When the seedlings are grown, it is time to transplant them into open ground. But here the question arises, how to plant cabbage correctly in the garden to ensure its survival and rapid growth. Usually, cabbage seedlings are planted in the garden when the frosts have subsided. It is better to choose a gloomy day so that the heat does not affect the tender leaves of cabbage. It is difficult to imagine the diet of the average person without cabbage. This amazing vegetable, full of fiber and elements beneficial to the human body, grows in every garden, delighting owners with its relative unpretentiousness, fertility, and benefits. So many dishes can be prepared from cabbage, even if you exclude salads - it’s difficult to count. To grow good cabbage, you need to look after it. Particular care should be taken to care for a vegetable that grows directly in the open air. If you are not a supporter of greenhouses and think that cabbage should be grown without undue care, you are right. However, like those who consider greenhouse buildings necessary. Cabbage grows equally well in both cases and requires proper care equally. Gardeners have extensive experience using manure, wood ash, banana peels and other effective means. The use of folk remedies in cabbage farming is discussed in this article.
What elements does cabbage need?
For the full development of plants and obtaining the desired harvest, the crop requires nutritious soil rich in organic compounds and microelements. The lack of a particular substance can be determined by characteristic external signs:
- nitrogen - a deficiency is manifested by a change in the color of the upper leaves to a pale green, and the lower leaves to a reddish or bluish tint;
- phosphorus - the growth and formation of the cauliflower head abruptly stops;
- potassium - yellowing of the plant, the edges of the leaves dry out, damage spreads from top to bottom;
- magnesium - light shades of leaves, with severe deficiency - death;
- molybdenum - the head will not be able to form;
- boron - dark spots appear on the head and stalk, the flesh swells, and the apical bud does not develop.
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When symptoms of soil depletion appear, it is necessary to add the necessary fertilizers for cauliflower to the open ground. Restoring the supply of nutrients will stop the spread of spoilage and give impetus to the development of the plant. But you should follow the feeding schedule, since excess additives will also cause harm.
How to determine what cabbage lacks - signs of macro- and micronutrient deficiency
You can determine which element cabbage lacks by the appearance of the plant. Experienced vegetable growers know all these symptoms and when even some of them appear, they immediately feed the leaves so that the missing elements quickly reach the plants.
Macro- and microelements that cabbage needs after planting in the ground - video
Signs of deficiency of essential elements in cabbage varieties are listed below:
- the lack of nitrogen fertilizers is noticeable almost immediately - cabbage bushes slow down growth (or stop growing altogether), the foliage becomes paler, or changes color to blue or red (at the lower foliage). Similar signs appear in cabbage varieties with early ripening in the spring or during the rainy season, when “good” microorganisms practically do not “work”, so practically no nitrogen reaches the cabbage;
Photo of nitrogen deficiency
- The main signs of phosphorus deficiency are slower growth of the crop and the development of heads or heads. Also, the foliage of plants does not grow and changes its color from emerald to purple;
Photo of phosphorus deficiency
- Lack of potassium is expressed in premature yellowing and falling of leaves. Yellowness appears first on the upper foliage, gradually descending to the lower leaves. As a result, the vegetable crop becomes weaker and becomes easy prey for “harmful” bugs. If the plants survive, their heads will be smaller than the required size and not as dense;
Photo of potassium deficiency
- with a lack of magnesium, the lower foliage of cabbage begins to lighten from the top, becoming “marbled”. And the green color remains only near the central vein. If there is too little magnesium in the soil, then the cabbage bushes may simply die.
Photo of magnesium deficiency
Types of cabbage fertilizers
There are three main types of fertilizers: potash; phosphorus; nitrogen. The latter species is well diluted with water and is used to fertilize cabbage in the spring, when the greens are just beginning to grow, since it promotes the qualitative development of the root system of the vegetable crop. And the first two are used when the head of cabbage is already beginning to form. They help cabbage to be more resistant to diseases and to withstand unfavorable weather more easily. Sulfur and iron are also included in the list of useful minerals for cabbage, as they contribute to the accumulation of proteins and prolong the life of the plant.
Fertilizer for cauliflower using folk remedies
Cauliflower can be fed not only with mineral and organic fertilizers, but also with traditional methods:
- nettle infusion;
- brewer's yeast solution;
- infusion of potato peels;
- crushed egg peels;
- infused banana peel.
Any variety of cabbage is very responsive to the application of any type of fertilizer.
