Have you ever had a head of gelt in your garden that seemed to be originate healthy and large , only to notice one day that it had begin to split open ?
What have this to bechance ? And what can home gardeners do to avoid damage to their crop ?
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say on to witness out why heads may crack up , find out preventive measures , and nibble up the right tips to keep in mind so you ’ll know what to do when it happens .
What You’ll Learn
Causes for Splitting
Splitting or cracking is an issue that typically occur afterwards in the time of year , once cabbage head have begin firm up .
It often happens after a period of teetotal weather condition follow by a heavy rainwater . Thirsty roots quickly drink up the excess moisture in the soil , which make imperativeness inside the tightly bound foliage that causes heads to break up .
This is especially truthful for matured crops that are left in the land too long , as full - sized impenetrable and heavy heads are more likely to give way open under supererogatory pressure .
As a general formula of ovolo , you should aim to pick yours when the leave of absence have spring into a miserly , firm globe that ’s about the size of a playground ball .
The time to harvest varies by miscellanea . Some cultivars are ready in just 60 or 70 days , while others may take longer to mature . Be sure tocheck the seed packetfor specific on the type you are growing .
Over - fertilization may be another culprit . If you feed your plants after the drumhead have started spring , this can make speedy internal leafage growth , which will make pressure from within that can lead to cracking .
Prevention Tips
The key to prevention is to keep moisture level consistent .
Water your crop regularly , keeping the dirt evenly moist but not waterlogged .
Daily watering may be necessary during periods of drought . This is especially important when come on crop time .
Drip irrigationis a big method acting for providing plants with even moisture .
you’re able to also mulch around the pedestal of plants to hold soil wet .
Mulchingis a useful room to regulate water filtration , preventing your cabbages from either dry out , or becoming saturated too quickly in the vitrine of heavy rain .
You should also deflect fecundate your plants after the heads have started firming up .
Down to Earth Vegetable Fertilizer
If you want to feed them , do so only ahead of time in the season , and use a slow going fertiliser such as this all - intent constitutional blending that’savailable from Arbico Organics .
According to Jill MacKenzie at theUniversity of Minnesota Extension , you could abridge the prospect of splitting in dough you are n’t quite quick to pick by twisting the heads about a stern of the way around , or using agarden knifeor nigger to sever about half of the roots around the plant .
Both of these methods will decrease H2O flow to the foliage , reducing the risk of build inner pressing that causes cracking .
Harvesting and Using Split Heads
If you notice those top dog beginning to snap overt , do n’t panic ! This just means you should harvest right forth .
Cut off and discard the split up sections after pick , as they tend to become tough promptly . Cook or preserve the rest as shortly as you’re able to , since they wo n’t store well .
There are all sorts of creative U.S.A. for these tasty homegrown vegetables that you could enjoy , from salads to casseroles to homemade sauerkraut .
you’re able to regain some excellent formula ideason our sister site , Foodal , such as thisautumn napa cabbage salad .
This fresh gloaming dish combines crisp lettuce with roasted sweet tater , angelic gong peppers , and toasted pecans for a delicious and coloured side dish .
Learn and uphold boodle for by and by in our usher .
No More Splitting
It can be frustrating when your beautifully grown lolly starts to break open .
Fortunately , this can often be prevented with the simple measures described above . And in any instance , a crack up head is still just as tasty if you enamor it in time !
Looking for even more tips togrowing sizeable cabbageat home ? Check out these articles next to learn more :
© Ask the Experts , LLC . ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.See our TOSfor more details . Product photo via Arbico Organics . Uncredited photos : Shutterstock .
About
Heather Buckner
