Choose a cool-season planting time
Select a sunny location with well-drained, fertile soil
Test and adjust soil pH to 6.0 to 7.0
Work compost or well-rotted manure into the soil
Start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting or buy seedlings
Harden off seedlings before planting outdoors
Transplant seedlings when they have 4 to 6 true leaves
Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart
Keep rows 30 to 36 inches apart
Water consistently to keep soil evenly moist
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer or nitrogen-rich feed
Keep weeds removed regularly
Protect young plants from pests like cabbage worms and aphids
Use row covers if needed
Blanch heads by tying outer leaves over the curd if growing self-blanching varieties
Harvest when heads are firm, compact, and full-sized
Cut the head with a few leaves attached
Harvest before heads become loose or discolored