Spring Greens and Other Things from the Early Vegetable Garden

Reader Contribution by Kenny Point
1 / 2
2 / 2

Image by Alongkorn Tengsamut from Pixabay

A mild winter encouraged lots of early growth and a few pleasant surprises from the vegetable patch this spring! It’s no surprise at all to discover hardy greens like kale and collards over wintering in a frigid northern climate. But there many edibles returning that usually don’t stand much chance to survive the winter months and see a spring season.

The First Taste of Spring from an Over Wintered Harvest

Among the first up in my garden was the gourmet garlic and perennial onions. Some garlic varieties have earned a reputation of performing best only when subjected to a stimulating deep freeze for a few months. My garlic is fall planted and never fails to be one of the first plants to resume growth each spring. A small secondary patch is planted thickly just to provide baby garlic from early thinnings.

Next, are those hardy leafy greens; kales and collards mostly, but also including mustards, arugula, winter lettuces, spinach, cresses, and edible weeds like dandelions and chickweed. The cultivated greens that were lucky enough to find themselves tucked into a cold frame or low tunnel over winter stayed lush, green, and growing without interruption. Those planted out in the open took a short break but now have been growing strong for weeks and the mustards are already running to seed.

Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368