White Cabbage Roem van Enkhuizen 3 BIO

Growing White Cabbage "Roem van Enkhuizen 3" 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 white 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:** White cabbage is a cool-season crop. Start seeds indoors 12-14 weeks before the last expected frost or purchase organic seedlings. Transplant seedlings outdoors in early spring or late summer/early fall.
- **Spacing:** Plant white cabbage seedlings about 18-24 inches apart in rows spaced 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:**
- White cabbage can benefit from companion plants that help deter pests. Consider planting them near crops like onions, garlic, or herbs such as thyme.

**7. Pest Control:**
- Monitor for pests like cabbage worms, aphids, and caterpillars. 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. Support:**
- White cabbage heads can become heavy, so consider providing support by gently pressing the outer leaves together or staking the plants if necessary.

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

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

**12. Saving Seeds:**
- White cabbage is typically grown as hybrids, and saving seeds may not result in plants with the same characteristics as the parent plant. If you want to save seeds, isolate plants from other cabbage family crops and allow some plants to bolt (go to seed) at the end of the season. The seeds can be collected once they have matured.

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

Growing organic White Cabbage "Roem van Enkhuizen 3" 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 white cabbage harvest.