Add fertilizer for broccoli and spring cabbage plant (Broccoli and spring cabbage production guide)

How to grow broccoli and spring cabbage in mulching cultivation. The focus for today is managing the growth of our broccoli plant and spring cabbage.

Last time, we explained how to prepare broccoli and spring cabbage for winter. It is still a cold season, but this time we will fertilize the broccoli and spring cabbage. (In winter, it takes about a month for the fertilizer to work, so we add fertilizer in January.)

Fertilizing broccoli and spring cabbage (Best organic fertilizer for broccoli and spring cabbage)

The broccoli and spring cabbage, planted in early November, are now overwintering. They are kept warm with nonwoven fabric, but we haven’t fertilized them yet. This is their first fertilization.

This is the first fertilization for the broccoli and spring cabbage

Here is how it looked when we planted the broccoli and spring cabbage. We use tunnel cultivation right after planting. Putting up an insect netting helps keep pests away.

We decide whether to insulate the broccoli and spring cabbage based on the highest temperature. If the number of days with a high temperature below 10°C (50°F) increases, cover the bed with nonwoven fabric to keep them warm.

When we lift the mulch, we see roots growing to the edge of the bed. So, we will add fertilizer around there.

Lift the mulch and check the soil condition
Roots of broccoli and spring cabbage
Fertilization spots for broccoli and spring cabbage

We use organic chicken manure for fertilizing broccoli and spring cabbage. (fully matured fermentation) The amount of add-fertilizing is 20g (0.7 oz) of chicken manure per spot. The quantity of chicken manure is measured using a measuring cup or similar tool.

Organic chicken manure is a recommended fertilizer for broccoli and spring cabbage additional fertilizing because it contains a balanced amount of nutrients necessary for broccoli and spring cabbage cultivation.

Chicken manure used for additional fertilizer for broccoli and spring cabbage

The method for add-fertilizing involves lifting the mulch, digging a hole of about 10cm (4 inches) deep, and placing the fertilizer in it. (When digging holes, please use a trowel.)

Add fertilizer to the broccoli and spring cabbage

Apply fertilizer in two spots for the broccoli and two spots for the spring cabbage, so a total of four spots. The key point about fertilizing is not to use too much. Over-fertilizing can cause pest problems and poor growth. Use the right amount.

Chicken manure has been added to all the fertilization spots

After additional-fertilizing, water the chicken manure and cover it with soil. We water the fertilizer, chicken manure, to help the soil microorganisms. (For microorganisms, moist fertilizer is easier to decompose.)

Water the chicken manure

Don’t forget to cover the fertilizer with soil. If chicken manure is exposed on the soil, it can attract pests due to the smell. If you add fertilizer to the broccoli and spring cabbage but pests still come, it won’t help. After fertilizing, always cover the soil.

Cover with soil

Finally, put back the black polythene mulch, the insect netting, and nonwoven fabric. Broccoli and spring cabbage add-fertilizing completed. (Management of broccoli and spring cabbage cultivation is now done.)

Put back the mulch sheet on the broccoli and spring cabbage bed
Fertilizing broccoli and spring cabbage is done

How to grow spring cabbage and broccoli. If you want to start with soil preparation, click here. (Making bed and fertilizing was around mid-October.)

Following is the video for how-to. English subtitles are available.

Add fertilizer for broccoli and spring cabbage plant (Broccoli and spring cabbage production guide) – YouTube