What Are The Best Leafy Greens To Grow?

“Hi, I have a backyard farm in Dallas, Texas, and as a beginner, I’m really interested in growing leafy greens. What are the best types to start with, and are there any specific tips for each? Also, how can I ensure they thrive throughout the growing season?” Thanks, Stephanie, Dallas, USA.

What Are The Best Leafy Greens To Grow?

Hey Stephanie! Growing leafy greens is one of the most rewarding and straightforward endeavors for any backyard farmer. They’re nutrient-packed, versatile in the kitchen, and generally quite forgiving to grow. Let’s go through some of the best leafy greens you can cultivate and tips to get them flourishing in your backyard.

1. Spinach

Spinach is a super nutritious green that’s great for salads, cooking, or even smoothies. It’s packed with vitamins A, C, and K, along with iron and calcium. Here’s how to grow it:

• Planting Time: Spinach thrives in cooler weather. Plant it in early spring or fall.
• Soil: It prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Harvesting: You can start picking leaves when they’re young and tender, about 4-6 weeks after planting.

Tip: To keep your spinach from bolting (going to seed), ensure it’s kept cool and harvested frequently.

2. Kale

Kale is another powerhouse green that’s surprisingly easy to grow. It’s incredibly hardy and can even survive frost. Varieties like curly kale, dinosaur kale, and Red Russian kale offer different flavors and textures.

• Planting Time: Like spinach, kale prefers cool weather. Plant it in spring or late summer for a fall harvest.
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy soil with a pH between 6.5 and 6.8 is ideal.
• Watering: Consistent watering is key. Mulching can help retain soil moisture.
• Harvesting: Start harvesting the lower leaves once they reach the size of your hand. This encourages new growth.

Tip: Kale tastes best after a light frost, which makes the leaves sweeter.

3. Lettuce

Lettuce is incredibly versatile, coming in various types such as Romaine, Butterhead, and Loose-leaf. It grows quickly and offers a continual harvest.

• Planting Time: Lettuce grows best in cool weather. Plant in early spring or fall.
• Soil: Nutrient-rich, well-drained soil with a lot of organic matter is perfect.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist. Drip irrigation can be particularly effective.
• Harvesting: For a continual supply, pick outer leaves as the plant grows, or harvest entire heads when mature.

Tip: For a summer crop, choose heat-resistant varieties and provide some shade during the hottest part of the day.

4. Swiss Chard

Swiss chard is not only tasty but also visually appealing with its vibrant, colorful stems. It’s a close relative of beets and offers a similar nutritional profile.

• Planting Time: Chard is quite hardy and can be planted from early spring to late summer for continual harvests.
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost suits chard best.
• Watering: Keep the soil moist, but be careful not to overwater.
• Harvesting: Cut outer leaves at the base when they are young and tender for the best flavor.

Tip: Chard can withstand warmer temperatures better than other leafy greens, making it an excellent choice for summer.

5. Arugula

Arugula, also known as rocket, has a distinct peppery flavor that adds a zest to salads. It’s very quick growing and can be harvested multiple times in a season.

• Planting Time: Arugula prefers the cool of spring and fall but can be grown year-round in mild climates.
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter is ideal.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist to prevent bitterness.
• Harvesting: Pick young leaves regularly to encourage new growth and maintain taste.

Tip: Plant new seeds every 2-3 weeks for a continual harvest throughout the growing season.

6. Collard Greens

Collard greens are a staple in Southern cooking and are incredibly nutritious. They are very tolerant of heat compared to other greens.

• Planting Time: Plant collards in early spring or late summer for best results.
• Soil: Rich, well-drained soil is best for collard greens.
• Watering: Consistent moisture is important. Mulching helps retain soil moisture and keep roots cool.
• Harvesting: Harvest the lower leaves first, allowing the plant to continue to produce new leaves.

Tip: Collard greens can withstand some frost, which may improve their flavor by making them a bit sweeter.

7. Mustard Greens

Mustard greens have a spicy, peppery flavor and are rich in vitamins A, C, and K. They grow quickly and are pretty easy to manage.

• Planting Time: Best planted in the early spring or fall, preferring cooler temperatures.
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist for the best growth.
• Harvesting: Pick the outer leaves when they are young and tender for the best taste.

Tip: To deter pests, companion plant mustard greens with onions or garlic.

8. Bok Choy

Bok choy, or Pak choi, is a type of Chinese cabbage that’s excellent in stir-fries and soups. It’s versatile and quick to grow.

• Planting Time: Bok choy grows best in the cool weather of spring and fall.
• Soil: Fertile, well-drained soil with lots of organic matter.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Harvesting: Harvest the whole plant once it reaches about 6 inches tall or pick outer leaves as needed.

Tip: To prevent bolting, provide some shade and keep the soil moist.

9. Endive and Escarole

These slightly bitter greens are often used in salads, soups, or sautéed. They add a unique flavor and are nutritious as well.

• Planting Time: Best grown in cooler weather, so plant in early spring or fall.
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter.
• Watering: Consistent moisture is key, especially in the warm season.
• Harvesting: Harvest young for the least bitterness, or let them mature for a more robust flavor.

Tip: Blanch the plants (cover to exclude light) for a milder flavor a week before harvesting.

Caring for Your Leafy Greens

Now that you know which leafy greens to grow, let’s talk about how to care for them to ensure that your backyard farm in Dallas thrives:

Soil Preparation

Stephanie, to get started on the right foot, focus on your soil. A good mix of well-drained, nutrient-rich soil is key. Incorporate organic compost or aged manure to boost fertility. Leafy greens thrive in slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0).

Watering

Consistent watering is critical for healthy greens. Aim to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Early morning watering helps prevent diseases by giving plants time to dry out during the day.

Mulching

Mulching helps retain soil moisture, controls weed growth, and keeps the soil temperature stable. Use organic mulches like straw or composted leaves.

Pest Control

Pests like aphids, slugs, and snails love leafy greens. Here are some tips to keep them at bay:

• Inspect Regularly: Regularly check the undersides of leaves.
• Natural Predators: Encourage ladybugs and predatory insects in your garden.
• Companion Planting: Planting herbs like basil or marigolds around your leafy greens can repel pests.

Fertilizing

Leafy greens benefit from regular feeding. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer or fish emulsion every 2-4 weeks for a nutrient boost.

Thinning

Thin out seedlings once they have two sets of leaves. This provides enough space for each plant to grow fully without competing for nutrients.

Harvesting Tips

Knowing when and how to harvest your greens is also essential:

• Early Harvest: Pick baby greens when they’re young for a tender and mild flavor.
• Cut-and-Come-Again: Harvest outer leaves and allow the inner leaves to continue growing for a prolonged harvest season.
• Avoid Bolting: Harvest before plants bolt, as the leaves can become bitter once the plant starts to flower.

Season Extension Techniques

Extending your growing season allows you to harvest fresh greens for a longer period:

• Cold Frames: Use these to extend your growing season into late fall and early spring.
• Row Covers: Lightweight row covers can protect plants from frost and pests.
• Greenhouses: Small backyard greenhouses or hoop houses can provide a suitable environment for greens year-round.

Now, Stephanie, you have a good selection of leafy greens to start with, along with comprehensive tips to get you through the seasons. Even in a place like Dallas, you can grow a variety of greens almost year-round with the right techniques.

Final Thoughts…

Stephanie, growing leafy greens in your backyard farm in Dallas can be a delightful and rewarding experience. From the nutrient-packed spinach to the versatile lettuce, there’s a leafy green for every palate and season. Pay attention to soil quality, consistent watering, and timely harvesting to get the best out of your crops. Thanks for your question, and happy gardening!