Those who do not know whether it is possible and necessary to pick off the lower leaves of cabbage often independently deprive themselves of a good harvest. But this is why this vegetable is so responsive to human intervention in its natural processes, we will understand with the help of knowledge and experience of professionals.
Myths of self-taught gardeners
The most problematic crop for summer residents is cabbage, as seedlings often die in the ground from a lack of moisture and fertilizers. But even those sprouts that were able to transfer the transplant and took root in the new conditions do not give the desired result - large and dense forks. The reasons for this "fiasco" of gardeners can be a lot, from soil depletion to insects and pests. However, to attribute all failures only to natural factors is not worth it. Great damage is caused to the plant by an inexperienced gardener, violating the rules for caring for the crop and interfering with the natural formation of the fork. Therefore, to understand whether it is necessary to pick off the lower leaves of the cabbage, should be more detailed. And also take into account the point of view in this matter, both beginners and professionals.
Many "professionals" in land business are convinced that the aesthetic appearance of a head of cabbage should not be spoiled by deformed covering leaves both in the kitchen of an experienced hostess and in the garden. In addition, they even convince themselves that they know how and when to pick leaves from cabbage, so that the forks become denser and increase in size. At the same time, adhering to their point of view in growing vegetables, they cannot argue any of the rules from an agronomic position. Such beliefs are built on the legends of past generations and the advice of the same self-taught gardeners who themselves do not know whether it is necessary to pick off the lower leaves of cabbage.
Recommendations from professional agronomists
Based not only on experience, but also on knowledge, specialists in the field of growing domestic vegetable crops are very categorical in the question of whether to cover the covering leaves of cabbage. Their unequivocal negative response does not apply only to parts of the vegetable that are sick and damaged by pests. In other cases, cabbage does not require picking off the lower leaves, which are an assimilation apparatus for the whole plant. Firstly, they protect the forks from penetrating insects who want to profit from juicy cabbage. Secondly, covering leaves serve as a regulator of moisture and temperature. And thirdly, they protect the cabbage head from being infected with various pathogens, therefore it is recommended that cabbage be left with several covering leaves even for storage.
The consequences of disruption of the natural growth of cabbage
When discussing whether it is necessary to pick off the lower leaves of cabbage, it must be remembered that a plant is a complex organism that is independently responsible for its growth. Each of its parts performs its irreplaceable function, therefore the removal of covering elements leads to disruption of natural processes. And this applies not only to green, but also to dry and rotten leaves, which serve as the so-called “garbage chute” for the plant.
Those who still doubt whether it is necessary to pick off the lower leaves of cabbage, it should be recalled that the slices of this vegetable actively secrete juice with a specific smell. And if this aroma is almost invisible to humans, then it is very attractive to insects. In just a couple of minutes after removing the leaf, the cabbage forks will be simply attacked by various pests, and the result is a sickly weak plant and the lack of a good crop.