{"product_id":"cabbage-early-jersey-wakefield","title":"CABBAGE-EARLY JERSEY WAKEFIELD","description":"\u003ch2\u003eHow to Grow Early Jersey Wakefield\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003col\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eStart seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eSow seeds about 6mm deep in seed trays or pots filled with seed-raising mix.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eTransplant seedlings outdoors once they have developed 2-3 true leaves and the weather has warmed up.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eSpace plants about 30-45cm apart in rows that are 60-75cm apart.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eChoose 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eWater plants regularly, providing about 2.5cm of water per week. Do not let the soil dry out completely.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eFertilize plants every 3-4 weeks with a balanced fertilizer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eMonitor for pests such as aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles, and control them with insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eHarvest heads when they are firm and reach about 15-20cm in height. Cut them off at the base with a sharp knife.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAdditional Growing Tips\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003ePre-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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eCompanion 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eMulching 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eDeep 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eEpsom 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eRotate 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eStaggered 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eMilk 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eGentle Wind Exposure:  Before transplanting, gently expose seedlings to a fan or outdoor wind.  This hardening process strengthens stems and prepares them for outdoor conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli\u003eCut-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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHeritage of Early Jersey Wakefield Cabbage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe Early Jersey Wakefield cabbage is an heirloom variety that dates back to the 19th century, originally developed in the United States. It is prized for its conical shape, compact size, and tender, sweet leaves. This early-maturing variety is favored by gardeners for its cold hardiness and reliable production in cooler climates.\u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"Direct Compost Solutions","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55020588237172,"sku":"CBEJW","price":3.5,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1006\/7171\/7748\/files\/CABBAGE_EARLY_JERSEY_WAKEFIELD.jpg?v=1785570648","url":"https:\/\/directcompostsolutions.com\/products\/cabbage-early-jersey-wakefield","provider":"DIRECT COMPOST SOLUTIONS","version":"1.0","type":"link"}