how far apart to plant cabbage in a raised bed

How Far Apart to Plant Cabbage in a Raised Bed for Optimal Growth

Deciding how far apart to space your cabbage plants is one of the most important factors in ensuring a successful crop Proper spacing in your raised bed allows the plants room to grow without competing for nutrients or sunlight It also promotes good air circulation between the plants, reducing humidity and disease risk. This article provides optimal spacing guidelines so you can grow large, healthy cabbage heads in your raised bed garden.

Cabbage Plant Spacing Basics

Cabbage is a cool season vegetable that forms a dense head made of compacted leaves. It has a large, spreading root system below ground. Above ground, the outer leaves unfurl as the head enlarges. For optimal size and health, each cabbage plant needs sufficient space for its above and below ground growth.

The spacing you choose depends on the mature size of the variety you are growing:

• Smaller/dwarf cabbage varieties: 12-18 inches apart
• Medium cabbage varieties: 18-24 inches apart
• Large cabbage varieties: 24-30 inches apart

Between rows, allow 24-36 inches for airflow. Closer spacing causes leaves to overlap as the heads form, reducing air circulation. This traps moisture against the plants, increasing the risk of fungal or bacterial diseases.

Steps for Planting Cabbage in a Raised Bed

Follow these simple steps for sowing cabbage in your raised bed garden:

1. Prepare the soil with compost and fertilizer a few weeks before planting. Cabbage needs nutrient rich soil.

2. For seeds, sow 1/4-1/2 inch deep in rows spaced according to your variety size. Thin seedlings to proper spacing when they reach 3-4 inches tall.

3. For transplants, dig holes slightly wider and deeper than the root ball. Place transplants at the same level they were growing previously.

4. Water new seeds and transplants well. Add a layer of mulch to retain moisture.

5. Once plants are established, water 1-2 inches per week if rainfall is insufficient. Consistent moisture is key.

6. Side dress with a nitrogen fertilizer when heads start forming to encourage growth.

7. Harvest when heads feel dense and firm. Cut the head off the stem at ground level.

Companion Planting

Some plants make great companions for cabbage, deterring pests or enhancing flavor. Try interplanting cabbage with:

• Green onions
• Dill
• Chamomile
• Sage
• Mint
• Rosemary
• Garlic

Leave 12-18 inches between cabbage and companion plants if space allows. Quick growing radishes can be planted between cabbages while they are small. Avoid planting cabbage with strawberries, tomatoes or pole beans.

Square Foot Gardening

The close planting of square foot gardening is ideal for smaller cabbage varieties. This intensive method divides beds into 1 foot squares. Plant one cabbage per square, spaced 12 inches apart in all directions. Mini cabbages like ‘Gonzales’ or ‘Caraflex’ are good options. Larger varieties may need a 2×2 foot space per plant.

When to Plant Cabbage

For a spring harvest, plant cabbage 4-6 weeks before your average last frost date. For fall harvests, plant 6-8 weeks before the anticipated first autumn frost. This timing allows heads to mature in cooler weather when flavors are best. Cabbage can withstand light frosts.

Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting. Harden off seedlings before moving them outside to prevent shock. Transplants mature faster than direct sown seeds.

Tips for Maximizing Space

• Stagger planting dates to harvest cabbages over a longer window.

• Interplant quick growing salad greens around cabbages while they are small.

• Plant a living mulch between rows, like clover or thyme.

• Use vertical space with trellising for vining crops near cabbage.

Proper spacing for the variety you select is crucial when planting cabbage in a raised bed. It allows sufficient room for robust root and leaf growth. Follow these cabbage planting guidelines in your garden for the best results!

For most cabbage varieties, a spacing of 12-18 inches apart within rows, with rows 2-3 feet apart, is recommended for raised beds. Some smaller varieties may be planted closer, while larger varieties may need more space.