Question
Is there a variety of cabbage that tends to be more leafy and slower heading, so that the leaves may be harvested and eaten before the cabbage forms a head?

What is the suggested way to repel insects from cabbage?

Answer
Hi Blanche,
Savoy cabbage tends to be more leafy. Another option is to use Asian vegies, like Bok Choy.

Repelling methods depend upon the type of insect you are after. Cutworms can be controlled with a collar around the seedling. Cabbage worms can be treated with bt (an organic method).
Personally, I have had excellent success using a trap crop of collards right next to my cabbage. The worms seem to far prefer the collards, so they all go there, my cabbage (and broccoli) remain bug free.
Hope this helps.
Candace