Collard greens are not only packed with nutrients, but they also happen to be the perfect addition to any cramped city balcony or fire escape garden. I have the secret to growing the greenest, most succulent collard greens. These tips will have your greens growing like weeds (in a good way!). You can turn even the tiniest of balconies into a collard green oasis.
Collard greens require 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Indoors: Grow in large pots with bright light or hydroponically using grow lights for 12-14 hours.
Keep the soil consistently moist, watering regularly. Indoors, monitor soil moisture frequently; outdoors, water regularly, especially during hot weather. Mulching helps retain moisture.
Collard greens are a cool weather crop and thrive in 45-85°F, ideally 60-75°F. Plant outdoors in March-May and August-September in NYC zone 7b. Indoors, maintain 60-75°F year-round.
Indoors: 8-10" wide, 8" deep, 2 gallons; Outdoors: 12-14" wide, 12-14" deep, 5 gallons
Collard greens prefer rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter, such as compost from vegetable peelings or well-rotted manure.
Use balanced or high-nitrogen fertilizer 16-16-16 or 20-10-10 every 3-4 weeks. Organic options: fish emulsion, compost tea. Heavy feeders need steady nutrients.
Collard greens are ready for harvest 60-85 days after planting, or when the leaves are 10-12 inches long. Regularly harvest outer leaves to encourage continuous production.
Harvest outer collard leaves regularly to promote continuous growth. Regular harvesting maintains plant vigor and productivity.
Wilting: Water regularly, avoid waterlogging. Pests (Aphids): Spray with soapy water or neem oil. Yellow Leaves: Ensure good drainage, moderate watering. Slow Growth: Use balanced fertilizer. Diseases (Clubroot): Ensure proper crop rotation, use fungicide.
There are around 10-15 varieties of arugula gardeners commonly grow. One of the perks of growing arugula at home is the opportunity to experiment with different varieties that you won't find at the grocery store.
Do you have any questions or requests? I'm here to help!