[sargy]

Hello,
 
This is my first year in growing veg in the back garden (highly addicted already). I have six red cabbages which have been growing like crazy! So much so that I decided to re-plant them so they had more room to grow as they were fighting each other for space.
 
Almost immediately after replanting they have wilted. All the leaves are flat on the bed as if I'd sprayed them with weed killer (although there is no noticeable discoloring yet).
 
My question is, will they recover? If so, what can I do to aid them? I took care to remove them with a spade of soil attached. I didn't just pull them from the soil so not sure why they have been so shocked.
 
Any help would be much appreciated

[mumofstig]

It would be a shock to anything to move it at this time of year

How many leaves did they have, because they will recover from transplanting with a few leaves, but much bigger than that...then I doubt they will 

[Sprouts]

How big were they when you moved them?

Sounds like they were quite big if you used a spade

Thing is they have been moved now so I would give them plenty of water and see what happens nothing to lose

[sargy]

Quite a few leaves! The diameter of each plant is probably 50-60cm I planted them approximately 2 months ago I'd say!

I guess I'll have to wait and see...  

[sunshineband]

To give them the best chance of survival:

shade them from sun and wind (to reduce water loss from leaves)

Keep the roots well firmed in and well watered

Take off the very largest outside leaves

Pray 

[sargy]

Inbetween starting this topic and now (1 hr 15 mins), 2 of the 6 appear to have recovered. All leaves are now showing no signs of wilt!! Hopefully the others will follow.

Fascinating stuff 

[sunshineband]

Yes, the evening is drawing in, so no hot sun, which is good.

Keep a careful eye during the day tomorrow 

Hope it is successful 

[sargy]

hmmm, forecast says very sunny and hot tomorrow, I'm out all day (British GP)! Hopefully they'll get through... Should I try and shade them do you think?

[sunshineband]

YES!!!!

Try fleece, stretched over and fastened to canes stuck in the ground, with clothes pegs, for example 

[sargy]

hmmm no fleece at hand sadly. I was thinking more along the lines of putting up the washing line and throwing some large towels on to provide shade 

[Yorkie]

Well that would do the job, so long as it's not a rotary drier and the towels keep moving!