Growing Collard Greens

Do you want to improve your overall health and well-being? Are you looking for a simple and delicious way to boost your immune system and increase your energy levels? 

Look no further than the humble collard greens! These leafy greens are not only a staple in southern cooking, but they also pack a powerful nutritional punch. 

According to a recent study by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, only 1 in 10 Americans consume the recommended amount of vegetables per day, and collard greens are often overlooked in favor of more popular greens like kale and spinach. 

However, Collard Greens are a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with vitamins, antioxidants, and other essential nutrients.


Antioxidants can help prevent cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.


They contain vitamins A, C and K which are important for vision, immune health, bone health and cell growth.

They are high in fiber, which helps with digestion, lower cholesterol, and regulate blood sugar.


They contain iron, which helps the body build red blood cells.


They also contain sulfur-containing compounds that can help cleanse the liver.


They can help improve heart health by reducing bad cholesterol and increasing good HDL levels.

Growing Collard Greens

Collard greens grow best in colder climates, so pick a location that will provide the necessary conditions.

When to plant

In spring, plant collard greens 3–4 weeks before the last frost. For a fall harvest, you can direct seed in late summer when the soil is warmer.


Where to plant

Collards grow well in full sun, in raised beds, containers, or in-ground gardens. They prefer fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5–6.8. You can improve your soil by mixing in compost or other organic matter. 

How to plant

Plant seeds ¼–½ inch deep and space them 18–24 inches apart. You can also start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before planting.

Planting collard greens from transplants rather than seeds can speed up the process.

Watering

Water collards regularly, providing 1–1.5 inches of water per week. Keep the soil moist, but not soaking wet, until the roots are established. 

Fertilizing

Feed collards regularly with a water-soluble plant food. One could use compost or organic fertilizer to enrich the soil and create a more conducive environment.

Harvesting

Harvest young leaves when they are 10 inches long and dark green.

  

Did you know you can winter sow your greens?  Check out below!

Winter Sowing

If you haven't tried winter sowing, you're in for a treat.  This method is especially good for sowing herbs.  Winter sowing is basically sowing seeds in the bottom of clear milk jugs in the winter, setting the milk jugs outside for the winter and leaving them there until they germinate in the Spring.

For our article containing detailed information about Winter Sowing, click here.

To watch our 30 minute video on how to winter sow, click here.

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You can eat collard greens raw in salads, smoothies, and sandwiches, or add them to soups and stews. You can also sauté them and serve them as a side dish.

So spice up your salads with Collard Greens!

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