Growing Salad Greens in Autumn: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Contrary to popular belief, you can enjoy fresh salad greens from your garden well into the fall season. In fact, autumn is an ideal time to grow leafy greens, as many varieties thrive in the cooler temperatures. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to grow a bountiful harvest of fall salad greens.
Types of Autumn Crop Greens
There are many types of leafy greens that are well-suited for autumn growing, including:
- Arugula
- Cabbage
- Collard greens
- Leaf lettuce varieties
- Kale
- Mustard greens
- Spinach
- Swiss chard
Growing Autumn Greens
Salad greens are cool-weather crops that germinate best when temperatures are around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). Germination rates decline when soil temperatures dip below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) or rise above 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius).
Once seeds have germinated and have their first true set of leaves, they thrive when temperatures are around 60 degrees Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius). This makes many areas of the country ideal for growing fall leafy greens.
To ensure a good mix of flavors, textures, and colors in your salads, sow a variety of greens.
When to Plant Fall Salad Greens
Before planting your fall leafy greens, it’s important to know the average first frost date for your region. This will help you determine when to sow seeds.
Some greens, like kale, are very hardy and will continue to grow even when temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). Depending on your USDA zone, you can grow autumn greens that have been sown in June, July, or August. Some areas may even be able to get away with sowing in September. If you grow greens indoors, you can keep a continuous supply by sowing anytime.
How to Plant Fall Salad Greens
Seeds can be sown directly into the garden or started indoors for later transplant. Sowing every two weeks will give you a continuous crop of lettuce.
Before sowing autumn crop greens, turn the soil and mix in either a balanced fertilizer or good quality compost to replenish the nutrients that the summer crops have used.
Keep in mind that while daytime temperatures may be optimal for growth, nighttime temps are getting a bit chilly in the fall. You may want to grow autumn greens under a cloth, in a cold frame, or be prepared to cover the plants with a garden quilt during cold nights.
Tips for Growing Fall Salad Greens
- Choose the right varieties: Not all leafy greens are suited for fall growing. Choose varieties that are known to thrive in cooler temperatures.
- Prepare your garden: Amend the soil with compost or fertilizer to ensure that your greens have the nutrients they need.
- Sow seeds at the right time: Refer to the average first frost date for your region to determine when to sow seeds.
- Protect your plants from the cold: Cover your greens with a cloth or cold frame if nighttime temperatures are expected to drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).
- Water regularly: Salad greens need about 1 inch of water per week.
- Fertilize regularly: Fertilize your greens every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
- Harvest regularly: Harvest your greens when they are young and tender.
Benefits of Growing Fall Salad Greens
There are many benefits to growing fall salad greens, including:
- Fresh, nutritious produce: Homegrown greens are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Extended growing season: You can enjoy fresh greens from your garden well into the fall season.
- Cost savings: Growing your own greens is much cheaper than buying them from the store.
- Environmental benefits: Growing your own food reduces your carbon footprint and supports local ecosystems.
Conclusion
Growing salad greens in autumn is a rewarding experience that can provide you with fresh, nutritious produce all season long. By following the tips in this guide, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fall leafy greens.
