How to grow Chinese cabbage

Chinese cabbage, or Wombok, grows fast and unlike other cabbages it must be transplanted as soon as it is ready. For this reason we direct seed it. Germination rates are great, and we seed a few seeds per hole and then transplant within the bed once they come up to thin and fill gaps at the same time. Chinese cabbage needs moist rich soil, full sun and lots of nutrition so that it grows quickly. This helps to keep it free from slugs and caterpillars, which will attack weak or stressed plants. You can also grow it under exclusion net but this can cause problems in hot weather when moisture trapped under the net can cause fungal problems. 

How to harvest Chinese cabbage

Chinese cabbage is best harvested as soon as it is ready, or within a few weeks. It won't sit in the field as long as other cabbages. It has thinner leaves and they are more susceptible to pest and disease. Chinese cabbage also bolts more easily than other cabbages in late Spring as the days lengthen. So if you have any over-Wintered heads left in the ground in September it is best to eat them before they send up a flower stalk. Although at this stage you can still harvest the outer leaves which will be delicious, and even eat the flowers. 

Still to come

Next time I will talk about the importance of drainage for growing vegetables. 

This week's recipe links

Miso Garlic Butter Chinese Cabbage from ET Food Voyage. 

Korean Marinated Spinach Banchan from Serious Eats. 

Rainbow Chard Barley Salad with Ginger Tahini Dressing from The Flexitarian. 

Tofu and Bok Choy Stir-Fry with Peanut Sauce from The Tasting Table. 

More info

To read more about what's happening on our local organic farm this week as we grow and care for veggies for our box delivery, check out this week's newsletter here.