Kohlrabi, a unique and versatile vegetable, is a member of the cabbage family known for its edible bulb and greens. Its mildly sweet flavor, akin to a blend of broccoli stems and radishes, makes it a delightful addition to salads, stir-fries, and soups. If you’re short on garden space or looking for a novel way to grow your own vegetables, consider cultivating kohlrabi in paint bags or pots. This method is not only space-efficient but also offers a convenient way to manage soil quality and pests.
Benefits of Growing Kohlrabi in Containers
- Space Efficiency: Urban gardeners and those with limited space can maximize their yield by growing kohlrabi in containers. Even a small balcony or patio can accommodate a few pots or paint bags.
- Soil Control: Using containers allows you to control the soil composition, ensuring optimal pH and nutrient levels for healthy plant growth.
- Mobility: Containers can be moved to capture the best sunlight or to protect plants from extreme weather conditions.
- Pest Management: Growing in containers can help reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases and pests that are common in traditional garden beds.
Getting Started
Materials Needed:
- Paint bags or pots (at least 12 inches deep and wide)
- High-quality potting soil
- Compost or organic fertilizer
- Kohlrabi seeds or seedlings
- Watering can or hose with a gentle spray nozzle
- Mulch (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Choosing the Right Container:
- Paint Bags: Reuse empty, clean paint bags, ensuring they have no residual chemicals. Their flexible nature allows for easy storage and movement. Punch a few drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging.
- Pots: Opt for pots with a minimum diameter and depth of 12 inches. Ensure they have drainage holes to avoid water accumulation.
- Preparing the Soil:
- Fill the container with a mix of high-quality potting soil and compost. Kohlrabi prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter. A pH level between 6.0 and 7.5 is ideal.
- Mix in a balanced organic fertilizer to provide the necessary nutrients.
- Planting Kohlrabi:
- Sow seeds directly into the container, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Cover lightly with soil and water gently.
- If using seedlings, transplant them into the container, ensuring each plant has enough space to grow, ideally 6-8 inches apart.
- Watering and Care:
- Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Kohlrabi needs regular watering, especially during dry spells.
- Apply mulch around the plants to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
- Sunlight and Temperature:
- Place the containers in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Kohlrabi grows best in cool weather, making it ideal for spring and fall planting.
- Thinning and Harvesting:
- Thin seedlings to the recommended spacing once they are a few inches tall to avoid overcrowding.
- Kohlrabi bulbs are ready to harvest when they are 2-3 inches in diameter. Simply cut the bulb from the stem, leaving the root in the soil.
- Pest and Disease Management:
- Monitor for common pests like aphids and caterpillars. Use organic pest control methods, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap, if necessary.
- Ensure good air circulation around the plants to prevent fungal diseases.
Tips for Success
- Successive Planting: To enjoy a continuous harvest, plant kohlrabi seeds in succession every 2-3 weeks.
- Variety Selection: Choose kohlrabi varieties suited for container growing, such as ‘Early White Vienna’ or ‘Kolibri’.
- Fertilization: Feed plants with a balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks to support robust growth.
Conclusion
Growing kohlrabi in paint bags or pots is an innovative and practical solution for gardeners with limited space. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy fresh, home-grown kohlrabi regardless of your gardening setup. Embrace the flexibility of container gardening and add this nutritious vegetable to your home-grown repertoire.