Q&A - Growing Organic Cabbage
Question:
I am frustrated with trying to grow cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli. I try early spring and fall and all I accomplish is feeding green worms! The first year I harvested broccoli only. I have amended the soil the way it is recommended. I am an organic grower. What can I do to get a better harvest, or any harvest at all?
Answer:
Haywood County UT Extension Director Walter Battle recommends using BT or Bacillus thuringiensis to kill the cabbage loopers. BT is an organic pesticide. He also talks about planting dates for cold crops and making sure the soil has the correct pH and enough magnesium to support the plant. Chris suggests selecting varieties that are disease resistant and produce early to reduce the amount of time the bugs can eat them.
Related Video:
How to keep worms out of my cabbage
Related Resources:
Cabbage in the Garden
Organic Production and IPM Guide for Cole Crops
Caterpillar pests of cole crops in home gardens
I am frustrated with trying to grow cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli. I try early spring and fall and all I accomplish is feeding green worms! The first year I harvested broccoli only. I have amended the soil the way it is recommended. I am an organic grower. What can I do to get a better harvest, or any harvest at all?
Answer:
Haywood County UT Extension Director Walter Battle recommends using BT or Bacillus thuringiensis to kill the cabbage loopers. BT is an organic pesticide. He also talks about planting dates for cold crops and making sure the soil has the correct pH and enough magnesium to support the plant. Chris suggests selecting varieties that are disease resistant and produce early to reduce the amount of time the bugs can eat them.
Related Video:
How to keep worms out of my cabbage
Related Resources:
Cabbage in the Garden
Organic Production and IPM Guide for Cole Crops
Caterpillar pests of cole crops in home gardens