Plant it deep enough that the whole stem is covered right up to the bottom leaves. This gives a stronger root system and a healthier plant. Use compost or other mulch lavishly. Mulch keeps hard-hitting rain and irrigation water from splashing disease organisms onto the plant leaves. Eddy's garden is organic, so he uses compost at planting time, and fish emulsion when the plants start to grow.
Pests can plague cole crops, particularly cabbage.
At this point in the season, the cabbage moth should no longer be a problem. But snails and slugs are another matter, Eddy says. Handpick the critters, use a band of sawdust, coffee grounds or sand around each plant, or use a copper barrier available at Orchard Supply Hardware and most nurseries. Eddy protects his plants with floating row covers until the plants are large and vigorous. But don't spray if the damage is minimal.