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15 Sep 16 Lee Patterson (Australia - temperate climate)

I have planted five cabbage plants (my first ever) and they growing quite well. The outer leaves are spreading out. Do I have to tie them together or just leave them as is. Thank you.

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24 Sep 16 Bob Dobbs (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

No, do NOT tie the outer leaves together. Older leaves spreading out is their natural growth, and soon the 'drums' will form in the centre of the plant. We are now getting into warm weather which means your cabbages are likely to be attacked by the white Cabbage Butterfly OR grey Cabbage Moth or both. It is not the actual butterfly nor moth that do the damage but the caterpillars that emerge from the eggs that they lay - usually on the underside of the leaf. You will need to spray the plants or, better still, cover them with mosquito netting so that the butterfly/moth cannot sit on the leaves to lay their eggs. My cabbages, cauliflower and broccoli have already been attacked in Brisbane and I am spraying them. All the best. Bob

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23 Sep 16 Narelle (Australia - tropical climate)

Hi Lee, I had success with dwarf drum head cabbages recently (my first ever). I was very happy with the result. No need to tie leaves together, the outer leaves spread out and the centre formed by itself. I did need to spray with my home made garlic-chilli spray to keep grubs away. This worked a treat. Good luck with your cabbages.

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18 Sep 16 Jennifer Gelloway (Canada - Zone 3b Temperate Warm Summer climate)

I also grow cabbage but they are not growing well :( . i dont know what to do. But your article give so much information to me. Thanks.

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24 Sep 16 Bob Dobbs (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

Try some fertiliser - they respond well to fertiliser. Are they receiving enough water? Not too much, but enough to keep the soil moist. Are they in full sun, as they do best in full sun? All the best, Bob

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