Moreover, it is not necessary to apply classic complex mineral fertilizers; many vegetable growers use proven folk infusions, solutions and decoctions from improvised means, which were discussed in this article.
Chicken manure for feeding cabbage
Experienced summer residents have long noticed that cabbage reacts positively to feeding with chicken manure, since it contains a lot of nutrients essential for the crop. It increases the size of the heads of cabbage, making them healthy and juicy. Take a metal container, put in chicken droppings, fill with water, and cover with a lid. Let it brew for 2-3 days, stirring it from time to time.
Fertilizing is usually applied at planting. Prepare the holes, add 0.5 liters of manure, lightly sprinkle with soil, and then plant the cabbage. Fertilizing can also be done during the growth and development of plants.
Why do you need feeding?
Agrotechnical techniques for growing white cabbage boil down to obtaining a large, dense head of cabbage with high taste. The head should not crack during ripening and storage.
The main elements that cabbage needs for full development:
- nitrogen is the building material of plant cells, accelerates chlorophyll synthesis and metabolism, ensures the growth of green mass of the plant;
- phosphorus - participates in the process of photosynthesis, promotes the development of a strong root system, increases the size of the fork, improves the taste and nutritional properties of cabbage;
- potassium - improves metabolism, increases resistance to disease, increases the juiciness of heads of cabbage.
Microelements are required by plants in small quantities, but are no less important:
- iron - stimulates redox processes;
- boron - necessary for the development of full-fledged heads of cabbage, improves the taste of the vegetable, increases shelf life;
- molybdenum - activates the development of roots and above-ground parts of the plant, improves the absorption of nutrients;
- sulfur is needed for the normal development of the growth point.
- magnesium - improves the absorption of phosphorus, increases immunity and resistance to adverse weather conditions;
- copper - protects plants from fungal diseases;
- manganese - ensures complete photosynthesis.
Nutrients can come in the form of organic and mineral fertilizers. Fertilizers are applied at the root of the plant or sprayed on the leaves (foliar fertilizing).
Eggshells for feeding cabbage
Enriches the soil not only with calcium, but also with other microelements, such as potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, iron. Also helps reduce soil acidity. When planting cabbage in a hole, add a handful of crushed eggshells, which will be a source of nutrients throughout the season.
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Feeding cabbage does not end at the stage of growing seedlings - it continues throughout the entire growing season. The first feeding after planting seedlings in open ground is carried out immediately after the seedlings take root well, i.e. in about two weeks.
You can increase the benefits of feeding if you follow the recommendations of the Lunar calendar and feed cabbage on those days when the Moon is in the constellations Capricorn, Cancer, Libra and Scorpio.
Favorable days for fertilizing cabbage in open ground |
May: 1-2, 5-7, 9 (dry), 15-17, 20-21, 24-25, 28-29 June: 2-3, 4-5 (dry), 12-13, 16-22 , 25-26, 29-30 July: 1-3 (dry), 4-5, 9-10, 13-19, 22, 26-28, 31 August: 1, 5-6, 10-15, 18- 19, 23-29 |
Hydrogen peroxide for feeding cabbage
Hydrogen peroxide is actively used not only for house plants, but also in the garden. It is actively used for watering and spraying cabbage seedlings at different stages of growth.
Hydrogen peroxide allows you to:
- rid seedlings of harmful bacteria;
- accelerate plant growth;
- protect the root system from rotting;
- saturate the soil with oxygen;
- cure diseases.
The benefit of the drug lies in the similarity of the aqueous solution to melt water. Hydrogen peroxide contains atomic oxygen, which oxidizes the soil, saturates it with oxygen, and fights pathogenic bacteria. The solution is prepared at the rate of 1 liter of water and 2 tablespoons of peroxide. Plants are watered once every 5-6 days. Hydrogen peroxide has a positive effect on soil quality. In addition to feeding grown plants, hydrogen peroxide is used when soaking seeds at the time of planting.
How to feed cabbage after planting in the ground?
If the holes were prepared in the manner described above, then fertilizer can be applied no earlier than 25-30 days after planting. But, if you haven’t done this, be sure to feed the cabbage 10 days after planting it in the beds.
