CABBAGE-EARLY JERSEY WAKEFIELD

How to Grow Early Jersey Wakefield

1. Start seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date.
2. Sow seeds about 6mm deep in seed trays or pots filled with seed-raising mix.
3. Transplant seedlings outdoors once they have developed 2-3 true leaves and the weather has warmed up.
4. Space plants about 30-45cm apart in rows that are 60-75cm apart.
5. Choose a location that receives full sun and has well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
6. Water plants regularly, providing about 2.5cm of water per week. Do not let the soil dry out completely.
7. Fertilize plants every 3-4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
8. Monitor for pests such as aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles, and control them with insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.
9. Harvest heads when they are firm and reach about 15-20cm in height. Cut them off at the base with a sharp knife.

Additional Growing Tips

• Pre-sprout Seeds: Instead of directly sowing seeds, by placing them in a damp paper towel inside a sealed plastic bag for 2-3 days.  This gives you a head start on germination and ensures that only viable seeds are planted.
• Companion Planting for Pest Control:  With plants like dill, thyme, or nasturtiums around your cabbages.  These plants help deter common pests like cabbage worms and aphids, reducing your need for chemical interventions.
• Mulching with a Twist:  Use reflective mulches like silver or aluminum foil mulch around your cabbage. The reflective surface confuses pests like flea beetles and keeps the soil temperature more consistent.
• Deep Root Encouragement:  When transplanting seedlings, plant them slightly deeper than their original depth.  This encourages a stronger root system and sturdier plants, making them more resistant to wind and drought.
• Epsom Salt Boost  Add a tablespoon of Epsom salt to the planting hole or mix it into the soil. The magnesium boosts chlorophyll production, leading to healthier, greener leaves.
• Rotate Planting Directions:  Rotate the direction of your planting rows each season (north-south one year, east-west the next). This prevents soil nutrient depletion and helps with sun exposure for even growth.
• Staggered Sowing for Continuous Harvest:  Sow seeds in batches every 2-3 weeks to ensure a steady harvest. Early Jersey Wakefield matures quickly, so this will keep your harvest window longer.
• Milk Spray for Fungal Prevention:  Spray a mixture of 1 part milk to 10 parts water on the leaves every two weeks. This natural fungicide prevents powdery mildew and other fungal diseases.
• Gentle Wind Exposure:  Before transplanting, gently expose seedlings to a fan or outdoor wind.  This hardening process strengthens stems and prepares them for outdoor conditions.
• Cut-and-Come-Again Harvesting:  If you cut the head off and leave the outer leaves intact, smaller "mini heads" often grow from the remaining plant, providing a secondary harvest.

Heritage of Early Jersey Wakefield Cabbage