How to Grow Kohlrabi in Your Backyard Garden???
Are you tired of planting the same old veggies in your garden every year? It’s time to shake things up and add some kohlrabi to the mix! Kohlrabi is a unique vegetable that looks like a cross between a turnip and a cabbage but tastes like neither. It’s crunchy, sweet, and packed with nutrients.
With our helpful tips and tricks, you can easily grow kohlrabi in your backyard garden and impress all your foodie friends. So put on your gardening gloves and get ready for a tasty adventure!
4 Types of Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is a versatile root vegetable that can be eaten raw or cooked. There are four main types of kohlrabi: Green, Purple, White, and Gold.
Green kohlrabi has dark green skin and light green flesh. It is the most common type of kohlrabi and has a mild flavor.
Purple kohlrabi has dark purple skin and white flesh. It is slightly sweeter than green kohlrabi and has a slightly spicy flavor.
White kohlrabi has white skin and white flesh. It is the sweetest type of kohlrabi and has a delicate flavor.
Gold kohlrabi has yellow skin and white flesh. It is the least sweet type of kohlrabi and has a slightly bitter flavor.
How to Plant Kohlrabi in Your Garden
Kohlrabi is a cool-weather crop that thrives in spring and fall. It’s easy to grow in any backyard garden, and only takes about 50 days to mature. Here’s everything you need to know about planting kohlrabi in your garden:
1. Choose a sunny spot in your garden for planting. Kohlrabi does best in full sun, but will also tolerate partial shade.
2. Prepare the soil by tilling or digging it to a depth of 12 inches. Add some compost or organic matter to the soil to improve drainage and fertility.
3. Sow kohlrabi seeds indoors about four weeks before your last expected frost date. Plant the seeds in peat pots filled with sterile potting mix, and keep them moist until they germinate.
4. Transplant the seedlings outdoors when they are 4-6 weeks old and the weather is cool (60-70 degrees Fahrenheit). Space the plants 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 24-36 inches apart.
5. Keep the plants well-watered throughout the growing season, especially during dry spells. Mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and control weeds.
6. When the kohlrabi bulbs are 2-3 inches in diameter, they are ready to harvest! Cut them from the plant, leaving an inch or two of the stem attached. Store fresh kohlrabi in the fridge for up to two weeks.
How to Grow and Care for Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is a cool-weather vegetable that is easy to grow in your backyard garden. Here are some tips on how to grow and care for kohlrabi:
1. Kohlrabi prefers cool weather and grows best in spring or fall. If you live in a warm climate, you can still grow kohlrabi, but it will be smaller and less tender.
2. Plant kohlrabi seeds or transplants in well-drained soil in full sun. Kohlrabi does not like wet feet, so make sure the soil is not waterlogged.
3. Fertilize kohlrabi plants with a balanced fertilizer before planting and again when they start to form bulbs.
4. Keep kohlrabi plants well watered during the growing season. They need about 1 inch of water per week.
5. When the kohlrabi bulbs are about 2-3 inches in diameter, they are ready to harvest! Use a sharp knife to cut them from the plant, being careful not to damage the rest of the plant. Store kohlrabi bulbs in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Read More: How to Grow Sage in Your Home Garden!
How to Harvest Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is a cool-weather vegetable that is typically harvested in the spring or fall. The best time to harvest kohlrabi is when the bulbs are 2-3 inches in diameter. To harvest, simply cut the stalk at ground level with a sharp knife. Once harvested, kohlrabi can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Final Notes
As you can see, growing kohlrabi in your backyard garden is not difficult, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure to plant the seeds early in the season as kohlrabi is a cool-weather crop. Second, be sure to thin out the seedlings once they sprout so that the plants have room to grow. Lastly, keep an eye on the soil moisture and water regularly so that the kohlrabi doesn’t become stressed. With a little care, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh kohlrabi all season long!