Turnip greens are cruciferous vegetables that belong to the same family as kale and broccoli. Turnip greens refer to the dark leafy green tops of turnips which are often discarded. However, they are completely edible and, in fact, are among the healthiest vegetables you can eat. Consumption of leafy greens can help boost the immune system as previously noted. Here Rose Lidell, Food.news, reflects on how to grow early spring greens:

“Spring is the best season for growing new crops in your home garden. No matter which state you live in, growing leafy greens can help you jumpstart the season. This also ensures that the salads you serve your family are fresh, nutritious and pesticide-free.

For best results, plant early spring greens instead of other vegetables that require warmer temperatures to germinate. Most greens are cold-hardy, so you can plant them long before the last frost.

Tips for growing early spring greens

Follow the tips below to help early spring greens thrive in your home garden.

Prepare the garden soil

The seeds of most greens will germinate at temperatures as low as 40 F. You can start planting the minute the soil thaws and becomes dry enough to rake smoothly.

Note that overly wet soils may rot your seed. If you live in an area with a high water table or continuous rainfall, don’t rush the season.

If you’re not sure if the soil is ready, squeeze a fistful of soil in your hand. If the soil forms a ball that separates easily or crumbles through your fingers, it’s dry enough and you can start planting. But if the soil forms a ball that doesn’t separate when jiggled, wait several days and try again.

If the soil is too wet, install raised beds to improve early-season growing conditions. In most cases, raising garden beds about 12 to 24 inches above the ground will help improve soil conditions and ensure adequate drainage. Alternatively, you can install sub-drainage or ditches if your garden is large enough.

Finally, if the soil is too wet because of high clay content, improve soil quality by adding some sand and organic matter like compost and rotted manure. The ideal soil type for growing vegetables is sandy-loam.

Provide plants with adequate nutrients 

Plants like lettuce and other salad greens require nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium to grow.”

Read More … Article Source: https://www.food.news/2022-04-02-how-to-grow-early-spring-greens.html

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