How to manage cabbage after transplanting in small arch sheds?

In the central-southern Hebei region, early-maturing cabbage is cultivated in small arch sheds in early spring. Generally, well-grown strong seedlings are transplanted into the small arch sheds in early to mid-February and reach maturity for harvest in early to mid-May. This not only fills the gap in the early summer vegetable market but also does not affect the growth of summer crops, effectively increasing farmers' income. The key management points after transplanting are described below:

I. Timely transplanting

In early to mid-February, when the 10 cm soil temperature inside the shed stabilizes above 5°C and the air temperature stabilizes above 8°C, transplanting can begin. Choose a period of 3 to 5 consecutive days of sunny, warm weather to plant the previously grown strong seedlings in the middle of the ridge surface, with a depth that does not bury the five-branch crown, at a spacing of 40 cm between plants and rows, averaging 3,500 to 4,000 seedlings per mu. After transplanting, water along the furrow to help the seedlings recover. To prevent excessively low water temperature and excessive watering from causing too low a temperature inside the shed and cracks in the soil surface, which could lead to seedling death, use deep well water and water only about half the furrow. After watering to help the seedlings recover, seal the shed film for 15 to 20 days for seedling recovery and root establishment.

II. Field management

1. Water and fertilizer management. 15 to 20 days after transplanting, according to soil moisture and seedling growth, water lightly once along the furrow, and apply 15 kg of urea per mu to promote rapid plant growth. After the soil surface dries slightly, carry out one intertillage and weeding to a depth of 3 to 4 cm to promote soil aeration. Entering the heading stage, along with watering, apply 20 kg per mu of a low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus, high-potassium compound fertilizer. Thereafter, water lightly every 7 to 10 days, keeping the soil alternately dry and moist. Stop watering 5 to 7 days before harvest to avoid head splitting and losses.

2. Temperature management. Within 15 to 20 days after transplanting cabbage, keep the shed film sealed and no ventilation is needed. After the second watering, according to weather conditions and seedling growth, open the shed opening at noon on sunny days and begin appropriate ventilation and cooling to keep the temperature inside the shed below 25°C, preventing high temperatures from causing excessive growth of outer leaves and delaying heading. Close the shed opening at night to keep the temperature inside the shed above 10°C. Entering the heading stage, as the outside temperature rises, gradually increase the ventilation area and extend the ventilation time, keeping the maximum temperature inside the shed at around 23°C.

III. Timely harvest

From late April to early to mid-May, when the leaf heads are tightly packed and the single-head weight reaches the variety's characteristics, harvest in batches for market according to market conditions.

Zhou Dong, Dongshun Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd., Qiu County