Planting, growing, and caring for cabbage involves several steps:

1. Choose the Right Variety: Select a cabbage variety suitable for your climate and growing conditions. Some common types include green, red, and savoy cabbage.

2. Prepare the Soil: Cabbage prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Prepare the soil by adding compost or aged manure to improve fertility and texture.

3. Planting: Plant cabbage seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Transplant seedlings outdoors when they have 3-4 true leaves and the soil has warmed up. Space them 12-24 inches apart in rows.

4. Sunlight and Water: Cabbage needs full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day) and consistent moisture. Water regularly, aiming to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.

5. Fertilizing: Fertilize cabbage plants with a balanced fertilizer high in nitrogen every 2-3 weeks, or use a slow-release fertilizer at planting time.

6. Weeding and Mulching: Keep the area around cabbage plants weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and water. Mulch with straw, leaves, or grass clippings to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

7. Pest and Disease Control: Monitor cabbage plants regularly for signs of pests such as cabbage worms, aphids, and cabbage loopers. Use row covers, handpicking, or organic pesticides to manage pest infestations. Practice crop rotation to reduce the risk of disease.

8. Harvesting: Harvest cabbage heads when they reach the desired size and firmness. Cut the heads from the stem with a sharp knife, leaving a few outer leaves intact to protect the inner leaves during storage.

9. Storage: Store harvested cabbage heads in a cool, humid place such as a root cellar or refrigerator. Cabbage can last for several weeks to months if stored properly.

By following these steps, you can successfully plant, grow, and care for cabbage in your garden.