Greens?

[Camp David]

My apoligy if this has been asked before, but how do you grow greens?

I understand they are a cool weather plant, but when do you plant and how do you plant them? From seed or plants?

Is it about time to mow down the squash, okra and spent tomato plants and put them in?

 

[chip]

If you mean turnip greens just till the dirt and broadcast spread around september 1 . I usually get around 1/4 lb to do my 60'x40' spot .

 

[TAFKAP]

If you're interested in the actual root, you need to sow them in a row about 1' apart. If you're just going to gather greens, the broadcast method works. They'll put out long, skinny, woody turnips that won't be worth messing with. They're easy to grow.

 

[Camp David]

Thanks for the info.

 

[TAFKAP]

My opinion, based on the one time I planted greens, is that September seemed a little late. They quickly sprouted, but took a long time to grow, so that it was a good couple of months before leaves of any usable size were grown. You may want to consider sowing them soon, while the weather is hot and the days are still relatively long. That way, when it cools off, you can start harvesting earlier. Maybe space out a couple batches so that they don't all mature at the same time.

 

[Camp David]

Good advice. I'll give that a try. Where do you find seed?

 

[TAFKAP]

Most any garden supply location will carry turnip, mustard, and/or collard seeds. The seeds are tiny, and it's easy to cluster them together when you plant. Squeeze the package before you buy them to make sure they didn't roll out of the envelope prior to your purchase.

 

[TAFKAP]

Buy more than you think you'll use. You'd be surprised about how little area one package will cover. But again, if you're goal is the turnip itself, one package will net you a good number of turnips.

Another thing to consider is that there may be differing varieties of turnips. Some are bred for the greens only and will never produce a worthwhile root. I don't know the specifics, though.

 

[ROUGH COUNTRY HUNTER]

cant wait to eat some fresh greens