Cabbage

Grow cabbage in your garden, and you're sure to gain a new appreciation of this ethnic favorite. Try experimenting with the many interesting varieties available. There are early, mid-season, and late varieties; round, conical, or flat-head types; smooth leaves or savoyed (crinkled) foliage; and colors ranging from yellow green to blue green, deep green, or purplish red. Each has a distinct flavor, with the red types being among the most sweet. Plant cabbage plants 12-24" apart in rows, depending on size of head desired. The closer you plant, the smaller the heads. Although cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower are are closely related, and require similar nutrients, it’s best not to plant them together. They are all heavy feeders, depleting the soil faster of required nutrients; plus, they will attract the same pests and diseases; also best to avoid planting near strawberries and tomatoes. Cabbage can be grown near beans and cucumbers.