CAN YOU EAT THE OUTER LEAVES OF THE SAVOY CABBAGE? THE ONES THAT LOOK LIKE KALE. (THE ONES THAT SURROUND THE TIGHT ROUND OF CABBAGE)
Absolutely! You may want to cook them to take out the bitterness, or possibly bake them wrapped around something. They can be eaten as well! This article will help you with the care of these plants: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/cabbage/growing-savoy-cabbage.htm
Is this due to poor soil? People say should grow in compost?
Most of the time, this is due to soils that remain too wet for too long. Unfortunately, your photos did not come through, so I cannot see the state of the soil and plants in question.
Seedlings need very little nutrients to get started, and starting them in compost will burn them before they even germinate fully.
Likely, it is due to infected soils from overwatering, or saturated soil from the same.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/when-to-start-seeds.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/propagation/seeds/soilless-seed-mix-info.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
Hya. Can you advise on a cabbage that will grow and can be used through the winter, I don't like the spring cabbage as it takes too long, I have heard there are some summer cabbage that are very hardy and can be used during winter, but don't know what they are; would appreciate any suggestions you have on this subject, Thanking you
This article should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/cabbage/growing-winter-cabbage-plants.htm
I can not grow cabbages in summer because of caterpillar attack.
You can certainly try this. The cabbage should continue to produce for quite a while if it's not exposed to cold and still receives sunlight. Here's an article about winter cabbage that you may find interesting: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/cabbage/growing-winter-cabbage-plants.htm
Diameter of pot
A 5-gallon container will hold one cabbage plant. This article will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/cabbage/growing-cabbage-in-pots.htm
I've recently sown Cabbage, broccoli and late lettuce - they seem to be ok at the moment but I'm wondering if I need to cover them- all are sown in raised beds- also was wondering if I've sown them too early? Thanks
Since your zone would be the equivalent of our subtropical to temperate zone here in the US, it will not be necessary to protect them from the cold. It will not get cold enough to harm cold season crops. It would, likely, do more damage than good to cover them.
Here are some articles to help you care for these plants:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/broccoli/how-to-grow-broccoli.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/cabbage/growing-cabbage.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/lettuce/growing-lettuce.htm
I need to know more about cabbage plantations
I'm not certain of what is being referred to by ryan. I can include some information about cabbage, though!