Garden beds
The first feeding should be a source of nitrogenous fertilizers and be aimed at accelerating plant growth. We present to you several types of fertilizers that can be used as the first fertilizing:
- Mullein (500 ml) diluted in water (10 liters)
- Ammonium nitrate (1 box) diluted in water (10 liters) - used for spraying cabbage (foliar feeding)
- Potassium humate (20 g) diluted in water (10 liters)
- Ash (200 g) and superphosphate (60 g) diluted in water (10 liters)
- Urea (10 g), potassium chloride (10 g) and superphosphate (20 g) diluted in water (10 liters)
Under each cabbage seedling you need to pour 500 ml of one of the listed fertilizers.
IMPORTANT: If the soil in your cabbage beds is acidic, then you need to add chalk, slaked lime or ash at the rate of 2 cups per 1 square meter. Such soil treatment will make it suitable for growing vegetables and will reduce the development of diseases such as clubroot.
Nettle for feeding cabbage
If it is not possible to fertilize cabbage with manure, you can use fertilizer with nettles. Fertilizer made from young nettles will be more effective. To prepare such an infusion, you need to fill the container to the middle with nettles, and then fill it with warm water to the very top. The container is closed and left to infuse for three to four days. Afterwards, the finished fertilizer is filtered and diluted with water in a ratio of 1 to 10.
How to feed cabbage to form a head of cabbage?
To form a large and juicy fork, complex compositions based on mullein are used. To do this, part fresh manure is mixed with five parts water. After two days, another five parts of water are added to the solution.
Fertilizer for vegetables
Before watering the cabbage, superphosphate (30 g) is added to each bucket of this fertilizer. For each plant you need to pour 1.5 liters of this fertilizer. For early-ripening varieties it is carried out in July, and for late-ripening varieties in August.
IMPORTANT: If you want the heads of cabbage not to crack, then try to water them right to the root. Even better, use drip irrigation for this purpose. Water stagnating in the leaves causes the forks to crack and can cause this vegetable to become rotten.
Ammonia for feeding cabbage
This substance is often used not only as a medicine, but also as an assistant in caring for garden plants. For example, ammonia, as a fertilizer for cabbage, is a source of nitrogen. If you see that the cabbage seedlings have begun to turn pale and have stopped growing, it means that they need to be fed with a product containing nitrogen. This element, which is found in ammonia, is very easily absorbed by plants.
There are two ways to feed cabbage with ammonia:
- Basal - dissolve 6 tbsp in a bucket of water. l. means and pour the cabbage at the root, using about 0.5 liters of solution for each plant. Plants are fertilized this way once a week.
- Foliar - for spraying, prepare a solution of the same concentration. To make the product stick to plants better, you can add dishwashing liquid, baby shampoo or regular laundry soap to the resulting mixture. Spray the cabbage with the resulting solution. The treatment must be very thorough, covering both the lower and upper parts of the leaves.
When and what folk remedies to feed cabbage to set a head of cabbage
After the cabbage begins to set heads, you need to make an advantage in feeding in the direction of phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. Continuing to use nitrogen fertilizers, the green mass will increase to the detriment of the formation of heads of cabbage.
Used as phosphorus-potassium fertilizers
- wood ash,
- potassium humate with microelements,
- iodine,
- boric acid,
- yeast feeding.
Any fertilizing is carried out only on wet soil. This is done to make it easier for the roots to absorb useful substances, and so as not to burn the still weak roots with fertilizers. Feeding is carried out every 10-14 days.
Wood ash
Feed the cabbage with ash infusion. To do this, dilute 1 cup of sifted ash in 10 liters of water. 2-3 hours are enough to infuse, and then pour the cabbage at the rate of 1 liter per 1 square meter. m.
If there are constant, prolonged rains, and the ground is waterlogged, so as not to water it too much, add 1 glass of ash under each plant and, with the rains, it will gradually nourish the roots of the plant. And in dry weather, instead of watering it with infusion of ash, you can embed the ash into the ground when loosening it. And by sprinkling it on top of the leaves, you will also repel slugs and insect pests.
Boric acid
Boric acid not only speeds up the growth of the plant, but also makes cabbage tasty. Using boric acid, it is better to apply foliar feeding by spraying the leaves of the plant. This product does not dissolve well in cold water, so first dilute 2 g of powder in hot water, but not in boiling water, and stir thoroughly until the powder is completely dissolved. And only then increase the volume of the solution to 10 liters and spray.
Iodine
Iodine supplementation is useful for the growth and setting of heads of cabbage. Measure 40 drops of iodine into a bucket of water and stir. It is not always convenient to measure the exact number of drops, then know that this amount corresponds to an incomplete teaspoon.
