Cabbages (Brassica oleraceae) are nutritious, crisp, tasty and easy to cook vegetables. Cabbage farming in Kenya is a quick and inexpensive way to make money. Just as with pilipili hoho and tomato farming, you do not need acres of land to make money in Kenya through cabbage farming.
Cabbage farming in Kenya is very profitable because the vegetables are very popular. There are so many ways to cook them: you can steam them, fry them or even eat them raw. And they can be served with almost any meal, even on their own or in a salad. Cabbages can also be used as livestock feed.
Most of the cabbages grown in Kenya are produced through dry-land farming. This is farming that depends on natural rainfall. Cabbage farming in Kenya can also be done under irrigation. They need a lot of water and cool conditions to form big heads. Because cabbages grow best in cool environments, the best cabbage yields are obtained within the temperature range of between 16ºC and 20ºC.
The vegetables have a ready market and top quality cabbage sees are easily available. High quality cabbage seeds have a higher rate of germination, are more resistant to local pests and diseases, produce bigger cabbage heads and mature faster. The Kenya Seed Company is among the seed companies in East Africa that research, develop and market high-yielding cabbage seeds. Gloria F1 and Copenhagen market cabbage varieties developed by Simlaw Seeds are popular in Kenya.
Cabbage Farming in Kenya: How to Make Money in Kenya by Growing Cabbages
Cabbage farming in Kenya can be successful in altitudes that range between 800 and 2,000m above sea level. Follow these cabbage farming methods and tips to increase your yields and make more money through cabbage farming in Kenya.
- Cabbages are grown from seeds. The seeds are sown in a nursery bed. The seedlings will grow faster and become stronger if the correct spacing is used, the soil is fertile and adequate water is provided. Cabbage seedlings are transplanted when they are about 15cm high. This is usually after a month in the nursery.
- Cabbages grow fast when grown under the right conditions. As a result, they require fertile soil. Increase soil fertility by adding organic manure and fertilizers available at the local agrovet shops. The soil should be well drained because cabbages require a lot of water.
- Avoid premature harvesting of cabbages. Unlike most tomato varieties in Kenya, cabbages keep fresh at the market for longer. Increase length of storage by harvesting your cabbages at the right time. In addition, store them in a cool, moist environment.
Cabbage Growing Tips: Where to Sell Cabbages
Choose your market before engaging in cabbage farming in Kenya. Most cabbages end up in rural markets and urban centers. Cabbages for processing need to have bigger and firmer heads.
Increase your profit by supplying rural markets with small and medium head varieties. These cabbage varieties mature faster and are cheaper in the market. They include Copenhagen market and Gloria F1.
Cabbages have multiple health benefits. They are good for the eyes and skin. They lower cholesterol and have antioxidants that prevent cancer.
Cabbages are good sources of dietary fiber that is necessary for good digestion. The vegetables are packed with minerals and vitamins C and E. To succeed with cabbage farming in Kenya, stick to growing the green cabbage varieties unless if you have a ready market. Other cabbage varieties such as red cabbages are rare in local markets in Kenya.
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