‘PROPER PLANTING HANDLING KEY TO CABBAGE PRODUCTION’

By Noel Iyombwa

PROPER planting of seedlings is key in successfully growing cabbages which are strong and healthy as this is the base for a uniform crop, Bekithema Moyo, a successful has said.

Mr. Moyo advised farmers that when transplanting, it was important to ensure that there was no contact of fertilizer and the plant because this could cause root burn.

“When transplanting, also make sure a good plug to soil contact is made so that the root system can leave the plug and quickly enter the fertilizer enriched soil. Plant the seedlings as soon as possible after pulling them from the trays to avoid the tiny hair roots from drying out. Drench the seedlings with Actara to give plants 6 weeks’ protection from aphids and whitefly.

“Also apply a spray of #Bion to seedlings to activate plants’ own defence mechanism against bacterial and virus attacks. After transplanting a light settling in irrigation is required to remove air pockets between plug and the soil,” Mr. Moyo said.

He explained that when it comes to fertilizers requirements, cabbage was a heavy feeder and therefore needed rich soil.

He stated that a balanced basal compound type of fertilizer of either A, B or C should be applied prior to planting and that based on soil analysis results and types, fertiliser could be applied ranging from 600 to 1000 kg.

“Cabbage requires nitrogen of 400kg a hectare; it should be split into 3 applications between 2 and 8 weeks after transplanting. During rainy seasons if the crop is planted on lighter soils, an extra top dressing might be needed after heavy leaching rain.

“Cabbage responds well in compost enriched soils. Levels of 20 to 30 tons per hectare of well-prepared compost will benefit and reduce levels of fertilizer. Farm yard manure and chicken litter can also be used but must be well broken down and composted or root burn will occur and chicken manure 2 to 5 tons per hectare. Ripping then disking is also a way to prepare a tilth for planting, the final tilth must not be cloddy or too fine,” he said.