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 isasked more than any other about the crop. We have given it careful 
study and for many years have advised 3 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 isreasonably dry. Those of the gravel 
nature are apt to lack moisture ina dry season. Low lands which flood are pretty sure to 
contain the slim mold disease, ‘‘club root’, and should not be used for cabbage or cab- 
bage 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 controlling 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 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 Ib. 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 shal- 
low, 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. 
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 the bulletin from the N. Y. State 
College of Agriculture, Department of Entomology, Ithaca, N. Y., ‘‘Control of the 
Cabbage Maggot.” 
