First Seeds for Spring
Today, I'm thrilled to share my latest gardening endeavor with you in preparation for our 2024 garden, and it is something I have never done before… growing cabbage.
On February 10, I planted cabbage seeds that arrived from Burpee, specifically the Earliana and Brunswick varieties. With their reputation for reliable growth and delicious flavor, these seemed like the perfect choices for my first cabbage-growing adventure.
Photo from Burpee.
Heirloom Cabbage Earliana
From Burpee: True to its name, ‘Earliana’ arrives early: ready to harvest in just 60 days. Weighing in at 2 lbs. plus, beautiful deep-green cabbage yields plenty of small, round 4½–5" heads with superb flavor. Withstands light frost.
Started Indoors: February 10
Maturity: 60 days
Light: Full Sun
Spacing: 12in
Height: 9-18in
Photo from Burpee.
Heirloom Cabbage Brunswick
From Burpee: Brunswick is a seldom-encountered German heirloom cabbage that dates back to the 18th Century. An excellent late-season variety, the large, 6-9 lb. drum-shaped heads are dense and firm. A favorite choice for homemade sauerkraut.
Started Indoors: February 10
Maturity: 85-95 days
Light: Full Sun
Spacing: 12-18in
Height: 9-15in
While I've dabbled in gardening for years, this marks my first time growing cabbage. Previously, as a rule of thumb, I have always avoided Brassica due to the risk of bolting. Bolting is when a vegetable crop prematurely goes to seed, usually making them unusable. Like any new endeavor, there's a sense of excitement mixed with a hint of apprehension. Will the seeds germinate successfully? Will the plants thrive in my garden? What new pests will I need to deal with? Will they bolt, in which case all this work is for nothing…
Looking ahead and past those fears, I'm already envisioning a late summer planting of cabbage for a winter harvest. With proper planning and care, I hope to extend the cabbage-growing season and enjoy a bounty of fresh produce well into the colder months. There's something deeply satisfying about harvesting vegetables from your own garden, knowing that each bite is a testament to your hard work and dedication.
So, whether you're a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, I invite you to join me on this cabbage-growing adventure. Here's to a season filled with crisp cabbage leaves and delicious culinary creations. Happy gardening, my fellow Midwestern Yardeners!