Red cabbage

HOW TO GROW CABBAGE RED

By Tsotne Babunashvili Georgia, Kutaisi, Public school N41, 10-th grader

When to grow: Red cabbages are normally sown February to mid April for transplanting from April to early June and cropping between August and November.

Where to grow: â—Ś Although cabbage can tolerate shade they will do much better in a sunny spot. Shelter is also beneficial. Avoid soil that becomes waterlogged or conversely dries out rapidly.

Transplanting: ◌ Transplant early cabbage soon enough that it matures before the heat of summer. Many varieties are available and two or three varieties with different maturities can provide harvest over a long period. Hardened plants are tolerant of frosts and can be planted among the earliest of cool-season garden vegetables. Cabbage is easily transplanted from either bare-root or cell-pack-grown plants.They will be about six weeks old, between 2 ½ -3 inches (6-8cm high), with about 6 leaves. Water the ground deeply around the young plants the day before you intend to move them, as this will prevent damage and shock to them.

Transplanting: â—Ś The transplants new growing bed should have been prepared sometime during the autumn/early winter before sowing, in the way as described earlier in this guide. Ensure that the soil is quite firm to allow steady cabbage leaf growth.

Caring for your crop: â—Ś Keep the soil around the cabbage weed-free. Take care when weeding because the roots are easily damaged.

Remove any yellow leaves or those badly damaged by caterpillar or slug attack as you go. Keep an eye on the plants over autumn and winter, firming the plants down if lifted by frost or pulling some soil up around the stems to help prevent against wind rock as needed.

Pests and Diseases: â—Ś After sowing provide protection against birds especially if pigeons are a problem in your area. Bird protection should be provided in the form of fine netting. Netting will also prevent butterflies laying their eggs on your crop, which prevents caterpillar damage.

Below are common cabbage ailments: Cabbage root fly, Club root, Cabbage Caterpillars, Wirestem, Cabbage Whitefly.

Harvesting: â—Ś Cabbage can be harvested anytime after the heads form.

For highest yield, cut the cabbage heads when they are solid (firm to hand pressure) but before they crack or split.

When heads are mature, a sudden heavy rain may cause heads to crack or split wide open. The exposed internal tissue soon becomes unusable. Harvest and salvage split heads as soon as possible after they are discovered.

Storage: â—Ś Red Cabbage is usually smaller and denser than heads of green cabbage. The flavor of red cabbage is slightly peppery and it is very susceptible to color change. Cook red cabbage with vinegar (or other acidic ingredient) or it will turn an ugly blue-gray color. Always use stainless steel knives and cookware when preparing red cabbage to prevent color changes.

◦ For etwinning project “Food2explore” activity Science in the Kitchen