Should I tear off the lower leaves of the Cabbage. I tell you my personal observations and the result of the experiment

At the very beginning of my summer cottage experience, for some reason I naively assumed that it was necessary to pick off the lower leaves of the cabbage. The following considerations prompted me to take this step.

Reasons why I removed the bottom leaves of cabbage

- After all, the leaves practically lie on the ground, which means that it will be easier for slugs and other uninvited guests to get close to my cabbage. Therefore, I removed the leaves to prevent slug infestation.

- Another argument for removing the lower leaves was that they rob the plant of strength and nutrients. I assumed that if they were removed, the plant would devote all its strength to the development of the head of cabbage.

- And the third reason was the fight against decay and fungal infections. I thought that moisture always accumulates below, and this can provoke the process of decay or the development of fungal diseases.

As you can see, the arguments are quite weighty. But for some reason such a procedure did not give an excellent result. For several years in a row I have been picking leaves, and no good. Cabbage grew worse, and there were many diseases and pests.

Then I decided to experiment and keep the lower leaves. And, as it turned out, it was not in vain.

Leaving the lower leaves, I saw that the cabbage grows quickly, there are fewer problems with pests and adverse factors.

And the heads of cabbage grew healthy and had excellent taste. Why is this happening? It turns out that there is a reasonable explanation for this.

Why you can not remove the bottom leaves of cabbage

- By cutting off the lower leaves, I disrupted the natural growth and development of the plant. The nutrients were not distributed correctly. All the necessary substances from the soil first enter the lower leaves, and then the leaves transfer them to the nascent head of cabbage.

Breaking off the leaves, we break the chain. This means that the head of cabbage will not receive nutrients at all.

- After breaking off the leaves, useful juice will flow from the cut.

- Large lower leaves protect the head of cabbage from the summer heat, which is important, and the lower leaves also save the head from pollution.

- The lower leaves also help regulate moisture levels.

Of course, if you see that the lower leaves have begun to rot or hurt, there are many pests on them, then they should be removed.

But, if the plant is healthy, then there is no point in removing the lower leaves. At least wait until the end of August. At this time, the benefits of the lower leaves are no longer so much.