If you’re looking for a nutritious and reliable crop for your garden, learning how to plant collard greens is a perfect place to start. This easy step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to grow a bountiful harvest of these leafy greens, known for their hardiness and delicious flavor.
Collards are a cool-season vegetable packed with vitamins. They can tolerate both warm and cold weather better than many other greens. With just a little planning and care, you can enjoy multiple harvests from a single planting.
How to Plant Collard Greens – Easy Step-by-Step Guide
This main guide covers the core process. We’ll break it down into simple, managable stages that anyone can follow, even if your new to gardening.
When to Plant Collard Greens
Timing is crucial for a good harvest. Collards thrive in cooler temperatures.
- For a spring harvest, sow seeds directly in the garden 2-4 weeks before your last expected spring frost date.
- For a fall harvest (often the best), plant seeds about 6-8 weeks before your first expected fall frost. The flavor improves after a light frost.
- In warmer climates (USDA zones 8-10), you can grow collards right through the winter.
Choosing the Right Location
Collard greens need plenty of sun and space to grow big leaves.
- Sunlight: Pick a spot that gets at least 6 hours of full sun each day. They can handle some afternoon shade in hotter regions.
- Soil: Well-draining soil is essential. Collards prefer soil rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, amend it with several inches of compost before planting.
- Space: These plants get large. Ensure you have enough room for them to spread out.
Preparing Your Soil
Good soil preparation sets the stage for healthy growth. Start by removing any weeds or rocks from the planting area.
Loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches using a garden fork or tiller. Mix in a 2-4 inch layer of finished compost or well-rotted manure. This improves drainage, adds nutrients, and helps the soil retain moisture.
You can also add a balanced organic fertilizer according to package instructions to give your plants a strong start. A soil test can tell you if you need to adjust the pH; collards like a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).
Planting Seeds Directly
Direct sowing is the easiest method for collards. Follow these numbered steps:
- Create a shallow furrow in your prepared soil, about ½ inch deep.
- Sow the seeds thinly along the furrow, spacing them about an inch apart.
- Cover the seeds lightly with fine soil and pat it down gently.
- Water the area thoroughly using a gentle spray to avoid washing the seeds away.
- Keep the soil consistently moist until the seeds germinate, which usually takes 5-10 days.
Starting Seeds Indoors
For a head start, especially in short-season areas, you can start seeds indoors.
- Plant seeds in cell trays or small pots filled with seed-starting mix about 4-6 weeks before you plan to transplant them outside.
- Place them in a sunny window or under grow lights.
- Keep the soil moist. When seedlings have 3-4 true leaves and the weather is suitable, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week.
- Transplant them into the garden, spacing them as recommended below.
Spacing and Thinning
Proper spacing prevents disease and allows plants to reach there full size. Once your seedlings are 2-3 inches tall, it’s time to thin them.
- For full-sized plants: Thin seedlings to stand 18-24 inches apart in rows that are 24-36 inches apart.
- For a “cut-and-come-again” baby greens approach: You can sow seeds more thickly and harvest young leaves, leaving less space between plants.
Don’t just throw away the thinned seedlings! They are tender and delicious added to a salad.
Caring for Your Growing Collard Greens
Consistent care after planting ensures a strong, productive crop. The main tasks are watering, feeding, and pest control.
Watering and Mulching
Collards need steady moisture for tender leaves.
- Water deeply once or twice a week, providing about 1-1.5 inches of water. The goal is to keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy.
- Mulching is highly recommended. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of straw, shredded leaves, or grass clippings around the plants. Mulch conserves water, suppresses weeds, and keeps soil temperatures steady.
Fertilizing for Growth
To support there large leaf production, collards benefit from occasional feeding.
- Side-dress the plants with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer (like blood meal or a balanced organic fertilizer) about 3-4 weeks after transplanting or when plants are half-grown.
- You can apply another light feeding midway through the growing season if growth seems slow.
- Always water well after applying any fertilizer.
Managing Pests and Diseases
Collards are tough, but a few pests can be problematic. Regular checking is the best defense.
- Cabbage Worms/Loopers: Handpick green caterpillars off leaves. Use floating row covers to prevent moths from laying eggs. Organic sprays like Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) are effective.
- Aphids: A strong spray of water from the hose can dislodge them. Insecticidal soap is also a good option.
- Flea Beetles: These tiny jumping beetles create small holes in leaves. Row covers are the best prevention.
- For diseases like fungal leaf spots, ensure good air circulation through proper spacing and avoid overhead watering to keep leaves dry.
Harvesting Your Collard Greens
You can begin harvesting in a couple of ways. The timing depends on your preference.
- Young Leaves: For “cut-and-come-again” harvests, snip individual outer leaves when they are about 6-8 inches long. The plant will continue producing new leaves from the center.
- Whole Plant: You can harvest the entire plant by cutting the stem at the base when it’s mature, usually 60-80 days after planting, depending on the variety.
- Best Flavor: Many gardeners believe the leaves taste sweetest after a light frost. Harvest in the morning when leaves are crisp and full of moisture.
Storing and Using Your Harvest
Fresh collards are best used soon after harvesting. To store them, rinse the leaves and pat them dry.
Wrap them loosely in a damp paper towel and place them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer. They should keep for about a week. For longer storage, you can blanch and freeze the leaves.
Collards are versatile in the kitchen. They can be steamed, sautéed with garlic, added to soups and stews, or used as a wrap instead of tortillas. Don’t forget to remove the tough central stem from larger leaves before cooking.
FAQ: Common Questions About Growing Collards
Can I grow collard greens in pots?
Yes, you can! Choose a large container (at least 12 inches deep and wide) with good drainage holes. Use a high-quality potting mix and be diligent about watering, as pots dry out faster. A dwarf or compact variety is ideal.
How long does it take collards to grow?
From seed, collards take about 60 to 80 days to reach full maturity for a whole-plant harvest. However, you can start harvesting young, tender leaves in as little as 30-40 days.
Why are my collard greens leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves can have a few causes. The most common are overwatering or poor drainage, a lack of nitrogen in the soil, or natural aging of the older, outer leaves. Check your soil moisture and consider a nitrogen supplement if needed.
Do collard greens come back every year?
Collards are technically biennials, but they are grown as annuals in most gardens. They will not survive hard freezes to come back the next spring in most climates. You need to replant them each season for a continuous harvest.
What are good companion plants for collards?
Good companions include herbs like dill and mint, which can deter pests, as well as onions, potatoes, and celery. Avoid planting them near other cabbage family crops (like broccoli or cauliflower) in the same spot year after year to prevent disease buildup.
Growing your own collard greens is a rewarding experience that provides healthy food for your table. By following this straightforward guide, you’ll be well on your way to a succesful harvest. Remember, the key factors are timing, sun, rich soil, and consistent moisture. With these in place, you’ll have plenty of hearty greens to enjoy throughout the season.