Summer Cabbage

Before the seed is sown, fork in some fine compost into the soil at a rate of a bucketful to the sq. yd. After this apply carbonate of lime at 4 oz. (120g) to the sq. yd. unless the ground is already chalky.

Sowing
Sow the seed about the middle March, to ensure a succession, make a second sowing two weeks later.

Planting
It will be the end of May or early June before the plants are ready to be replanted into their final position. They can be planted in rows 2 ft. (60cm) apart and allow 1 ½ ft. (45cm) between the plants. If you want very early cabbages that are well hearted in June, sow the seed of a variety such as Primo early in February a cold frame in rows 6 in. (15cm) apart. When the plants come through, they must be given some ventilation on warm days. Increase the ventilation in March or early April so that they harden off ready to be planted into their permanent position. Allow 1 ½ ft (45cm) between rows and 1 ft. (30cm) between plants.

General Care
Keep down the weeds; watch out for pests such as greenfly, whitefly, and caterpillars. A good way to protect the crop is to add a barrier of fine netting or fleece to keep the flying insects off the plants.

Harvesting
The cabbages can be cut as soon as they have good hearts. Pull up stumps, put them on the compost heap.