Cabbages

Cabbage is another member of the Brassica family along with broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and swede. As such it should never be grown in the same place for more than one season without giving the soil a break. If you've grown brassicas, then follow them with other crops for a few seasons to prevent disease. These are the basics of crop rotation.

Most varieties of cabbage prefer a cool to mild climate like Tasmanias'. Cabbage is quite adaptable to temperature though and if you plan well, you can eat fresh cabbage from your backyard all year round. Plant in spring for a summer and autumn crop and autumn for a winter and spring crop.

Prior to planting dig in plenty of organic matter. Mulch well, particularly during summer, and feed with a good organic liquid fertiliser.

Plant seedlings about half a metre apart. While the seedlings are getting established you could grow Lettuce or other small and fast growing crops in the spaces between them. If you do this, then feed the cabbage well to make up for minerals taken up by the interplanted crops.

Cabbage can also be grown by sowing seeds directly into your veggie patch in clumps during summer. Prick out extra seedlings leaving the strongest to grow on.

Cabbage can develop more (but smaller) heads once the main head has been harvested.