Cabbage Family: Checklist

Sun: 6 to 8 hours.

Timing: They are cool-season crops, but don't try to rush them. Harden-off seedlings for at least 2 to 4 weeks before last frost.  Transplant into 4" pots for the last 2 weeks.

Soil: rich in organic matter, pH 6.5 to 7.5. Higher pH helps keep clubroot away.  

Spacing: 18 to 24 inches for cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower.  They are huge plants, with huge requirements and need space.

Cover them: insect netting or row cover at planting keeps out cabbageworms, flea beetles and root maggots. No negotiation.

Water: deeply and evenly once a week to start then twice weekly when forming heads. Uneven water splits cabbage heads.

Feed: Very heavy feeders. Side-dress with compost or nitrogen a month after planting.

Heat: hot spells make broccoli and cauliflower bolt or button. Water soil at night to cool down the roots.  Harvest before summer peaks.

Rotate: no cabbage family crops (including radish and turnips) in the same spot for at least 4 years. Clubroot spores last a very long time.