Leafy greens are an essential addition to any garden, offering an abundance of nutrients and flavors. Whether you’re growing food as a seasoned gardener or just starting out, growing leafy greens can be a rewarding and relatively straightforward endeavor.
Let’s explore the ins and outs of growing these vegetable plants, from soil preparation to harvesting, and even preservation methods.
Which Leafy Greens Can You Grow at Home?
Below are just a few examples of the many leafy greens you can grow in your garden. Other awesome choices include collard greens, mustard greens, asian greens, endive, and radicchio.
Experiment with different varieties to discover your favorites and enjoy a diverse selection of fresh, homegrown produce throughout the growing season.
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
A versatile and popular choice, lettuce comes in various forms including butterhead, romaine, and loose-leaf. Varieties like ‘Buttercrunch,’ ‘Romaine,’ and ‘Red Sails’ offer different textures and flavors. Use your lettuce in salads, on sandwiches, for lettuce wraps, and even in soups and stir frys!
Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
Rich in iron and vitamins, spinach is a nutritious addition to any garden. Varieties such as ‘Bloomsdale,’ ‘Baby Leaf,’ and ‘Tyee’ are well-suited for home cultivation. Use your spinach in salads, smoothies, soups, pastas, and other culinary dishes. You can even steam or sautee it for a nutritious side dish!
Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala)
Known for its robust flavor and high nutritional value, kale comes in curly, lacinato (also known as dinosaur), and red Russian varieties. Consider ‘Curly Kale,’ ‘Lacinato,’ or ‘Redbor’ for your garden. Use your kale for salads and sandwiches, in smoothies, or in soups and stews.
Swiss Chard (Beta vulgaris var. cicla)
With colorful stems and mild flavor, Swiss chard adds visual appeal to any garden. Varieties like ‘Bright Lights’ and ‘Fordhook Giant’ offer a range of vibrant hues. Chard is versatile—it can be steamed, sautéed, or eaten raw in salads. It’s perfect for soups, stews, casseroles, frittatas, and quiches.
Arugula (Eruca sativa)
Known for its peppery taste, arugula is a quick-growing leafy green. Varieties such as ‘Rocket,’ ‘Sylvetta,’ and ‘Astro’ are prized for their flavor and tender leaves. Arugula is awesome in salads, pastas, pizza, and even homemade pesto.
Soil Preparation for Growing Leafy Greens
Before planting leafy greens, it’s crucial to prepare the soil properly. Leafy greens thrive in well-draining soil that’s rich in organic matter. Start by loosening the soil to a depth of at least 6 inches and incorporate homemade compost or aged manure to improve its fertility. Ensure the pH of the soil is between 6.0 and 7.0, as most leafy greens prefer slightly acidic conditions.
Planting Leafy Greens
Generally, the seeds of leafy greens germinate perfectly in spring and fall when the temperatures are lower, so sowing seeds directly is recommended for these timeframes.
However, if the outdoor temperature is above 75°F, the seeds will struggle to germinate, so it’s better to start seeds indoors and transplant later. This is a good option for later summer planting.
How to Plant Leafy Greens
Sow seeds or transplant seedlings according to the spacing recommendations on the seed packet or plant tag. Plant seeds at the depth specified on the packet, typically shallow for small seeds and deeper for larger ones.
Water the newly planted seeds or seedlings thoroughly to promote germination and establishment.
Plant Care Needs
Leafy greens require consistent moisture to thrive, so be sure to water them regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulching around the plants can also help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize leafy greens with a balanced fertilizer or compost tea every few weeks to promote healthy growth. Monitor for signs of nutrient deficiencies and adjust fertilization as needed.
Pest and Disease Management for Leafy Greens
Keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids, caterpillars, and flea beetles, which can damage leafy greens. Use natural pest control methods, physical barriers like row covers, or employ natural predators like ladybugs to control pest populations.
Also, practice good garden hygiene by removing any diseased or infested plant material promptly to prevent the spread of diseases like powdery mildew or downy mildew.
Harvesting Leafy Greens
Leafy greens can be harvested as soon as they reach a size suitable for consumption. Harvest outer leaves first, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing.
Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut leaves cleanly from the plant, avoiding damage to the remaining foliage. Be sure to bring your harvest indoors quickly as leafy greens wilt fast when they’re in the hot sun.
Regular harvesting encourages continuous production throughout the growing season!
Leafy Greens Storage Tips
To prolong the freshness of harvested leafy greens, store them unwashed in perforated plastic bags in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer. Alternatively, wrap the leaves in damp paper towels and place them in a sealed container. Proper storage can extend the shelf life of leafy greens for up to a week.
Preserving Leafy Greens
Leafy greens can also be preserved for later use through freezing or dehydrating.
Freezing Leafy Greens
Blanch leafy greens briefly in boiling water before freezing to help retain their color, flavor, and nutritional value. Once blanched, drain the greens and pack them into airtight containers or freezer bags before placing them in the freezer.
Dehydrating Leafy Greens
Dehydrate washed and trimmed leafy greens in a food dehydrator or oven set to low heat until crisp. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
One great idea for dried leafy greens is to grind them into DIY greens powder. This powder will keep for roughly a year in an airtight container, and can be added to smoothies, soups, pastas, and more for a nutritious boost!
Ready to Grow Leafy Greens?
Growing leafy greens is a gratifying experience that rewards gardeners with an abundant harvest of nutritious and flavorful vegetables. By following proper soil preparation, planting, and care practices, as well as implementing effective pest and disease management strategies, you can enjoy a bountiful supply of leafy greens throughout the growing season.
Whether enjoyed fresh or preserved for later use, leafy greens are a versatile addition to any kitchen garden.
FAQs: Growing Leafy Greens
Can I grow leafy greens in containers?
Yes, many leafy greens, such as lettuce and spinach, can be grown in containers as long as they have sufficient sunlight and well-draining soil.
How often should I fertilize my leafy greens?
Fertilize leafy greens every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer or compost tea, following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
How can I prevent bolting in leafy greens?
Bolting, or premature flowering, can be prevented by planting leafy greens in cool weather and providing adequate moisture and shade during hot periods.