Taking advantage of the change to cooler growing conditions!
Cabbage is one of those cheap vegatables that its usually easier to let other people grow, but this year I decided to give it a try, and given how things are going economically I am glad I did!
Since cabbage looper butterflies are still fluttering around (at least here in Z 6b!) and for the start of cool nights, some low tunnel protection: (I put hardware cloth at ends for ventilation on warm days, Rosemary standing watch to confuse the flutterbys!)
September 3rd, planted in the low tunnel: (Groniger and Red Rubine Brussel sprouts left; Fareo and Red Express cabbages to the right (the Sun Side of the bed))
September 21st same plants....The Cabbages are 65 days to maturity...The sprouts 95 to 105....I expect the B Sprouts to get tall enough to get up above the cabbage before they spread out too much....
Amaranth-Brussel-Sprouts-and-Cabbage Planted a few days later: (Chinese Amaranth; Hybrid Kaitlin Cabbage (90-120 days) same B. Sprouts as before)
Lettuce hanging out in a low tunnel! (Lolla de Rossa, Flame, and Winter Density!) I planted some beets inbetween the rows and its starting to come up!
Kohl Crop Variety info:
GRONINGER BRUSSELS SPROUT SEEDS ORGANIC & BIODYNAMIC An old Belgian landrace that produces sweet green sprouts. Sprouts are somewhat variable in size and shape, with some sprouts refusing to head and looking very much like the patented "kalette".
RUBINE is an early producing, open-pollinated, heirloom variety of Brussels sprout that's most noted for the beautiful purple-red color of its sprouts and foliage. Staying about 2′ tall, plants make an attractive border for gardens and also reward you with a good yield of 1-1.5″ round, nutty-tasting purple sprouts.
FARAO is a hybrid green cabbage of the ballhead form, meaning it forms a tight head of dense leaves. The leaves are a pretty, deep green and the heads grow to about 3 or 4 pounds (1-2 kg.). In addition to the compact head, Farao grows a generous layer of looser, protective outer leaves. The flavor of Farao cabbage plants is mild and peppery.
RED EXPRESS CABBAGE: Description The first early open pollinated cabbage to be released in years. A small, compact plant with dense, solid, oval heads that are dark red in color. Heads are 2-4 pounds with good flavor. Great for salads. Ideal for northern climates, but is successful anywhere. . Very flavorful. Excellent for coleslaw, stir fry, and salads. Cuts your growing time in half compared to full-season varieties. Split resistant.
KAITLIN CABBAGE is a large, late-season cabbage that produces a high-quality, high dry-matter white cabbage for sauerkraut. It is a mid-term storage cabbage that will store well until December or January. Kaitlin's interior remains quite white, not green, after storage. Avg. weight: 8-12 lb. High resistance to Fusarium yellows.
I use drip irrigation; cabbage likes moist soil. I had some reflecting mulch which I decided to use here; I Fertilized when planted at the end of August; I fertilized again today with fish emulsion and kelp and Sea90 minerals. . Normally my cabbage is riddled with loopers, but I have not had a problem since using the garden fabric low tunnel!
Yah, garden fabric is a good product, and not that expensive. I got tired of trying of using hoops and anchoring it, and decided to use fencing instead. Works well in my small garden!