Cole crops include vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts. Though these cool-season plants may flourish in both home gardens and commercial farms, they require special care to grow healthy and strong. Here's what gardening professionals recommend knowing about planting and maintaining them. 

Site Selection and Soil Preparation

Since cole crops thrive in full sunlight, you should select a site for them that does not receive shade from nearby buildings or large trees. You can select the right spot by observing how the sun moves over your property throughout the day and choosing a site that receives the most light. 

These crops prefer sandy loam soil that includes plenty of organic matter. You can prepare the soil by adding compost, leaves, or grass clippings and mixing the materials into the earth a few weeks prior to planting. This may allow enough time for the organic matter to decompose and add nutrients to the soil, which cole crop roots can absorb for healthy growth. 

Planting and Care

Gardening experts recommend planting cole crops during the cool spring or fall seasons to prevent warm weather from delaying growth. When you put them in the ground, leaving about 18 to 24 inches between plants may give them plenty of room to grow and spread. If you plant them in rows, leaving about 36 inches between rows can prevent crowding and stunted growth. 

Keep soil moist, but do not saturate it, as this may allow pathogenic fungi to grow on roots and rot them. Spreading mulch such as compost, grass clippings, or leaves around plants may retain moisture to keep them hydrated. Mulching can also prevent weeds from erupting and stealing nutrients from crops while stabilizing the soil temperature to protect roots. 

Applying a fertilizer that contains essential plant nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to the soil about four weeks after planting can stimulate growth. Spread an even layer of the product over the soil, then water to help the nutrients absorb into the earth and roots.

Harvesting

Harvesting cole crops as soon as they mature can ensure you get the highest quality produce. You'll know cauliflower is ready when the heads become large and tight. You may remove them by carefully cutting them at the base of the head. Similarly, cabbage is ready for harvest when the heads become firm, and you can cut them off at the base. You may harvest broccoli once the flowers begin to turn yellow. Remove the center heads, but leave the side sprouts for future harvesting. When Brussels spouts grow about one inch in diameter, remove them by picking or cutting them off. 
 

When you need gardening supplies for planting crops, head to Gregg Farm Services. Located in Gassville, AR, this livestock feed and farm supplies store offers yard care and agricultural products to clients throughout Baxter County. Call (870) 481-5165 to ask about gardening equipment in stock, and visit the website to find out how they can help you care for your property.