Water the cabbage at the roots with the prepared solution at the rate of 1 liter per plant.
Yeast feeding
I wrote in detail how to feed vegetables with yeast, read it. Cabbage also really loves this type of feeding. And although yeast contains neither nitrogen, nor potassium, nor phosphorus, it does contain yeast fungi that force the soil microflora to become active and produce useful microelements necessary for the growth and setting of heads of cabbage.
First, dilute 100 g of pressed yeast or 1 sachet of dry yeast (10 g) in a small amount of warm water, add 2-3 tbsp. l. sugar, stir and place in a warm place to ferment. As soon as bubbles appear on the surface and foam rises, dilute the starter in 10 liters of water. To prepare a working solution, dilute 1 liter of mother liquor in 5 liters of water and water it at the root, calculating 1 liter per plant. You will see that the cabbage will quickly come to life, grow and begin to set heads.
In conclusion, I would like to note that feeding alone is not enough. Frequent loosening, weed removal and watering are equally important to grow large and tasty heads of cabbage. Watch this video about the features of care.
Today I have provided a list of means for feeding cabbage. It is not necessary to use each of them at the same time. Choose one thing first, and when re-feeding, use another product.
And good harvests to you!
Ash for feeding cabbage
Wood ash is a good potassium and phosphorus fertilizer for acidic and neutral soils. In addition to potassium and phosphorus, which are in the ash in a form easily accessible to cabbage, the ash contains calcium, magnesium, iron, sulfur and zinc, as well as many trace elements necessary for vegetables.
Wood ash is also used for dusting and spraying plants against pests and diseases. Dust the plants with ash early in the morning, following the dew, or after spraying them with clean water. The solution for processing cabbage is prepared as follows. Pour boiling water over 300 g of sifted ash and boil for 20-30 minutes. The broth is settled, filtered, diluted with water to 10 liters and 40-50 g of soap are added. Cabbage is sprayed in the evening in dry weather. To repel slugs and snails, sprinkle dry ash near the stems and around the cabbage.
When to feed cabbage in open ground
How to feed cabbage in May
Immediately after planting in the ground, the plant requires nitrogen fertilizing. The use of manure is very effective.
Prepare an infusion of 5 kg of manure and 10 liters of water, leave for a week. Then dilute it with 20 liters of water. Add 120 g of superphosphate and pour 0.5 liters of solution over each bush.
What to fertilize in June
At this time, you can use an infusion of herbs prepared for 2-3 days. Apply 0.5-1 liter per bush.
What fertilizing to apply in August
During the period of head formation, nitrogen fertilizers are not applied. Their excess will lead to the accumulation of nitrates in cabbage and cracking of heads of cabbage. Use 400 grams per 1 hundred square meters of phosphorus-potassium additives.
Feeding cabbage in September
Essentially, the plants no longer need feeding at this time. They have already taken everything they can from the soil. It is important at this time to fight slugs and reduce watering.
Treating cabbage with valerian and liquid soap
The unusual, at first glance, assembly of components will help curb the appetite of pests. Due to the predominant "aroma" of essential oils in valerian, and the inedible components of the soap, insects will stay away from cabbage. In addition, soap creates a layer of plaque that prevents it from biting into the leaves.
The mixture perfectly helps to get rid of aphids and curing ants.
For a liter of water, mix 20 ml of valerian tincture and a couple of tablespoons of ground soap. If necessary, increase the volumes proportionally.
To make it easier to apply the mixture to cabbage, use a pesticide sprayer. If the solution is too thick, dilute it with half a liter of hot water. In this case, the soap will completely dissolve and will not clog the nozzles.
The lack of a sprayer can be corrected with an ordinary household sprayer.
Treatment of cabbage from diseases and pests according to the Lunar calendar in 2021
If you want to defeat cabbage diseases and pests, start fighting them at the first sign of their appearance. Treatments on the days recommended by the Lunar calendar will help increase the power of folk remedies or chemicals - this is the time when the Moon is in Capricorn, Aquarius, Aries, Gemini and Sagittarius.
