How to Raise Organic Cabbage for Sauerkraut

Prepare the soil by tilling in ample amounts of well-rotted manure and compost, along with an organic pellet fertilizer. If your soil is very acidic, mix in lime to increase the pH.

Sow seeds directly into the ground according to the directions on the seed packet, or transplant seedlings from a nursery. Place plants 18 inches apart to allow room for the leaves and roots to spread.

Water the plants frequently to encourage vigorous growth and prevent splitting. Hand watering or drip irrigation can help the water reach the roots, where it is most needed, rather than staying on the broad leaves, as may happen with sprinkler irrigation.

Control weeds with hand pulling and hoeing, avoiding the use of chemical weedkillers. Cabbage roots grow close to the surface, so be careful not to damage them while weeding.

Control pests by hand-picking them from plants, or spray an organic solution on the leaves. Some options for organic pest control include mild soap, garlic, red pepper, and Bacillus thuringiensis, also known as Bt.

Harvest cabbage when the heads become firm, between 60 and 100 days from planting, depending on the variety. Harvesting cabbage when it is the size of a softball results in tender heads with good flavor, and the plants might yield another head later in the season.