CABBAGE CULTURE 
We are so frequently asked about our methods of cabbage culture we have decided to print 
the following general suggestions: 
AMOUNT OF SEED TO USE PER ACRE 
This question is asked more than any other about the crop. We have given it careful study 
and for many years have advised \ lb. for each acre to be set. 
This may be a little excess, but some years, insects and weather conditions reduce the stand, 
so we believe it not wise to use less. The most important thing is to have plants enough so as to 
have “First Pick” as these plants always produce the largest yields. 
So many replies, “Thank you for your advice” have come to us that we are very sure our 
rule is correct. Should you have a few extra, put up a sign, “Cabbage plants for Sale” and one 
year with another you will sell enough to more than pay for your seed. 
SOILS ADAPTED TO CABBAGE 
The cabbage thrives upon almost any soil that is reasonably dry. Those of the gravelly 
nature are apt to lack moisture in a dry season. Low lands which flood are pretty sure to con¬ 
tain the slime mold disease, “club root,” and should not be used for cabbage or cabbage plants. 
A great many growers prefer sod ground, but the crop may be sown upon land which was used 
for other crops than cabbage or one belonging to that family the year previous. Usually such 
land will need a little more liberal supply of fertilizer. 
Allowing stock to roam over the farm is a poor policy if cabbage growing is expected to be 
followed. Animals easily scatter diseased manure and track diseased dirt to new fields. No 
soil should be used for plant growing or the crop oftener than once in 5 or 6 years. 
The Seed Bed 
LOCATING, FERTILIZING AND SOWING 
The greatest tonnage is secured by sowing the seed and setting the plants EARLY. For 
Central New York this would make the seed sowing the fore part of May and setting about the 
middle of June. Cabbage for storage can be set June 20th to July 1st in New York State. 
Locating the seed bed where it is exposed to the WEST or NORTH wind is advised in con¬ 
trolling the cabbage maggot and flea beetle, as early insects hover in warm spots and shun cold 
1 ocations. Avoid ground containing mustard, old gardens or rich spots around the buildings. 
DO NOT put the crop or seed bed upon the same ground oftener than once in six years, 
else club root is liable to develop. Club root is not carried on the seed. (See Diseases.) Do not 
use manure from stock eating cabbage or cabbage leaves. Plowing or dragging a seed bed with 
tools which have just been used on an old cabbage field is apt to spread disease. (See Diseases.) 
For a seed bed sown broadcast use 2,000 to 3,000 sq. ft. of ground per lb. of seed. Apply 
to this spot 100 lbs. of some complete fertilizer, such as 3-10-4. Broadcast the fertilizer and 
drag it in. Avoid the excessive use of fertilizer, especially nitrogen. Sow the seed shallow, 
doing the work only when the ground is dry. Seed sown in rows can be treated for the cabbage 
maggots. 25 to 30 seeds per foot is about right. 
Don’t sow your seed too thick. Plants growing too slow about June 1st, may be hastened 
by scattering on a little nitrate of soda. Five lb. for every 2,000 to 3,000 sq. ft. is about right. 
Apply just as it starts to rain if possible. 
KILLING SEED BED DISEASES AND THE CABBAGE MAGGOT 
WITH CORROSIVE SUBLIMATE 
The damage to seedlings by maggots and using soil for a seed bed which has a little disease 
in it are causing great losses to cabbage growers. The toll seems to be on the increase. It is 
almost impossible for a man to be certain the spot he is selecting for a seed bed does not contain 
Club Root or some other disease. Since the seed bed is the foundation for the entire crop it 
is very important it should be CLEAN. 
Sow your seed in rows and when the plants are well up, at least a week old, apply to every 
30 ft. of row, at the base of the plants, 1 gallon of corrosive sublimate solution made by mixing 
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