Favorable days for treating cabbage from diseases and pests |
April: 1-7, 10-12, 15-17, 20-23, 27, 29-30 May: 1-4, 8-9, 13-14, 18-19, 21, 24, 26-27, 29 -31 June: 1, 4-5, 10, 14-17, 21-28 July: 1-3, 6-8, 11-15, 18-25, 29-30 August: 2-4, 7-11, 14-22, 25-26, 30-31 September: 4-7, 10-18, 21-23, 26-28 |
General rules for fertilizing cabbage
The ideal time for the procedure is evening, or at least early morning. The soil should be moist. If the weather is dry, abundant watering is needed before fertilizing. Preliminary weeding and loosening are also required.
Use fertilizers only at recommended dosages. Do not fertilize one crop according to the norms calculated for another - plants' needs may vary even within the same crop. To prepare the compositions, use warm water - this is necessary to prevent fungal and other diseases.
After adding the “dressing”, it is useful to hill up the cabbage or mulch the soil. This will extend the life of the fertilizer. If mulch is already in place, remove it before fertilizing. You should not plan pest control and fertilizing for one day; it is better to apply fertilizer 1-2 days after baiting.
A less labor-intensive method would be to use pesticides. They are bought in agricultural stores and used according to the instructions. Nothing complicated.
True, not only pests, but also small mammals can suffer from them. Even cats and dogs. In humans, inflammation of the mucous membranes may occur.
Among other things, ready-made professional formulations can be used to feed cabbage: for example, “Reasil Universal”, “Uniflor Rost”, “Agricola”, “Power of Life”.
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Feeding by variety
How to feed cauliflower after planting
Cauliflower is fed with the same preparations as cabbage.
To prevent head deformation, use a solution of boric acid or ammonium molybdic acid in a ratio of 1:10.
Spray plants against pests more often. You can use an infusion of burdock, celandine, wormwood or garlic.
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How to feed kohlrabi cabbage
In the spring, when digging the soil, add 20 grams of ammonium nitrate per 1 square meter. meter. As soon as the seedlings have taken root, feed with a solution of ammonium nitrate at the rate of 2-3 tablespoons per bucket of water. The solution is designed for 20 bushes.
When forming a stem fruit, use a preparation prepared from 2-3 tablespoons of potassium nitrate and a bucket of water. Use for 10 plants.
Feeding Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts need more nitrogen throughout the growing season. The need for potassium increases at the time of head formation. Feed it once a week, alternating mineral and organic fertilizers.
For frail seedlings, the first two feedings should be done with organic fertilizers and only the third time feeding with mineral supplements. Check out this article about growing Brussels sprouts.
Spray the plants with Aminosol, which contains a complex of amino acids, and they will quickly grow. You can use Kornevin if growth slows down.
What care does cabbage need besides feeding?
It is enough to follow simple rules:
- Watering. It should be moderate to prevent overflow and drying out. It is best to use distilled water. Watering should be done in the evening. The interval between procedures is usually 5 days, and in hot weather - 2-3 days.
- Loosening the soil. It is necessary that the roots have access to oxygen. It is best to carry out the procedure the next day after watering.
- Mulching. Experts advise making a layer of mulch 5 cm thick. This will prevent rapid evaporation of moisture and the appearance of weeds. Mulch also provides nutrients to young plants. Peat or humus is usually used for covering.
What to fertilize cabbage with: urea, potassium chloride, superphosphate or folk remedies, each gardener decides independently, but a lack of nutrients can significantly reduce the yield. Experienced gardeners in their plots, in addition to white cabbage, often cultivate other varieties. When choosing a specific one, you should determine exactly why it is grown and the required number of heads. 3 weeks before harvesting, watering should be stopped completely. Then more fiber will accumulate, thanks to which the cabbage will be better preserved in the future. It is recommended to harvest when the temperature outside at night reaches +20 degrees. Heads of cabbage should be stored in a cool room, laid horizontally.
Feeding cabbage seedlings after picking
Today, more and more gardeners are abandoning such a process as picking seedlings. Firstly, not all plants can tolerate it well. And, secondly, this is a time-consuming process. You can do without it and still grow a rich harvest.
However, if you use picking in your arsenal, you should definitely feed the seedlings after it. To do this, you can use a mixture of ammonium nitrate (3 g), potassium chloride (1 g) and superphosphate (4 g).
Advice from experienced gardeners
Not all gardeners can boast of a large cabbage harvest. Nevertheless, there are those who manage to obtain large, strong heads of cabbage year after year. Gardeners who also want to get this result would do well to learn some tricks about growing cabbage:
- The crop does not feel comfortable in any soil; it requires loose, well-permeable soil. It will not be possible to obtain a high-quality harvest in clay soil. The soil acidity level should be medium to weak.
