Cabbage Spring 'Durham Early'

Where to Plant
Plant Cabbage 'Durham Early' in a sunny position with fertile, firm, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil. Before planting, remove weeds and work in plenty of well-rotted garden compost or manure to improve the soil. Spring cabbages establish best in firm ground, so avoid freshly dug, loose soil where possible, as a secure root system helps plants stand through winter and develop good-quality heads in spring.

Planting
For full-sized heads, space plants around 30cm apart, with 30–40cm between rows. Plant each plug so the root ball sits securely in the soil, firm well around the roots and water thoroughly. 'Durham Early' can also be planted more closely if you want to harvest some plants young as spring greens, leaving the remaining plants more room to heart up.

Watering & Feeding
Keep newly planted cabbages well watered while they establish, particularly during dry autumn weather. Established plants generally need little additional watering over winter, but don't allow the soil to dry out once active growth resumes in spring. Pay particular attention as the heads begin to develop, as steady moisture supports strong growth and well-formed hearts. Mulching around the plants with well-rotted compost or organic matter will help conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

Spring cabbages benefit from fertile soil. Organic matter incorporated before planting will give them a good start, then a balanced vegetable fertiliser in early spring, as growth begins to pick up again, can provide the nutrients needed for fresh leafy growth and developing heads. Always follow the manufacturer's recommended application rate.

Winter Care
'Durham Early' is a hardy spring cabbage bred to overwinter outdoors, so established plants generally don't require frost protection. Good drainage is important, however, as prolonged cold and waterlogged conditions can damage roots. Check plants after hard frost or strong winds and gently firm the soil around any that have been loosened or lifted.

Looking After Developing Heads
Keep the growing area weed free so plants aren't competing for moisture and nutrients as growth accelerates in spring. Hoe carefully and shallowly around plants to avoid damaging their relatively shallow roots. Remove yellowing or damaged outer leaves when necessary to keep plants tidy and maintain good airflow.

Pests & Problems
Protect young plants with insect-proof mesh or suitable netting to help reduce damage from cabbage white butterflies, cabbage root fly and pigeons. Pigeons can be particularly troublesome during winter when other food is scarce, so keep protection in place where they're a problem.

Check the undersides of leaves regularly for caterpillars and aphids so they can be dealt with before populations build up. Slugs and snails can also damage young plants and leaves during damp weather, so check around the base of plants regularly.

Good Companions
Cabbage 'Durham Early' can be grown alongside onions, garlic, beetroot and aromatic herbs such as thyme, sage and rosemary. Calendula and nasturtiums are useful additions nearby, bringing extra colour while attracting pollinators and other beneficial insects into the vegetable garden.

Plan Your Brassica Bed
Growing 'Durham Early' alongside other brassicas such as broccoli, cauliflower and kale can make your vegetable plot easier to manage. Keeping these crops together makes it simpler to protect the whole area with suitable netting or insect-proof mesh and helps you keep track of where brassicas have been grown from one year to the next.

Crop Rotation
Avoid planting cabbage or other brassicas in the same area year after year. Moving them to a different part of your vegetable garden as part of a three- to four-year crop rotation helps reduce the build-up of soil-borne problems such as clubroot.

Reducing the Risk of Clubroot
Clubroot causes swollen, distorted roots and can leave cabbages stunted or prone to wilting. Once present in the soil it can persist for many years, so prevention is particularly important. Good drainage and sensible crop rotation can help reduce the risk, and avoid moving soil from an affected brassica bed into areas where you plan to grow future crops.

Harvest Young or Mature
Pick young plants as tender spring greens or allow them to mature into firm, pointed hearts with excellent flavour.

Harvest When Firm
Once the heart feels firm to the touch, cut it cleanly at the base using a sharp knife.

Harvest Promptly
Don't leave mature heads standing for too long, as they can begin to split and lose quality.

Clear the Bed
Remove the remaining stump and outer leaves after harvesting to help reduce the risk of pests and diseases before your next crop.

Flavour
Fresh, tender and delicately sweet with the crisp texture that makes spring cabbage so popular.

Best Enjoyed
Harvest young as spring greens or leave to mature for steaming, stir-fries, buttery spring cabbage or traditional seasonal dishes.

Storage
Best enjoyed fresh after harvesting, although whole heads can be stored in the fridge for several days.

Marshalls Garden Tip
For the sweetest flavour and most tender texture, harvest as soon as the heads are firm rather than leaving them in the ground for too long.

Plug Plants
Supplied as healthy young plants with well-developed roots, plug plants are ready to be planted straight into their final growing position or potted on if preferred. Water well on arrival and keep the compost evenly moist while they establish.

Garden Ready Plants
Our Garden Ready plants have been professionally grown on, making them larger, stronger and ready to plant straight into the garden. They establish quickly, giving you a useful head start towards your harvest.

9cm Potted Plants
Supplied in individual 9cm nursery pots, these well-established plants are ready to plant straight into vegetable gardens, raised beds or allotments. Simply plant, water thoroughly and keep the soil consistently moist while they settle in.

Upon Arrival
Remove your plants from their packaging as soon as they arrive and give them a thorough watering. If you can't plant them immediately, keep them in a cool, sheltered spot out of direct sunlight and drying winds, ensuring the compost remains moist until you're ready to plant.