Cabbage rewards careful beginnings. It’s a heavy feeder that depends on rich, well-prepared soil and thoughtful sowing to grow dense, crisp heads. If you take your time at this first step, you’ll avoid many common issues later — like weak growth, disease, or small heads.
Step 1: Prepare the Soil
Cabbage needs:
- Loamy, well-draining soil that holds moisture without becoming soggy
- High organic content from compost or aged manure
- A neutral to slightly alkaline pH (ideal range: 6.5–7.0)
How to prep it:
- Loosen soil at least 10–12 inches deep
- Remove rocks, clumps, and compacted patches
- Mix in 2–3 inches of compost or a balanced organic fertilizer
- Avoid fresh manure — it can cause excess leaf growth and attract pests
Tip: If your soil is acidic, add a handful of lime per square foot to balance pH before planting.
Step 2: Sow Your Seeds
You can start cabbage:
- Indoors 6–8 weeks before your last frost
- Directly outdoors 2–4 weeks before the last frost (in cold-tolerant zones)
Indoor sowing tips:
- Sow seeds ¼ inch deep in trays or cells filled with seed-starting mix
- Keep soil at 18–22°C (65–72°F) for quick germination
- Mist regularly to keep the surface moist (but not soggy)
- Expect germination in 5–10 days
Outdoor sowing tips:
- Prepare raised rows or beds with fine soil texture
- Cover seeds lightly and press gently to ensure soil contact
- Protect early seedlings with row covers from cold snaps and birds
Once your seedlings develop 2–3 true leaves, they’ll be ready to harden off and transplant — but that’s for Milestone 2. For now, your job is to keep things steady: even moisture, gentle light, and warmth.
With AiFarming: You’ll receive automatic sowing reminders, soil prep checklists, and temperature-based alerts to keep your cabbage timeline on track — no second-guessing, even if it’s your first time growing.
