Growing Spring Cabbage in August for Early Greens Next Year
August is the ideal time to plant spring cabbage, giving the seedlings a long autumn to establish strong roots and hardy leaves before winter. Their reward? The first sweet, green harvests of next spring—often when there’s little else fresh in the garden! Here’s how to sow and care for spring cabbage planted in August.
Why Plant Spring Cabbage in August?
- Early Start: Plants can establish roots in still-warm soil, so they’re tough and ready for winter.
- Fills the Hungry Gap: Spring cabbage is one of the first fresh homegrown crops after winter.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, spring cabbage survives cold, wind, and even snow.
Best Spring Cabbage Varieties for August Sowing
- ‘Spring Hero’
- ‘April’
- ‘Durham Early’
- ‘Hispi’
- ‘Pixie’
- ‘Offenham 2’ All are reliable, cold-tolerant, and produce a mix of greens and compact heads.
How to Plant Spring Cabbage in August
From Seed:
- Sow Outdoors: In a prepared seedbed, sow seeds 1cm deep in rows 15cm apart. Water gently.
- Thin Seedlings: Once they reach 5–10cm tall and have true leaves, thin to 5–10cm apart for growing on.
- Transplant to Final Bed: 4–6 weeks after sowing, move well-spaced seedlings to their main plot. Space 30–38cm apart each way in firm, well-worked soil.
- Water In: Give transplants a good soak and mulch around the roots.
From Modules/Plugs:
Follow the above spacing and water in well after planting.
Care Tips for Autumn and Winter
- Firm the Soil: Spring cabbages dislike loose ground—pressed soil keeps plants upright and encourages strong roots.
- Feed Lightly: Once transplanted, a watering with liquid feed gives a bounce for autumn growth.
- Mulch: Reduces weeds and keeps soil moist as plants settle in.
- Protect with Netting: Fleece or fine mesh keeps out pigeons and cabbage white butterflies.
- Weed Regularly: Especially just after transplanting while plants are small.
Harvesting
- Spring Greens: Harvest outer leaves from late winter/early spring for tender, nutritious greens.
- Heads: Allow the center to grow on for a few more weeks for tight, compact cabbages—cut as needed.
- “Cut and Grow Again”: After cutting the main head, leave the stump to sprout tasty mini-cabbage shoots.
Bonus Tips
- Plant in a block for better wind protection and easier winter covering.
- Rotate location each year to prevent disease and boost soil health.
Meta Description:
Sow spring cabbage in August for the first green harvests of next year! Step-by-step seed and transplanting tips. Ensure a productive, resilient crop through winter into early spring.### Growing Spring Cabbage in August for Early Greens Next Year
August is the ideal month to plant spring cabbage—a reliable way to guarantee crisp, fresh greens when the rest of the garden is just waking up. By getting your plants established now, they’ll weather winter and leap into spring growth for one of the earliest, tastiest harvests of the new year.
Why Plant Spring Cabbage in August?
- Root Establishment: Warm soil in August helps new cabbage roots grow before winter chills slow things down.
- Beats the Hungry Gap: Harvest early greens and tight heads long before most other crops are ready.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, spring cabbage is tough and shrugs off frost and snow.
Best Varieties for August Sowing
- ‘April’
- ‘Hispi’
- ‘Durham Early’
- ‘Wintergreen’
- ‘Pixie’
Step-by-Step: How to Plant Spring Cabbage in August
From Seed:
- Sow Thinly:
In a seed bed or modules, sow seeds 1cm deep, 15cm apart. Water well. - Thin Seedlings:
Once true leaves appear, thin to 5–10cm apart. Allow to grow on until ~8–10cm tall. - Transplant:
Move to final bed 30–40cm apart either way. Plant deeper than in nursery bed, firm in well for wind resistance. - Water and Mulch:
Water in thoroughly, apply compost or leaf mold mulch.
From Plugs or Pots:
Space and plant out as above with careful watering in.
⭐ Recommended Products — Garden & Allotment Essentials for March
March is when the growing season truly begins. Seeds are being sown daily, beds are prepared and late frosts are still possible — these essentials help produce strong plants and a successful start.
Seed Trays, Modules & Propagation Kits — perfect for tomatoes, brassicas, lettuce, onions and flowers. 👉
Click here to see top options
Heated Propagators, Heat Mats & Grow Lights — improves germination and prevents leggy seedlings during cold nights. 👉
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Seed & Cutting Compost — essential for healthy seedlings and strong root growth. 👉
Click here to see top options
Garden Fleece & Plant Protection Covers — protects seedlings, potatoes and early plantings from late frost. 👉
Click here to see top options
Spring Vegetable Seeds — carrots, beetroot, peas, spinach and salads can all be started now. 👉
Click here to see top options
Garden Kneeler & Seat — makes long sowing and planting sessions far more comfortable. 👉
Click here to see top options
Pressure Washer (Greenhouse & Patio Cleaning) — clean patios, paths and greenhouses before planting. 👉
Click here to see top options
Solar Garden Lights — perfect for enjoying the garden during brighter spring evenings. 👉
Click here to see top options
Autumn and Winter Care
- Firm Soil Matters:
Brassicas love solid ground—firm well so plants don’t rock in winter wind. - Feed Once Settled:
Use diluted liquid feed or general organic fertilizer to boost autumn growth. - Protect Seedlings:
Use fine netting or fleece to ward off pigeons and late butterflies. - Weed Regularly:
Weeds sap energy from settling young cabbages.
Harvesting
- Spring Greens:
Harvest outer leaves anytime from late winter for tender greens—let the rest grow on. - Hearts:
Let the main heads develop for an early spring cabbage cut—cut once tight and filled. - Regrowth:
Leave the stump; small leafy sprouts (like mini cabbages) regrow for extra pickings.
Extra Tips
- Plant blocks, not rows, for wind protection.
- Always rotate crops and avoid planting cabbage in the same place each year.
- Firm roots and soil again after gales or heavy frost thaws.