For the first time, Ukrainian farmers in Volyn have harvested cabbage in the middle of winter. Workers from a local agricultural enterprise in the Lutsk district, cut white and red cabbage from the fields, an event that was never part of their original plans.
According to the company representative, last year's planting of cabbage on a six-hectare field was delayed until late June. Extreme summer heat slowed its growth, despite surface irrigation, and by autumn, the cabbage heads were too small to harvest.
Instead of plowing the field under, the farmers left it untouched through the winter. Fortunately, the cabbage varieties used were stress-resistant and hardy enough to withstand the cold. "It gained some weight and became firmer," the farmer explained. "The recent frosts of -3 to -5°C didn't harm it. Inside, it's in great condition—perfect for salads."
This marks the first winter cabbage harvest in the company's history, and it highlights the impact of last year's extreme summer temperatures. According to the head of the agricultural department, the combination of a dry, hot summer and record-breaking warm temperatures in January created the conditions for this rare event. "Farmers adapted and turned this situation to their advantage."
Source: www.seeds.org.ua