Of cabbages and kings

Growing the traditional large cabbages can be daunting, especially in a small garden because they need so much space. Fortunately, there are other types of cabbage that are just as sweet and crunchy, but less demanding to grow. For starters, baby cabbage is quicker to harvest and deliciously sweet, while Chinese cabbages add interest to your veggie patch. If you do have the space though, go for ‘Savoy’, a good-looker with crinkled emerald leaves.

All cabbages have the same requirements: rich, fertile soil (mix in compost and organic fertiliser); good drainage; and regular watering. Watch out for aphids; if they infest the head of the cabbage it becomes inedible. Once the heads start to form, spray once a week with an organic spray such as Margaret Roberts Organic Insecticide. From seedling stage onwards, fertilise once a month with a nitrogen-rich fertiliser.

[ TRY THESE!]

1 ‘Baby Green Gonzales’ and

2 ‘Baby Red Primero’ (both Kirchhoffs) are early producers with compact, round heads about 15cm in diameter. Good for growing in containers, they are ready for harvest within 55 days.

3 ‘Pak Choi’ (RAW) is an heirloom variety, with crisp spoon-shaped leaves that have a slight mustard flavour. The thick white stalks are also edible. Harvest baby leaves within 30 days and mature leaves within 60 days.

4 ‘Michilli’ (Kirchhoffs) has the delicate flavour of cabbage and the texture of lettuce. It is great for salads or steamed as a green and is harvestable within 80 days.

5 ‘Savoy’ (RAW) is an Italian heirloom with a mild, sweet and earthy flavour. Transplant seedlings when they have four true leaves. They will be ready for harvest within 80 to 100 days.

• For more information, go to rawliving.co.za or kirchhoffs.co.za.

Kitchen garden tasks

• Plant out brassica seedlings to harden up before the winter.

• Build up the soil around celery, leek and Swiss chard.

• Water as early in the day as possible.

• Apply an organic insecticide to control aphids and an organic bait (Ferramol) to control snails.

• Make compost from the bounty of fallen leaves in your garden.

• Mulch beds to keep the soil warmer as night temperatures drop.