- The lack of elements can be determined by the appearance of the plants. If the tops of the leaves are covered with yellow spots, the cabbage is experiencing a potassium deficiency. Too slow development of the head of cabbage indicates a phosphorus deficiency, which is also indicated by the lilac tint on the leaves. With a lack of magnesium, the leaf blades turn pale, but the veins remain bright green.
- Before planting seedlings in the hole, it is advisable to put lime or crushed chalk there. Both substances protect the crop from typical diseases.
- Do not put manure in the planting holes; it will damage the roots of young plants. You can add organic fertilizer later.
- A solution of baking soda, which contains calcium, will help save the heads of cabbage from cracking. The solution is prepared from 2 teaspoons of powder per 10 liters of water. Fertilizer is applied during the month of harvesting.
- If the appearance of cabbage indicates a lack of some element, it is necessary to carry out foliar feeding. In this case, nutrients will be absorbed very quickly.
- It is better to dissolve granules of mineral fertilizers in warm water, then it will take less time to prepare the composition.
Important! At the slightest sign of trouble, you need to urgently feed the cabbage. In weakened plants, immunity decreases, as a result, various diseases can affect the vegetable.
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How to feed cabbage to form a head of cabbage - video
For growth, development and setting of heads of cabbage, cabbage spends a lot of nutrients, the supply of which must be ensured. A shortage of necessary elements will not lead to anything good. Benefits can be obtained not only from industrial fertilizers, but also from folk remedies. The main thing is to apply fertilizer for cabbage in open ground in the right dosage and according to the rules.
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What fertilizers should you use?
Sowing on time to obtain good cabbage seedlings is not enough. Young seedlings need to be properly cared for and provided with adequate nutrition. Due to a lack of necessary components in the soil, various problems can arise, in particular, seedlings turn out to be fragile and underdeveloped.
Not all substances will benefit the crop, so it’s worth figuring out which components to add to the soil and when.
The most important element for young seedlings is nitrogen. It accelerates the growth of green mass, makes the stem dense and elastic, accelerates the formation process and enhances the protective properties. But in the case of cabbage, you must try not to overdo it with this substance, otherwise the heads of cabbage “will not come together.”
You can apply it, counting 2 weeks from the moment of sowing, after picking and for growth after transplanting into open ground. Bird droppings, mullein, ammonium nitrate and urea can be used as sources of nitrogen.
When the process of head formation begins and the surface green mass is laid, only phosphorus and potassium are used. These components enhance nitrogen activity and help the plant develop. If fertilizing is done correctly, competent and complete care is provided, there will be no problems with the harvest.
Signs of micro and macronutrient deficiency in cabbage
A deficiency of nutrients and vitamins leads to changes in the color of stems and leaves of fruits.
- With nitrogen deficiency, the leaves begin to turn yellow and decrease in size.
- If there is not enough phosphorus, a purple or bluish tint appears on the leaves, they gradually dry out, the leaves curl downwards
- With a lack of potassium, the leaves also curl downward, turn yellow, and become wrinkled.
- Magnesium deficiency causes changes in leaf color.
Advantages and disadvantages of use
Already in June, after planting the seedlings, the very first fertilizing begins to be applied to the beds. Supporters of environmentally friendly harvests prefer only 100% natural fertilizers. The main advantage of folk remedies for feeding cabbage is their naturalness.
If possible, you should definitely fertilize white cabbage with manure or droppings. Fertilizing with pharmaceutical preparations such as potassium permanganate or peroxide gives excellent results. Sometimes unexpected products, such as banana peels or potato peelings, can serve as excellent fertilizer for the garden. Folk remedies for feeding vegetables have another undeniable advantage over synthetic fertilizers - they cost a penny.
Of course, natural remedies also have their drawbacks. So, manure and droppings have a very unpleasant odor. Natural fertilizers are perfectly absorbed by plants, but they do not always smell good. This is the only drawback of folk remedies for high-quality garden fertilizer.
Natural fertilizers
There is nothing more natural than organic fertilizers. However, this positive property easily turns into a negative when the soil is oversaturated with fertilizers of natural origin. Therefore, when using them, take into account the total amount of components in the soil. This is quite problematic to do, due to the fact that natural fertilizers begin to act for a long time after a while.
