Looking to do cabbage farming in Kenya?
We have a few tips to help you succeed in cabbage farming in Kenya.
When growing cabbage, be sure to select a location with full sun and well-drained soil.
Amend the soil with compost prior to planting to ensure good fertility and drainage.
Sow cabbage seeds 1/2 inch deep and 2-3 inches apart in rows 18-24 inches apart.
Mulch around plants to keep the soil moist and cool.
Harvest cabbage when heads are firm and full size.
Cut the heads off the plant with a sharp knife, leaving about an inch of stem attached.
About Cabbage
When planting cabbage, be sure to allow enough space for the plants to grow.
Cabbage plants need at least 18 inches of space between plants and 24 inches between rows.
Cabbage can be grown in raised beds, containers, or in the garden.
When planting in the garden, be sure to amend the soil with compost or manure before planting.
Cabbage can be harvested when the heads are full size or when the leaves are starting to turn yellow.
For a fall harvest, plant cabbage in the spring or early summer.
It is a hardy vegetable that can be planted in the early spring or late summer/early fall.
Cabbage is a member of the Brassica family which also includes broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.
It is a green, head-type vegetable that is grown for its dense, white or purple heads.
Cabbage can be eaten raw or cooked. It is a good source of vitamin C and vitamin K.
Cabbage Varieties To Grow In Kenya
There are many types of cabbage to choose from if you are farming in Kenya.
The most popular types are:
1. Green cabbage – This variety has a mild flavor and is the most commonly grown type.
2. Red cabbage – This variety has a slightly stronger flavor than green cabbage and is a beautiful deep red color.
3. Savoy cabbage – This variety has wrinkled leaves and a delicate flavor.
4. Napa cabbage – This variety is a type of Chinese cabbage and has a delicate flavor and a slightly sweet taste.
5. Brussels sprouts – These are small cabbages that are grown on a stem and have a slightly sweet and nutty flavor.
Planting, Growing, And Harvesting Cabbage In Kenya
Cabbage is a cool-weather crop that can be planted in the spring or fall.
For a spring crop, start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date.
Transplant seedlings outdoors when the soil is warm and all danger of frost has passed.
For a fall crop, start seeds outdoors in the early summer.
Cabbage can also be planted as a winter crop in areas with mild winters.
To plant cabbage, dig a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the transplant’s container.
Carefully remove the transplant from the container and place it in the hole.
Fill in the hole with soil and water well. Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart.
Cabbage needs plenty of water to grow well. It’s a good idea to water plants regularly, especially during hot weather.
Cabbage is ready to harvest when the head is firm and the leaves are brightly colored.
Cut the head off the plant with a sharp knife.
Cabbage plants can take up to 100 days to mature, so patience is key when growing this vegetable.
The plants can be seeded directly into the garden or started indoors a few weeks before the last frost.
Cabbage prefers full sun and fertile, well-drained soil.
Water regularly, especially when the plants are young.
Feed the plants with a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season.
Harvest the heads when they are firm and have a nice, bright color.
When To Plant Cabbage In Kenya
The best time to plant cabbage is in the spring, as soon as the soil can be worked.
In cold climates, plant cabbage in early summer for a fall harvest.
How To Plant Cabbage In Kenya
To plant cabbage, you will need to purchase a cabbage seedling from a garden center or local nursery.
Once you have your cabbage seedling, you will need to dig a hole in your garden that is large enough to accommodate the plant’s roots.
Place the cabbage in the hole so that the top of the plant is level with the surface of the soil.
Once the plant is in place, fill in the hole with soil and water thoroughly. When to plant:
Cabbage can be planted in the early spring, as soon as the ground can be worked.
Cabbage can also be planted in the late summer and early fall.
Where to plant:
Cabbage should be planted in an area that receives full sun.
When to fertilize:
Cabbage should be fertilized three weeks after planting using a balanced fertilizer.
How to plant:
Cabbage is planted by seed. The seeds should be planted 1/2 inch deep and spaced 1 inch apart.
