buildup of soil borne diseases. Although cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower are closely connected, and require similar nutrients, it’s best not to plant them together. GROWING REQUIREMENTS WATERING Keep soil moist by mulching and water 2 litres per week. PESTS The pests that are vulnerable to this crop are Aphids, Cabbage Root Maggots, Flea Beetles, Cutworms, Splitting.These pests may cause young sprouts to fail to grow or die back; bluish-black spot may appear on leaves and stems. Blackleg is a fungal disease which leaves sprouts girdled and rotting at soil level. SOIL It requires loamy soil with a pH ranging between 6.5 and 6.8 SPOT Cabbage needs at least 6 hours of full sun. TEMPERATURE The optimum temperature for growing a successful cabbage crop is 15 - 18 degree celsius (60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit) HOW TO HARVEST Harvest when cabbage heads reach desired size and are strong. Cut each cabbage head at its stem with a keen knife. After harvesting, bring inside or set in shade immediately. To get two crops from early cabbage plants, cut off the cabbage head out of the plant, allowing the outer leaves and root in the garden. The plant will grow new heads—pinch them off until only four or so smaller heads remain. When these grow to tennis-ball size, they'll be perfect for salads. After harvesting, remove the entire base and root system from the stain to prevent it from disease. Only compost healthy plants put down those with maggot infestation. Cabbage can be stashed away in the refrigerator for two weeks, wrapped lightly in plastic.