Most types of organic matter are introduced during autumn arable work or during the preparation of planting holes. The use of natural fertilizers is allowed once every 2-3 years.
The most common fertilizers of this type include:
- Manure. The waste product of cattle is used in a well-rotted state, otherwise the cabbage can be destroyed, causing severe burns to it. Manure is rich in nitrogen, which is released in the spring when organic matter is added in the fall. Mullein solution is used for root feeding of cabbage to stimulate growth. The optimal use option is to use horse manure - it acidifies the soil to a lesser extent.
- Compost. The contents of compost pits are ready for use at least 7-9 months after full filling. This type of feeding is obtained by rotting the plant parts of garden plants, decomposing food waste in combination with peat or soil. Compost is rich in nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, but contains weed seeds and can become a source of various diseases.
- Bird droppings. This type of organic matter, due to its rich composition of micro- and macroelements, can fully replace complex mineral fertilizers. It is used in dry form during autumn arable work. The period of validity of the fertilizer is at least 2 years. Can be used as a liquid fertilizer. To do this, you need to dilute it in a ratio of 1:20 with water.
- Wood ash. The presence of the predominant element in the composition is determined by the source of wood ash. It is generally accepted that this type of organic matter is a potassium fertilizer, although calcium predominates in the composition. It is used to reduce soil acidity and for additional plant nutrition. When applied dry, the rate of wood ash is 200 g per square meter. m. plot, for ash solution (150 g of ash per bucket of water) - 0.5 l/bush.
How to properly feed red and cauliflower
Red cabbage can be fertilized three times, focusing on the nitrogen component. The best time is when the heads are tying.
For the first time, it is advisable to wait for the forecast for early rain, approximately in the third week after planting, and feed the sprouts with nitrogen fertilizers with 10 g of urea. In dry weather, use a solution of mullein or urea. The next feeding should be done before the rows close, and the third 14–20 days before harvesting.
Cauliflower is quite capricious, and if something goes wrong, it simply won’t bloom or set heads. To feed this crop, you need generally the same and in the same quantity as for its white cabbage sister. Additionally, boron and molybdenum are useful for the appearance of inflorescences and to prevent cracking.
When the heads are deformed, they are sprayed with a mixture of ammonium molybdic acid and boric acid - 10 g per 10-liter bucket. It is important to treat the species frequently for insects. To do this, it is not necessary to take pesticides; use infusions of burdock, celandine, garlic or wormwood for spraying.
Take the time to properly and timely feed cabbage, and your harvest will only be enviable.
Stages and timing of adding nutrients
There is a certain scheme indicating the stages and timing of feeding plants with fertilizers. First, fertilize the soil before planting cabbage seedlings, then after planting. The next stage occurs after the emergence of seedlings. Fertilize before planting seedlings in open ground. The last feeding in the fall ensures that the cabbage stays good during winter storage.
Feeding cabbage seedlings
The first feeding of seedlings can be done with ammonia. The calculation is as follows: 3 tbsp. l. alcohol is dissolved in 10 liters of water. For potassium nutrition, use banana peel infusion. The skin of one fruit is infused in 1 liter of water. If seedling growth is weak, you can spray with boric acid.
Fertilize after planting in open ground
2-3 weeks after planting in open ground, cabbage is fed:
- Poultry manure, horse manure, or cow manure (1 cup)
- Infusion of ash (a glass of raw materials)
Fertilizers are infused in 10 liters of water.
Stimulating the active growth of white cabbage
To stimulate the growth of cabbage during the growing season, 2 weeks after the first feeding at the end of June, make a second feeding. Feed with infusion of ash (preferably birch), chicken droppings (half-liter jar per 10 liters). In July, it is necessary to apply additional fertilizer to late varieties of cabbage using mullein infusion (1 kg per 10 l).
Wood ash
Ash is a source of many nutrients. It contains large doses of:
- potassium;
- calcium;
- magnesium;
- phosphorus;
- silicon;
- gland;
- sulfur;
- manganese;
- boron.
It is very important that all elements are in an easily digestible form and are completely absorbed by plants. At the same time, ash powder alkalizes acidic soil, which is important. In soil with high acidity, most plants develop poorly.
Ash should not be combined with ammonia and phosphorus fertilizers, as it negatively affects the absorption of phosphorus chemical compounds by plants and leads to the loss of ammonia. Ash is ideal for the second and third feeding of cabbage. It can be used as a replacement for superphosphate and potash fertilizers.
