How Far Apart To Plant Cabbage In A Raised Bed

Getting the spacing right is the single most important step for a successful cabbage harvest in your raised bed. This article will explain exactly how far apart to plant cabbage in a raised bed for strong, healthy plants. Proper spacing gives your cabbages the room they need to develop those large, dense heads without competing for light, water, or nutrients.

For most standard cabbage varieties, you should aim for 12 to 18 inches of space between plants. A good rule of thumb is to measure from the center of one plant to the center of the next. This spacing applies whether you are transplanting seedlings or sowing seeds directly. In a raised bed, where you typically plant in a grid pattern, this means each cabbage has its own square of soil about 12-18 inches on each side.

Why Spacing Matters So Much

Cabbage is a heavy feeder and needs plenty of resources. If plants are too close, they will struggle. Here’s what happens with incorrect spacing:

Smaller Heads: Crowded plants can’t reach their full size. You’ll end up with lots of small, loose heads instead of few large, solid ones.
Increased Disease: Poor air circulation allows moisture to linger on leaves. This creates a perfect environment for fungal diseases like mildew and rot.
Pest Problems: Dense foliage is a hiding place for pests like cabbage worms and aphids, making them harder to spot and control.
Nutrient Competition: Roots will fight for food, leading to nutrient deficiencies that show as yellowing leaves or stunted growth.

Spacing Adjustments for Different Cabbage Types

Not all cabbages grow to the same size. Your spacing strategy should adapt based on the variety you’ve chosen.

Standard Green and Red Cabbage

These are the classic, large-headed types. Always use the full 18-inch spacing for these. Varieties like ‘Late Flat Dutch’ or ‘Red Acre’ need every bit of that room.

Compact or Dwarf Varieties

Some newer hybrids and smaller varieties, such as ‘Gonzales’ or ‘Parel’, are bred for small gardens. You can space these 12 to 14 inches apart. Always check the seed packet for the breeder’s specific recommendation.

Savoy Cabbage

With their beautiful crinkled leaves, Savoy cabbages often spread out wider. Give them the full 18 inches, or even a bit more if your bed allows.

Asian Cabbages (Napa, Bok Choy)

While not true cabbages, they are grown similarly. Napa cabbage forms tall, oblong heads and needs about 12 inches. Bok choy can be planted closer, around 6-10 inches, as you often harvest them smaller.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide for Perfect Spacing

Follow these steps to ensure you get it right from the start.

Prepare Your Raised Bed: Ensure your soil is loose, well-draining, and rich in compost. Cabbage prefers a soil pH between 6.5 and 7.0.
Mark Your Grid: Before planting, use a stick or your finger to mark a grid in the soil. For standard cabbage, make marks every 18 inches in both directions. This visual guide is very helpful.
Dig Planting Holes: At each grid mark, dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of your seedling.
Plant at the Right Depth: Set the seedling in the hole so the lowest leaves are just above the soil surface. Burying the stem too deep can cause rot. Firm the soil gently around the base.
Water Thoroughly: Water each plant well after planting to settle the soil and reduce transplant shock.

Companion Planting and Layout Tips

Raised beds are perfect for interplanting. While your cabbages need their space, you can use the areas between them for quick-growing crops. This is called succession planting and maximizes your yield.

Early Season: Plant lettuce, spinach, or radishes between your cabbage starts. These will be harvested long before the cabbages need the space.
Herbs and Flowers: Plant aromatic companions like dill, thyme, or nasturtiums around the bed’s edges. They can help deter pests.
Avoid Crowding: Do not plant other heavy feeders like broccoli or cauliflower in the same immediate space as your cabbages. They are all in the brassica family and will compete fiercely.

Ongoing Care After Planting

Correct spacing makes maintenance easier, but your cabbages still need consistent care.

Watering

Cabbage needs consistent moisture, especially when heads begin to form. Water at the soil level, not overhead, to keep leaves dry and prevent disease. A soaker hose in a raised bed is ideal. Aim for 1-1.5 inches of water per week.

Fertilizing

Since they are heavy feeders, a mid-season boost is beneficial. Side-dress your plants with a balanced organic fertilizer or more compost about 3-4 weeks after transplanting.

Mulching

Apply a 2-3 inch layer of straw or shredded leaves around your plants. Mulch conserves water, suppresses weeds, and keeps the soil temperature even. Just keep it a couple inches away from the stem itself.

Troubleshooting Common Spacing-Related Issues

Even with good intentions, problems can arise. Here’s how to fix them.

You Planted Too Close: If you realize your seedlings are crowded, it’s best to thin them early. Choose the weakest seedling and cut it at the soil line (don’t pull, as you might disturb the roots of the keeper plant).
Uneven Growth: If one side of a plant seems stunted, it might be competing more with a neighbor on that side. Ensure all plants have a clear circle of space.
Yellowing Outer Leaves: Some yellowing of the oldest leaves is normal. But if multiple plants show yellowing, it could be a sign of nutrient competition due to tight spacing. A liquid fertilizer can help as a quick fix.

FAQ: Your Cabbage Spacing Questions Answered

Q: Can I plant cabbage closer together if I harvest them young as “baby cabbage”?
A: Yes, you can. For small, tender heads, you can reduce spacing to about 10 inches. Just know you’ll get many more, but much smaller, heads.

Q: How much space do cabbage roots need?
A: Cabbage roots can spread out 12-18 inches wide and just as deep. Good raised bed soil that is loose and deep allows for healthy root development, which supports those big heads.

Q: What happens if I ignore spacing and plant them to close?
A: As mentioned, you risk smaller heads, more disease, and more pests. It’s the most common mistake new gardeners make with cabbage.

Q: Is spacing different for container vs. raised bed cabbage?
A: In a single container, you generally only grow one cabbage plant per large pot. Raised bed spacing allows for multiple plants in a grid, using the width of the bed efficiently.

Q: Can I grow other plants in the same square foot as my cabbage?
A: It’s not recommended. Cabbage needs its allocated square footage all to itself for the full season to thrive. Use companion planting around it, not directly in its space.

Getting the spacing correct from the beginning sets your entire crop up for success. By giving each cabbage plant the room it requires in your raised bed, you provide the foundation for healthy growth, minimal problems, and an impressive harvest of crisp, homegrown heads. Measure carefully, plant with intention, and your garden will reward you.