All my cabbage plants were eaten by bugs last year, so I haven't grown successfully yet. I'm planning on using bird netting this year instead of putting it over our cherry trees.

I can tell you for sure though, Cabbage is best in the ground. If you have a really big container, you could probably get away with it, but I'd suggest going in the ground.

Ive read lots of ways to detour pests...but i didnt think birds would be an issue for cabbage! We have an over abundance of beautiful birds around! Ill Keep that into consideration!
I'm pretty expierienced with most plants, especially cacti/succulents!
I haven't tried my hand at veggie gardening so am doing a ton of research.. -aside from last year- i would most def! Consider it an accidental lucky chance in deed-i started butter crunch lettuce from seed, bc i could not find it anywhere! Its BEAUTIFUL!

**Srry everyone, for some reason would not let me edit first "follow up"** And i can not find out how to delete it.**
Ive read lots of ways to detour pests...but i didnt think birds would be an issue for cabbage! We have an over abundance of beautiful birds around! Ill Keep that into consideration!
I'm pretty expierienced with most plants, especially cacti/succulents!
I haven't tried my hand at veggie gardening so am doing a ton of research.. -aside from last year- i would most def! Consider it an accidental lucky chance in deed-i started butter crunch lettuce from seed, bc i could not find it anywhere! Its BEAUTIFUL! I saw it in a garden magazine as an "accent plant" bc of its beutiful color...i had to have some!
Turned out its easy to care for! And yummy! *our turtles agree ;)
But i thank you for your advice!! I have a huge pot.....close to 2 1/2'-3' (not inches) wide. I got lucky found matching set at yard sale...have my beloved sago palm in one...2nd is barren :(
Im certainly going to look into where to get the bird netting/cost!/how to set it up!

Do you know if it should be grown in full sun...or full sun with some shade?
Ive found information stating both!
Thanks again!

I would think the only time birds might be an issue is at the seedling stage, after that, you should be fine. I've never had birds bother my seedlings, though. I've always found that the biggest problem is the cabbage moths that lay eggs and the larvae (green caterpillars) munch down the leaves. They like all brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, ect). The best defense is either Bt which can be found at your local nursery and is considered organic, or row covers.
Brassicas also like a lot of fertilizer.

I don't think you have wood pigeons. Count yourselves lucky. They are a major pest of brassicas over here. They will strip the to the ribs in the winter and we have to net against them.
With only a single plant it should be easy to keep a close eye on it. Most bugs can be blasted off with the hose as soon as you spot them.

Here is a link that might be useful: woodpigeons

Your worst pest will probably be cabbage moths. Bt works well as do row covers. If you only have a few plants and don't want to go to the expense of regular row covers, you can get tulle at the fabric store in smaller amounts. The moths will infest both cabbage and broccoli.

Dill works wonders for deterring cabbage moths. I had cabbages in 2 different places last year- one area had dill and the other didn't. The cabbages with dill close by had NO bug problems while the other cabbages had quite a few cabbage moth issues. Dill seed is cheap and easy to find, plus both the leaves and seeds are great in cooking. It's super easy to grow too- just toss out a few seeds and they'll sprout.

Abby

If I wanted to make sure my kid saw a positive result, I would:

1) Plan to fight both aphid and cabbage worm infestations with Bt and insecticidal soap (both organic). I never harvested a good cole crop until I overcame those two pests.

2) decide if I wanted to be organic, conventional or, if for a science experiment, both simultaneously. Organic methods work better in the ground, chemical nutrients are typically needed in containers. I think brassicas pick up some sweetness when in the ground, but both methods can work fine and you can chart their progress for a learning experience. Conversely, you want the child to have fun and learn to like gardening and some might not want to feel like they're still in school.

3) Remember that yellowing leaves when young is often a sign of over-watering. You want the seeds to be constantly moist until germination, but be careful about too wet or dry conditions after germination and early on.

good luck

Bonnie Plants has a big program for 3rd graders (and other ages) that is all about growing cabbage plants. Your daughter can click on the students link below and get basic information and see other kids with their cabbages. It's a great start. Good job, mom!

Here is a link that might be useful: Kids cabbage program

My 3rd grader brought home her cabbage plant from school yesterday. The neighbors did this a few years ago and I think my daughter has been looking forward to it.

I hope we have good results, but the transplant she brought home doesn't give me great confidence (that thing is beat up pretty bad).

Cabbages have good sized roots and need a bit of space, it might take a good sized pot.

But as said above in other posts - the white butterfly/moth is it's biggest enemy. I had good luck this year, but purposely waited to plant seedlings AFTER the moth was not seen regularly. They aren't as prevalent in the cooler months, but cabbages need protection when it warms up - I use Remay cloth to cover them.

I also did plant dill and fennel this year - and perhaps they also were a factor - because I had one great garden, although abundant rain was perhaps the real reason. We usually have to irrigate all year round here. What a big difference Mother Nature's rain makes!

Bejay