Iodine
Cabbage needs iodine in minimal quantities, but its supply is still important. The element helps the formation of dense heads of cabbage and strengthens the plant’s immunity. At the same time, this product is used to repel pests. Iodine can be applied at the root or as a spray on the leaf.
This feeding is carried out as an additional one. In the early stages of growth, iodine helps cabbage better absorb nitrogen compounds. By applying it towards the end of the growing season, you can achieve increased productivity and improved keeping quality of heads of cabbage.
To prepare the solution, dilute 40 drops of pharmaceutical iodine in 10 liters of water. As a top dressing, a composition with iodine is applied at the root in an amount of 200 ml per bush after rain or watering. To spray leaves, use a lower concentration - 0.5 teaspoon per 10 liters of water. Treatment should be carried out on a cloudy day.
Feeding and protecting cabbage - video
From this solution, cabbage grows before our eyes without pests and diseases
Yeast
The expression “grows by leaps and bounds” becomes literal when talking about cabbage to which such fertilizing was applied. Summer residents note that in this case, the cabbage heads taste better and the plants get sick less. Yeast is a natural and completely safe product, which also improves the structure of the soil.
After applying such fertilizer, the cabbage root system actively grows, which gives impetus to the development of heads of cabbage. Apply fertilizing in warm weather so that the fungi can fully “work.” It is best to use pressed fresh yeast, it is more active.
Fertilizer is used as an additional fertilizer 3 times:
- 2 weeks after transplanting seedlings into the ground;
- in the middle of the growing season;
- 3 weeks before harvest.
Fertilizer is prepared from one pack of pressed yeast weighing 100 g and 5 liters of warm water, adding half a glass of sugar to the composition. The ingredients need to be mixed and wait for bubbles to appear, indicating the start of the fermentation process. After this, the concentrate is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:3 and used for irrigation.
Boric acid
Cabbage is fed with boric acid if the heads of cabbage do not set well and become small and watery. Bor:
- helps strengthen the immune system;
- increases the adaptive abilities of plants to stressful conditions;
- has a positive effect on the production of chlorophyll;
- accelerates metabolic processes.
If you see that the plants do not have enough strength to set heads, be sure to feed them with boron. During the season you can carry out 3 such feedings. For watering at the root, dilute 10 g of boric acid in 10 liters of water; for spraying on the leaf, use a solution 2 times weaker.
Herbal infusion
To prepare the infusion, use any cut grass, but the best results can be obtained if you prepare fertilizer from nettles. This “cocktail” is beneficial for cabbage; it can be added every 2 weeks throughout the summer. Stop feeding a month before harvest. To prepare the infusion, fill the barrel 2/3 with chopped herbs, and then fill it to the top with water.
The fertilizer must be prepared in a warm place, so the barrel should be kept in the sun. The fermentation process lasts about a week. All this time, the contents of the barrel are periodically stirred. If the temperature drops below 20° C, it will take longer to prepare the infusion. After the mixture has transferred, the composition is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:10. 1 liter of fertilizer is poured under each cabbage bush.
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide from the pharmacy is used in the early stages immediately after planting the seedlings in the garden. This fertilizing increases the oxygen content in the soil, which is important for cabbage roots. Prepare a solution of one glass of peroxide per 10 liters of water. The soil must be moistened first so that the roots of young plants do not get burned. For each bush, use 0.5 liters of peroxide solution.
Potato peelings
Not all gardeners have probably heard of this method. Potato peelings are used as a top dressing because they contain large amounts of phosphorus and potassium. A solution prepared with such waste stimulates the growth of young cabbage.
This composition is used at the stage of the second feeding. To prepare you will need 3 kg of potato peelings. They are poured with 10 liters of boiled water and allowed to brew for 3-4 days. Before use, filter the infusion. A glass of potato fertilizer is applied to each bush. Immediately after this, the cabbage must be hilled.
Important nutrients for cabbage
For all plants, the main nutrients are phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium. Scientific research has shown that it is important for cabbage to receive these minerals in equal quantities. A bias towards one of the elements leads to a decrease in yield.
For example, with an excess of nitrogen, yield loss will be about 20%. Scientists have found that the norm for cabbage will be 12 g of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium per square meter of area. The culture showed the best results with the simultaneous introduction of three elements. The only exception is the last feeding, when nitrogen is excluded. Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, boron, and molybdenum are also important for cabbage.