Winter preparation for broccoli and spring cabbage (Broccoli and spring cabbage plant growing)
Best way to grow broccoli and spring cabbage in grow tunnel. This time, we will manage the cultivation of broccoli and spring cabbage.
Last time, we planted broccoli and spring cabbage. About a month and a half has passed since then. This session, we will prepare broccoli and spring cabbage for winter.
We planted broccoli and spring cabbage seedlings in early November. Broccoli and cabbage planted in autumn for harvesting within the year are planted in early September, but broccoli and spring cabbage harvested in spring are grown over winter, so their planting time is later.
Here is how the broccoli and spring cabbage seedlings looked after planting. After planting, we installed insect netting to prevent pests from entering.
https://www.vege-try.net/en/plant-spring-broccoli-and-cabbag...About a month and a half after planting in early November, the fertilizer applied to broccoli and spring cabbage consisted only of initial fertilizer added before planting. (The initial fertilizer for broccoli and spring cabbage includes composted cow manure, chicken manure, and canola cake.) We haven’t applied additional fertilizer, but they are growing well.
The base fertilizer used for broccoli and spring cabbage cultivation is 1 liter (1 qt) of cow manure, 100g (3.5 oz) of chicken manure, and 50g (1.8 oz) of oil cake.
Winter preparation for broccoli and spring cabbage (using nonwoven fabric for insulation, to protect against the cold)
By mid-December, we’ve had days where the maximum temperature drops below 10°C (50°F). When the maximum temperature drops below 10°C (50°F), broccoli and spring cabbage also need winter preparation. We use nonwoven fabric for winter preparation.
We use nonwoven fabric by placing it over the insect netting used for grow tunnel. It covers the sections of broccoli and spring cabbage completely. Nonwoven fabric provides insulation, helping to protect broccoli and spring cabbage from the cold.
We secure the edges of the nonwoven fabric with clothespins and tie up the excess ends.
Please refer to this for how to attach the insect netting.
This completes the winter preparation for broccoli and spring cabbage. (Broccoli and spring cabbage cultivation management completed.) Since they are insulated with nonwoven fabric, I don’t think they will wither even during the winter.
Related information on spring cabbage cultivation（Frequently Asked Questions for growing spring cabbage）
When is the time to add more fertilizer to spring cabbage? (The timing for side dressing spring cabbage)
For spring cabbage that grows over winter, side dressing is done in early to mid-January. If fertilizer is added before the new year, the cabbage might start bolting (growing a flower stalk) in early spring. Fertilizing in January allows the nutrients to work by the time warmer weather comes, as it takes about a month for fertilizer to work in winter. With fertilizer applied in January, it will be effective as temperatures warm up, helping the spring cabbage grow well.
Please tell me how to do side dressing for spring cabbage
For side dressing spring cabbage, place the fertilizer about 30cm (1 foot) away from the plant base, in two spots. Use chicken manure for the fertilizer. (Chicken manure has a good balance of nutrients needed for spring cabbage growth.) To apply, dig a hole in the soil, put the chicken manure in, water it, and then cover it with soil.
Related information on broccoli cultivation
When do you prepare the soil for broccoli?
Soil preparation for broccoli is done around mid to late October. Compared to other brassica family plants like Chinese cabbage or cabbage, which prepare the soil around mid-August, it is about two months later. (Broccoli harvested in spring is grown over the winter, so soil preparation happens later.)
What kind of fertilizer is good for growing broccoli? (Starter fertilizer for broccoli)
The base fertilizer (starter fertilizer) for broccoli cultivation is cow manure compost, chicken manure, and canola cake. Cow manure compost is used to improve soil drainage and aeration. Chicken manure is a versatile organic fertilizer used not only as a starter fertilizer but also for side dressing for broccoli. Canola cake contains a lot of nitrogen, which helps in the growth of broccoli stems and leaves.
Following is the video for how-to. English subtitles are available.