How To Store Cabbages
Cabbage can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
To store them for a longer period of time, they can be frozen.
Cabbage Pests And Diseases
There are a number of pests and diseases that can affect cabbage crops.
The most common pests are aphids, cabbage worms, cabbage root maggots black rot, club root, and downy mildew.
Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can cause significant damage to cabbage plants.
They can be controlled with insecticides or by using natural predators such as ladybugs.
Cabbage worms are the larval stage of the cabbage butterfly.
They can be controlled with insecticides or by hand-picking.
Cabbage root maggots are the larval stage of the cabbage fly.
They can be controlled with insecticides or by covering the plants with a row cover.
Black rot is a serious disease that can affect cabbage crops. It can be controlled with fungicides.
Club root is a serious disease that can affect cabbage crops. It can be controlled with fungicides.
Downy mildew is a serious disease that can affect cabbage crops. It can be controlled with fungicides.
Suitable Climatic Conditions For Cabbage Plantation
The ideal climate for cabbage farming in Kenya is temperate with ample rainfall and moderate humidity.
Cabbage can be grown in regions where the average temperature is between 10 and 18 degrees Celsius.
The crop can be planted either in the spring or in the fall, but it is important to avoid frost.
Companion Plants For Cabbage In Kenya
The following are some companion plants that can be grown with cabbage:
- Beets
- Carrots
- Lettuce
- Onions
- Peas
- Radishes
- Spinach
These are some of the plants you can consider if you doing cabbage farming in Kenya.
Transplanting And Spacing Of Cabbage Plants
When transplanting cabbage plants into the garden, be sure to space them about 18 to 24 inches apart.
If you are planting them in rows, space the rows about 24 to 36 inches apart.
Water Requirement Of Cabbage Plants
Most cabbage varieties need 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week.
During hot, dry weather, they may need twice that amount.
A crop like cabbage that is planted in late summer or early fall, needs about 1 inch of water per week from rainfall or irrigation.
Fertilizers And Manures Requirement For Cabbage Production
Cabbage is a cool-season crop that grows best when the soil temperature is between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are the primary nutrients required for optimal cabbage growth.
A soil test will help you determine the levels of these nutrients in your soil and whether you need to add fertilizers or manures to boost their availability.
Nitrogen is essential for the production of leafy vegetables like cabbage.
A soil test will reveal the level of available nitrogen in your soil.
If the level is low, you can add a nitrogen-rich fertilizer such as ammonium sulfate or urea.
Phosphorus is also important for cabbage growth.
A soil test will show the level of available phosphorus in your soil.
If it is low, you can add a phosphorus-rich fertilizer such as triple superphosphate.
Potassium is another nutrient that is essential for cabbage growth.
A soil test will show the level of available potassium in your soil.
If it is low, you can add a potassium-rich fertilizer such as muriate of potash.
Pruning And Weed Control Of Cabbage Plants
Weed control is also important for cabbage plants.
Weeds can compete with the cabbage plants for water and nutrients.
Weeds can also harbor pests and diseases.
A weekly weed inspection and removal is recommended.
Pruning is also necessary for cabbage plants.
The main objective of pruning is to remove the damaged or diseased tissue.
Pruning also helps to improve air circulation and light penetration.
Pruning should be done when the cabbage plants are young.
Remove the outer leaves and the stem. Leave the central bud intact.
This is how you can prune your cabbage if you are doing a successful farming business.
Final Thoughts On Cabbage Farming In Kenya
To plant cabbage, you will need to start with a soil that drains well.
Amend the soil with compost or manure before planting.
Plant the cabbage in full sun and water regularly. Cabbage can be harvested when the heads are firm and full size.
Cabbage is a cool-season crop that is planted in the early spring or late summer.
The plants grow best in full sun and well-drained soil.
Cabbage can be harvested when the head is firm and the leaves are green.
I hope these tips will help you do your cabbage farming successfully in Kenya.
