Hey Garden Bestie!

As a Southern girl, my love for a good pot of collard greens is no denying. There's something truly special about savoring their hearty flavor, especially when it becomes a ritual to culminate the weekend and embark on a new week filled with abundance.

Through my years of cultivating crops, collard greens have emerged as my favorite to grow, and I can't wait to share with you a few simple tips that will ensure you enjoy a bountiful harvest year after year.

In this blog post, we'll delve into the secrets of successful collard green cultivation, from selecting the perfect varieties to nurturing them with care. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just starting your green thumb journey, these tips will help you create a thriving collard green patch that will bring joy and satisfaction to your table for future seasons.

A pack of collard green seeds is enough to feed your entire neighborhood. Starting collard greens from seed is an accessible and rewarding venture for any gardener.

Here’s how I do it:

Prepare your mix. Select a well-draining seed starting mix or make your own (see my DIY Seed Starting Mix video below).

8 Parts Coco Coir

1 Part Vermiculite

1 Part Perlite

1 Part Earthworm Castings

1 Scoop of Mycorrhiza

Pre-moisten your seed starting mix, ensuring it is not too dry but not too wet. Select a seed starting container and fill it ¾ of the way full with your seed starting mix the sow the seeds ¼ to ½ deep. Cover your seed starting container to create a mini greenhouse to assist with germination. Place the container under a grow light or a sunny windowsill to help encourage germination. Germination should occur within five to ten days. As your seedlings emerge, thin them to allow ample space for growth. As the seedlings grow, ensure that they have constant airflow, this will help the stems grow strong, allowing them to withstand the wind and weather conditions once transplanted outside. Water the seedlings every two to three days to ensure the soil does not dry completely.

Growing collards in the fall is an excellent choice as they thrive in cooler temperatures with minimal pest presence. To ensure a successful fall crop, it is recommended to start collard green seedlings indoors towards the end of summer, specifically in late July or early August. This timing allows the seedlings to develop and be ready for transplanting just as the season transitions to autumn.

Collards belong to the brassica family, known for its cold hardiness or tolerance. Varieties such as Champion, Georgia Southern, Morris Heading, and Vates are particularly robust and can withstand temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit. This resilience makes collards suitable for harvest well into winter, providing a fresh and nutritious addition to your fall and winter meals.

Collards benefit from even and consistent watering during the fall, particularly during dry spells. Maintaining soil moisture levels without overwatering is essential, which can lead to root rot or other fungal diseases.

Regularly monitor for common garden pests like cabbage worms or aphids, as their populations tend to diminish in the cooler fall temperatures. Handpicking pests or using organic pest control methods can help manage any infestation.

Harvesting collards can begin when the leaves reach usable sizes, usually within 60 to 85 days from transplanting. Start by selectively picking the outer leaves to encourage continued growth and ensure a more extended harvest period. Collards freeze well, so you can also blanch and freeze surplus leaves for future use.

Fish emulsion is a highly beneficial and widely used organic fertilizer for promoting the growth and health of plants in the garden. It is derived from decomposed fish waste and contains essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other trace elements like calcium and magnesium.

Check out this guide vlog I made ⬇️

When using fish emulsion, it is essential to dilute it properly to avoid any adverse effects on your plants. A general guideline is to mix one part fish emulsion with four parts water to create a diluted solution.

However, it is crucial to refer to the specific instructions provided on the product to ensure accurate dilution ratios, as they may vary among different brands.

How to Use:

See my favorite fertilizers here!

Collard greens, with their vibrant leaves and unique flavor, make a delicious addition to any garden or plate. However, these nutritious greens have their fair share of challenges, particularly regarding pests. Aphids, cutworms, and cabbage worms are common culprits that can wreak havoc on collard greens, reducing their yield and compromising quality. By strategically selecting crops that repel or deter insects, you can create a harmonious environment for your collard greens to thrive and grow.

Let's delve into an array of excellent companion plants for collards that will help protect and enhance your harvest.

Cultivating vibrant collard greens is a rewarding journey with a few key insights. Begin with seeds for a strong foundation, embrace the fall/winter seasons for optimal growth, nourish your greens with fish emulsion for robust health, and strategically companion plants to create a harmonious garden.

By incorporating these tips, your collard greens will flourish and contribute to a thriving and diverse garden ecosystem. Happy gardening! May your collard greens be a testament to the beauty of thoughtful cultivation.

Want more collard-growing tips and content?

Click here to check out all my essentials for growing beautiful collards.

Check out this video for my tried and true collard recipe.