When is the best time to plant winter cabbage?

In winter, cabbage is a common guest on the tables of northern families and is grown in almost every household. Cabbage is an ideal winter storage vegetable . It is not only delicious but also rich in nutrients. So when is the best time to plant winter cabbage?

When is the best time to plant winter cabbage?

Cabbage is suitable for planting in autumn and winter. The specific sowing time depends on the climate and temperature of the area. Generally speaking, the best time to sow is when the average daily temperature drops below 15°C per day, which is usually between October and November. If you have cold winters in your area, consider starting your cabbage seeds earlier in a greenhouse or indoors. This will extend the growing season and give the cabbage more time to grow and develop.

Different regions have different agricultural proverbs about the planting time of autumn cabbage. For example, in the Northeast region, there is a saying that " radishes are planted in the first ten days, and vegetables are planted in the second ten days", while in North China, there is a saying that "cabbage is planted in the beginning of autumn". This means that the good time to plant cabbage is from late July to mid-August in the northern region, mid-to-late August in the Yangtze River Basin, early September in Zhejiang Province, and from September to November in Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan and other places in South China. Except for the longer sowing period in South China, the planting window in other regions is relatively short, especially in the north. The best sowing period may be only a few days. Once missed, the growth of cabbage will be affected.

Generally speaking, the best sowing period for Chinese cabbage in Northeast China is from July 20 to July 28, and in North China it is within three days before or after the beginning of autumn. Areas south of the Yangtze River need to determine the sowing time based on local actual conditions. Even within the same province, the sowing time may vary.

Before planting cabbage, you need to do the following preparations:

1. Select the best seeds

Selecting seeds appropriate to local climatic conditions is critical, as differences in adaptability among varieties may affect growth and yield.

2. Turn the soil and apply fertilizer

Before planting, the soil should be tilled in advance, which helps loosen the soil, reduce pests and diseases, and promote root development.

3. Sow seeds at the right time

After completing the above preparations, you can start sowing. Cabbage is suitable for ridge planting. Depending on the variety, the row spacing should be maintained at 60-70 cm and the plant spacing should be 35-45 cm. After sowing, cover with about 1 cm of soil. In arid areas , water should be poured thoroughly before sowing. After sowing, a layer of weeds or other materials can be covered to keep the soil moist, and the covering should be removed on the third day.

The above is the sowing time of Chinese cabbage and the preparations before planting. The specific sowing time should refer to the local traditional planting habits. If the best sowing period is missed, the cabbage may not be able to form a good heart.