WHEN TO PLANT CABBAGE

• If starting seeds indoors, sow ¼ inch deep 6 to 8 weeks before the last spring frost. Consult our Planting Calendar for suggested dates.
  
• For a fall harvest, direct sow seeds outdoors (or plant transplants) in mid- to late summer. If your area is particularly hot and dry, hold off on planting until late summer. Make sure that the young plants don’t dry out in the summer sun’s heat!
  

CHOOSING AND PREPARING A PLANTING SITE

• Cabbage is a heavy feeder; it quickly depetes the soil of required nutrients.
  
• Prepare the soil in advance by mixing in aged manure and/or compost.
  
• Soil should be well-draining: roots that stand in water cause heads to split or rot.
  

HOW TO PLANT CABBAGE

• Before planting the seedlings outdoors, harden off the plants over the course of a week.
  
• Transplant small plants outdoors on a cloudy afternoon 2 to 3 weeks before the last spring frost date.
  
• Plant seedlings 12 to 24 inches apart in rows, depending on the size of head desired. The closer you plant, the smaller the cabbage heads.