In the southern US, growing collard greens is extremely common. Find out about these fleshy greens and how to grow your own supply!People have been growing collard greens for centuries on every continent. They are known as a staple in the US south. Tour any kitchen garden in the south, and you’ll find collard greens growing there. They are delectable, just as much as their vegetable counterpart kale, which has gained popularity in the US in recent years.
It’s a wonder they’re so popular because they tend to attract a lot of pests. But the secret to growing these large green leaves is to grow them at the right time. Although collards will flourish in summer, they’re less likely to attract pests in winter. And as the weather cools, the flavor of collards sweetens. They’re excellent for any of your favorite winter soups or stews.
Maybe they make up for their attractiveness to pests by being so easy to grow from seed. As long as you have healthy, rich soil, and good fertilizer, growing collards is not difficult at all. As a great companion to many other food crops, they can accompany your favorite garden foods. Old plants can also serve as a trap crop on the tail-end of their life cycle just before they go to seed.
Thinking of growing collard greens yourself? Well, let’s take a look at the essentials for growing collard greens and discuss how you can cultivate your very own crop of collards that will last multiple seasons.