Growing Guide For Broccoli and Cabbage
Growing broccoli and cabbage at an elevation of 2780 feet in Hawaii requires careful consideration of the soil conditions, as the altitude can affect temperature, moisture, and nutrient availability. Here’s a guide tailored to these conditions, including recommendations on minerals, nutrients, and specific amendments like green sand, Sustain slow-release pellets, and chicken fertilizer slow-release pellets.
Soil Preparation and Nutrients
- pH Levels: Both broccoli and cabbage prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0 to 7.0). Test your soil pH and adjust accordingly using lime to raise pH or sulfur to lower it.
- Organic Matter: Incorporate plenty of organic matter into the soil. Compost or well-rotted manure improves soil structure, drainage, and nutrient availability.
Minerals and Nutrients:
- Nitrogen (N): Crucial for leaf development. Both crops are heavy nitrogen feeders.
- Phosphorus (P): Important for root development and overall plant health.
- Potassium (K): Supports overall plant vigor and disease resistance.
- Calcium (Ca): Essential for cell wall development and growth, preventing disorders such as blossom end rot.
- Magnesium (Mg) and Sulfur (S): Important for photosynthesis and overall plant health.
Fertilizer and Soil Amendments
- Green Sand: Rich in potassium and other trace minerals, green sand can be beneficial for providing slow-release nutrients and improving soil structure. It’s especially useful in soils that are deficient in potassium.
- Sustain Slow-Release Pellets: These are formulated to provide a balanced supply of nutrients over time, which can be ideal for the prolonged growth period of broccoli and cabbage. They often contain a mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sometimes trace minerals.
- Chicken Fertilizer Slow Release Pellets: An excellent source of nitrogen and other nutrients, chicken manure pellets can promote healthy leaf growth. Because they’re slow-release, they reduce the risk of over-fertilization and nutrient runoff.
Application Recommendations
- Before Planting: Conduct a soil test to determine the specific nutrient needs. Based on the results, amend the soil with green sand if potassium is low. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer like Sustain according to package instructions to ensure a steady supply of nutrients.
- During the Growing Season: Side-dress with chicken fertilizer pellets or another nitrogen-rich fertilizer mid-season to support vigorous growth, especially after the plants start developing heads.
- Watering: At higher elevations, lower humidity and potentially cooler temperatures can affect soil moisture retention. Ensure consistent watering, aiming for at least 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation, to maintain even soil moisture.
- Mulching: Apply organic mulch around the plants to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition.
Monitoring and Adjustments
Monitor plant growth and look out for signs of nutrient deficiencies or excesses (e.g., yellowing leaves for nitrogen deficiency, weak stems or blossom end rot for calcium deficiency).
Adjust your fertilization strategy based on plant performance and soil tests.
By following these guidelines and making adjustments based on soil tests and plant performance, you can successfully grow broccoli and cabbage at higher elevations in Hawaii. The key is to maintain balanced nutrition and good soil conditions, adapting your practices to the unique environmental conditions of your specific location.