A guide for growing fall greens
For some gardeners, summer vegetable plants succeeded, while others have thrown in the “trowel.” But now, it’s time to think about fall and winter crops.
September through early October is a great time to plant greens. From a staple Southern food to a hard hitter in the nutritional world, greens have gained in popularity nationwide. Nutritionally, greens can’t be beat; they are high in vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber.
Greens can be planted as an early-spring crop or as a fall crop. Today, some gardeners are growing them year-round with just a bit of protection, depending on the winter weather.
With the addition of transplants of kale, Swiss chard, collards and spinach, we can also extend the planting time. If planting from seed with no winter protection, planting time depends on location:
• North Arkansas — Plant no later than mid-September.
• Central Arkansas — Plant through late September.
• South Arkansas — Plant as late as early October.
With transplants or with high tunnels or winter covering, continue to plant into October and possibly into early November statewide.
Late-summer or early-fall planting have both benefits and drawbacks. Warm soil temperatures often provide faster germination and growth, but hot, dry weather in early fall means more attention must be given to watering needs. Another drawback can be insects. Monitor plants closely, and catch any infestations before they ruin crops.
| GREEN | TYPE | VARIETIES | CULTURE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beet | Seed-grown. | Ruby Queen, Detroit Dark Red, Red Ace | Both roots and leaves are edible. |
| Collard | Seed or transplants (60 days minimum before harvesting). | Champion, Georgia, Morris Heading, Vates | Largest of the green crops. Very cold-tolerant. Needs well-drained soil. Fertilization should be done at planting, and then side-dress two to three more times throughout the season. |
| Kale | Seeds or transplants. | Green Lance, Lacinato, Redbor, Red Russian, Winterbor | Cold-tolerant. Harvest as baby greens, or let grow. Water when dry. Can be edible ornamental. |
| Mustard | Seeds or sometimes transplants. | Florida Broadleaf, Red Giant, Savannah, Southern Giant | Most pungent spicy green. Can be harvested as microgreens, or let grow to maturity. Fertilize at planting. |
| Spinach | Seeds or transplants. | Bloomsdale Long Standing, Tyee Hybrid, Avon | Prefers more alkaline soil with excellent drainage. Easier as a fall crop. |
| Swiss Chard | Seeds or transplants. | Bright Lights, Fordhook Giant, Rhubarb | Often used as an edible ornamental. Colorful stems and edible foliage. Not as cold-tolerant as other greens. |
| Turnip | Seeds or sometimes transplants. | Alamo, Purple Top, Sevel Top, Tokyo White | Easy crop to grow. Can be used as a green manure crop. Very cold-hardy. Grown for greens on top and turnip roots beneath. |