Growing Broccoli And Cabbage In Pots Or Containers

Broccoli and cabbage are great vegetables to grow in the garden as they can be harvested throughout much of autumn. However, if you live in a tiny apartment or have limited space to grow them, that doesn’t mean you can not enjoy these wonderful vegetables. Growing broccoli and cabbage in pots or containers is possible and puts minimal time and effort into your gardening routine.

 

Benefits Of Growing Vegetables In Pots Or Containers:

Growing broccoli and cabbages in pots is an easy way to fit these veggies into any size space you have available. If space is limited, growing broccoli and cabbage in small pots will fit perfectly on your patio or balcony without taking up too much room. Another benefit is that if you live in a climate that gets colder than you would like, you can move your plants inside and still grow them for a good portion of the season.

There are many advantages to growing vegetables in pots or containers; additionally, there are several varieties of cabbage and broccoli that will work well when grown this way, such as Red cabbage (great for slaws, side dishes, and garnishes), Savoy cabbage (tender leaves with a sweeter taste than green varieties of cabbage), and Broccoli romanesco.

 

How To Grow Broccoli And Cabbage In Pots Or Containers

If you’re wondering how to grow broccoli and cabbage in containers, the steps are below:

 

Selecting your plants:

If you are looking to grow cabbage or broccoli in pots, it’s important to select the appropriate type for your climate. When selecting plants, look for healthy plants with firm heads and leaves without signs of disease or rot. Suppose purchasing from a retail store heads out early to have the best selection available.

Cabbage must be planted in the fall to survive; broccoli can be planted in late summer or early spring.

Prepare your soil for planting:

Proper preparation of the soil is a must when growing broccoli and cabbage in pots or containers. Start by mixing compost from your local garden center with the dirt from your pot. Another good idea is to add some mushroom compost. Start by filling your container about halfway with the amended soil, then making a mound in the center of it for your broccoli or cabbage plant.

 

Planting your plants:

Planting your plants should be done around early September. Dig a hole large enough to fit your plant’s root ball comfortably. Once you have filled in the hole, gently push the dirt around the plant and water well. If you live in a climate that gets cold or has frosts regularly, plant your cabbage about 2 feet apart so it can grow to its full potential before winter hits.

 

Watering your plants:

It’s important to water frequently; you will want to do this every day or every other day. Ensure that if you are not watering enough, that is because of the climate and not because the plant isn’t getting enough water. If you live in a hot and dry climate, check for moisture daily. Check the soil every time you’re in the mood to water; if it looks dry, add more water.

Broccoli and cabbage plants will wilt when they are thirsty so keep that in mind at all times. In addition to watering often, make sure not to overwater them. This can cause their roots to rot. If excess water does pool up at the bottom of your pot, simply pour it out.

 

Choosing the right location & care:

Make sure to place your growing container where it will receive full sunlight throughout the day. Setting up a shade cover during hot days is recommended. Just make sure not to leave it there long as broccoli and cabbage require lots of sunlight for optimal growth.

To care for your plants, keep the soil loose by adding more compost as needed. Continue to water as necessary and check for any signs of disease or pests regularly.

 

Harvesting your vegetables:

Many people like to pick the leaves and eat them before they harvest their cabbage and broccoli heads; eventually, your plant will start to form heads that you can harvest when they’re about the size of a softball.

When harvesting your broccoli and cabbage, transplant them into another container or garden bed so that they can continue growing larger. This way, you will be able to eat fresh produce well into winter.

 

Storing your vegetables for winter:

If you grow broccoli and cabbage in pots or containers, you will want to start harvesting before the first frost. Once harvested, cut off the leaves about 1 inch above where they meet the head. Strip the leaves off of the stems and place them into a plastic bag inside your vegetable crisper drawer; this will help them last longer. 

Once the broccoli and cabbage heads have been harvested, place them in a bath of water to stop the bleeding from the stalk. Keep this container in your crisper drawer as well.

To keep your broccoli fresh for up to 6 months, simply remove the outer leaves, then wrap it up in some plastic wrap before storing it in the freezer. It is important to make sure that it is tightly wrapped and not exposed to air inside a sealed bag to last long.

 

Conclusion:

Growing broccoli and cabbage in containers or pots is easy; however, remember certain things. By planting around early September, you will be able to harvest your produce until the first frost begins. If living in a home with limited space, you can grow smaller varieties of both while also harvesting the leaves for consumption. 

Don’t forget to check on your broccoli and cabbage daily, water them frequently, keep them in a sunny location and remember that they need lots of sunlight to grow their best. If you harvest your vegetables before the first frost, you will be able to enjoy fresh produce until late winter.

We hope you enjoyed this article about growing broccoli and cabbage in pots or containers. If you enjoy gardening, make sure to check out other articles on our website.