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Growing kohlrabi in containers is a great way to make use of space when the garden is overflowing with vegetables. Kohlrabi can be grown in pots, raised beds or even on a window sill. Growing your own produce saves money and reduces food miles! In this article, we will explore how to grow kohlrabi in a container step-by-step.
How to Choose the Pot Needed for Kohlrabi
The best size pot for kohlrabi is a container that is about one gallon in size. The pot should be at least three inches deep and have good drainage holes to help ensure the kohlrabi will not drown when watering it.
The best material for a pot is ceramic, plastic or terra cotta.
Water Requirements
Kohlrabi grows well with moderate watering - not too much water but also not too little water that can cause it to wilt and turn brown. Water about once a week if there has been no rain during this time period, more often in warmer weather where plants need more frequent watering (such as every day). Do not leave standing water on top, that creates a breeding ground for insects and diseases.
Type of Soil Needed
Planting in containers is the preferred method because it helps to control moisture levels, maintaining a level, moist surface that encourages roots growth without allowing them to stay too wet or dry.
I prefer to make a soil mix myself, but you may also choose a good potting soil. I like Happy Frog Potting Soil. It's essential to make sure you use a potting mix if you buy soil. Buying potting soil will get expensive. Well-draining soil is vital for growing in pots. Kohlrabi needs well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter.
A good soil mixture is one part compost, one part coco coir, and one part perlite. I add one tablespoon of greensand, one tablespoon of bone meal, one tablespoon of blood meal, and half a tablespoon of azomite to the mix. This is what I use for a one-gallon container.
How to Plant Kohlrabi Seeds
The best way to plant kohlrabi seeds is in a row spaced about an inch apart kohlrabi seeds should be covered lightly by approximately one-quarter to half of their depth. If Growing in an earth garden.
Using soil blocks is an excellent way to start your seeds. Make your soil blocks, add them to a clear plastic container, and place them in a sunny location or under grow lights. Using a plastic container with a lid will create condensation so your seeds will stay moist and they will not need to be watered continually. Doing this will ensure that your seedlings will not be leggy when they germinate because they will have light soon after germination. When seedlings don't get the sunlight or grow light, they will grow tall and skinny. These will not be healthy or strong seedlings.
Using a heat mat will also help your seedlings to germinate. Kohlrabi seeds germinate best in temperatures from 40 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
kohlrabi does not grow back from the roots, it will only grow back from stem cuttings or seed.
The best way to eat kohlrabi is to peel off the skin with a vegetable peeler and eat it raw. The kohlrabi leaves can be eaten as well, but they are not usually consumed because of their bitter taste.
Kohlrabi can also be cooked in many ways: boiled whole or diced like potatoes; shredded and added to soups or braises; grated into noodles that are then steamed and tossed with butter sauce, fried until crisp for use in salads, etc.; made into pickles by adding vinegar brine while still warm so that vegetables stay crunchy; roasted on an open grill for one hour at 350 F without dressing - this is especially good after frost has sweetened the kohlrabi's natural sugars.
Health Benefits of Kohlrabi
An antioxidant is any molecule capable of inhibiting oxidation reactions. Antioxidants are often associated with protection from damaging oxidative stressors like free radicals or reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Kohlrabi is a huge source of antioxidants, which can prevent cell damage and thus slow the aging process; Kohlrabi also contains high levels of vitamin C and fiber for digestive health as well as vitamins A, B-complex (including thiamin), potassium, folate, calcium, and manganese. Plus it's got a low-calorie count per serving with only 45 calories in one cup!
The benefits of kohlrabi are plentiful--it's loaded with antioxidants that can protect cells from free radical damage or oxidation, helping you live longer while staving off diseases like cancer.
There are so many benefits to eating kohlrabi that it’s difficult to list them all. If you haven't tried this delicious veggie yet (or if it's been a while since your last taste), I highly recommend giving it another shot. You won't regret adding these crunchy little roots into your diet!
I hope you’ve found this post useful. If so, please share it with your gardening friends - or if you are a gardener yourself and have any other tips to add about growing kohlrabi, let me know in the comments below!
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