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 5 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 
Cabbage thrives upon almost any soil that is reasonably dry. Those of the gravel nature 
are apt to lack moisture in a dry season. Low lands which flood are pretty sure to contain 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 grown 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 without testing. 
The Seed Bed 
LOCATION, 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 
locations. 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.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. 
For a seed bed sown broadcast, use 3,000 sq. ft. of ground per lb. of seed. Apply to this spot 
100 lbs. of some complete fertilizer, such as 5-10-5. 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 quickly. Plants growing too slow about June 1st, may be hastened 
by scattering on a little nitrate of soda. Five lbs. for every 3,000 sq. ft. is about right. Apply 
just as it starts to rain if possible. 
CONTROLLING THE CABBAGE MAGGOT 
This pest is quite successfully kept in check by sowing Calomel with the seed or treating the 
young plants very early in their growth with several applications of corrosive sublimate solution. 
For detailed instructions ask for bulletin from the N. Y. State College of Agriculture, Dept, of 
Entomology, Ithaca, N. Y., “Control of the Cabbage Maggot”. 
(Cabbage Culture Continued on page 14) 
13 
