Proper watering makes the difference between a crisp, juicy head of cabbage and one that is cracked and bitter. Give too little, and the heads will be small; too much, and it causes the roots to rot or the heads to split open.
Weekly Water Depth
- 1-2 inches per square foot during early growth
- Increase to 2-3 inches when heads form
- Measure with rain gauge or empty cans
Irrigation Method
- Drip systems deliver water directly to roots
- Soaker hoses prevent leaf wetness and disease
- Avoid overhead sprinklers to stop rot
Soil Moisture Check
- Insert finger 3 inches deep - soil should feel damp
- Use moisture meters for accuracy
- Mulch retains moisture between waterings
Increase watering when the temperature rises above 80°F (27°C), or during periods of dry weather. Hot weather rapidly evaporates moisture, so it is wise to test the soil daily during a hot, dry spell. Water in the early morning, if convenient, as it escapes evaporation and does not tend to produce fungoid diseases. Never water in the late evening when the ground is left damp all night.
Prevent "head splitting," resulting from growing conditions that are too favorable: a sudden heavy watering of a too-dry ground could cause rapid growth which would result in splitting. If the ground is very dry, water it lightly one day, and again the next, or else saturate it well over the two days. Do not let this vegetable be without a good mulch of straw or compost.
Adjust the irrigation schedule according to the type of soil. Sandy soils should be watered more frequently than clay soils because they lose water more quickly. Sand is typically amended with compost to enhance its moisture retention capacity. Heavy clay requires organic matter to reduce root zone waterlogging.
Underwatering occurs when blue-grey leaves are wilting during the cooler part of the day. Yellowing lower leaves and stunted growth are indicators that the plant has been overwatered. Healthy plant leaves will be dark green in color, and the heads will develop at a steady pace without cracking.
Read the full article: 5 Key Signs: When to Harvest Cabbage
