How to grow greens

All kinds of greens are perfect for beginners because they're easy to grow and don't require much space.

Growing from seed
Greens are generally started from seed and are readily available in packets from retail stores, catalogs, and Internet seed companies. Economical and easy to start from seed, they are available as individual varieties and in seed mixes in a range of flavors, colors, and uses to suit any gardener or cook.

Greens grow best in a fertile, well-drained soil. Add compost or well-rotted manure to the soil before planting to improve drainage and add nutrients. Scatter seeds in a row and cover lightly with soil. Keep moist until seeds germinate, usually within seven to 14 days.

After seeds germinate and start growing, start to thin crowded seedlings. The best way to remove excess plants without damaging the other seedlings is to pinch them at the base of the stem with your fingernails or snip them off with a sharp scissors.

But don't throw these seedlings away. The small thinnings are delicious in salads and sandwiches.

Most greens like to grow in full sun, but they will produce in areas with light shade.

Sow seeds outdoors in spring or fall. For an extended harvest, make smaller plantings every two weeks.

As summer approaches, plant varieties of greens that are heat tolerant or resist bolting (going to seed). Additional plantings of greens can be made in late summer or fall (up to a month before the first frost) for harvest during the cooler temperatures.

In mild climates, greens can be planted throughout the fall and winter. Greens can also be grown in an unheated greenhouse, under row covers and in cold frames to extend the growing season.

Growing from seedlings
Because of their popularity, lettuce, mustard, and other greens can be found in garden centers in containers or six-packs for transplanting. To ensure a successful crop, be sure to prepare garden soil as recommended above.

Container growing
Greens are also ideal for growing in pots and containers. Choose a well-drained container that's at least four to six inches deep and fill with a soilless media available at retail stores.

Check the soil daily to make sure it hasn't dried out and water as needed. Containers may need to be watered a couple times a day when temperatures begin to warm.

If growing micro-greens, seeds can be planted in shallow flats and harvested about 10 to 21 days after planting. If given adequate light, they can also be grown indoors during the winter.

Pests and other problems
Greens are relatively free of pests and diseases because they grow quickly, often in cooler weather when fewer insect pests are present. However, it's a good idea to check plants regularly to prevent a minor problem from turning into a major garden disaster.

Since leaves are eaten, do not use any chemical pesticides. Remove insects by hand picking or washing them off plants with a stream of water from a garden hose.

Another way to control insect pests is to encourage ladybugs, lacewings, and other beneficial insects in your garden. These "good bugs" are natural predators of aphids, mites, and many other damaging insects. Beneficial insects are sold in many garden centers and online stores.

Growing greens in a well-drained, fertile soil, with good spacing between plants will prevent most common disease problems.

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