Savoy Cabbage Bloemendaalse Gele BIO

Growing Savoy Cabbage "Bloemendaalse Gele" organically involves following natural and sustainable practices without the use of synthetic chemicals. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you grow organic Savoy Cabbage:

**1. Soil Preparation:**
- Choose well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Add organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to improve soil fertility and structure.

**2. Planting:**
- **Timing:** Savoy cabbage is a cool-season crop. Start seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost or directly sow seeds in early spring or late summer/early fall.
- **Spacing:** Plant Savoy cabbage transplants or thin seedlings to allow about 18-24 inches between plants. Space rows about 24-36 inches apart.

**3. Watering:**
- Keep the soil consistently moist. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods. Consistent moisture is crucial for cabbage development.

**4. Mulching:**
- Apply organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, around the plants to conserve soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

**5. Fertilization:**
- Use organic fertilizers, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to provide nutrients to the soil.
- Side-dress with compost or a balanced organic fertilizer during the growing season to supply additional nutrients.

**6. Companion Planting:**
- Cabbage can benefit from companion plants that help deter pests. Consider planting it near crops like onions, garlic, or herbs such as thyme.

**7. Pest Control:**
- Monitor for pests like cabbage worms, aphids, and slugs. Handpick pests when possible, or use natural predators like beneficial insects.
- Neem oil or insecticidal soap can be used as organic alternatives for pest control.

**8. Disease Prevention:**
- Practice good crop rotation to prevent soil-borne diseases.
- Adequate spacing and good air circulation help reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

**9. Harvesting:**
- Harvest Savoy cabbage heads when they are firm and compact. Cut the heads from the stem at ground level with a sharp knife.
- Harvest before the heads become too dense or begin to crack.

**10. Successive Planting:**
- For a prolonged harvest, consider successive plantings every few weeks.

**11. Saving Seeds:**
- If you plan to save Savoy cabbage seeds for future planting, allow some plants to bolt (go to seed) at the end of the season. The seeds can be collected once they have matured.

**12. Organic Certification:**
- If you wish to officially label your cabbage as organic, follow the guidelines and requirements set by your local organic certification body.

Growing organic Savoy Cabbage "Bloemendaalse Gele" involves creating a healthy and sustainable environment for your plants, promoting biodiversity, and minimizing the use of synthetic inputs. Following these practices will contribute to the overall well-being of your garden and the quality of your cabbage harvest.