Cabbage white Eersteling

Here's a comprehensive guide on growing cabbage:

**1. Planting Time:**
- Cabbage is a cool-season crop. Start seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost in your area. Transplant seedlings outdoors when they are 4-6 weeks old and have a sturdy stem.

**2. Soil Preparation:**
- Choose well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0 to 7.0).
- Incorporate organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, into the soil to improve fertility and structure.

**3. Sowing Seeds:**
- Sow cabbage seeds indoors in seed trays or pots. Plant the seeds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep.
- Transplant seedlings into the garden when they are 4-6 weeks old and have a sturdy stem.

**4. Sunlight:**
- Cabbage prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Ensure they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.

**5. Watering:**
- Keep the soil consistently moist. Cabbage requires regular watering, especially during dry periods.
- Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which can contribute to diseases.

**6. Fertilizing:**
- Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer or organic compost to provide essential nutrients.
- Side-dress with additional fertilizer when the plants are about halfway to maturity.

**7. Spacing:**
- Plant cabbage with spacing of about 18-24 inches between plants. Adequate spacing helps promote good air circulation and prevents disease.

**8. Protection from Cold:**
- Cabbage is more tolerant of cold than many other vegetables. In fact, a light frost can enhance their flavor. However, protect young plants with row covers or cloches in case of severe frost.

**9. Harvesting:**
- Harvest cabbage when the heads are firm, compact, and reach a suitable size. The ideal size depends on the specific variety, so refer to the seed packet or plant label.
- You can continue harvesting as long as the heads remain firm and haven't become loose or yellowed.

**10. Successive Planting:**
- Consider successive plantings every 2-3 weeks for a continuous harvest.

**11. Pest and Disease Management:**
- Monitor for common cabbage pests, such as aphids and cabbage worms. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for pest control.
- Practice good garden hygiene to prevent diseases. Cabbage is susceptible to certain diseases affecting brassicas, so avoid planting in areas with a history of such diseases.

Adjust care based on your specific growing conditions and local climate. If "Eersteling" has specific requirements, refer to the information provided by the seed supplier or breeder.