Collards in Carolina

Guide to Home Garden Production of Broccoli, Cabbage, and Collards

There is nothing finer or better tasting than vegetables that are home grown. Broccoli, Brussel Sprouts, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Collards, and Kale have similar requirements. The info here is meant as a general guide to the culture and variety information for these crops. They are all cool season crops that should be grown during early spring or fall. The mature plant will withstand frosts and light to medium freezes. They are among the most popular garden vegetables in the south. These crops are a good source of vitamins and minerals. Home grown plants provide healthy dishes for active, healthy lifestyles.

Spacing - Spacing depends on the crop and how the crop will be produced. For Collards, if the plants are to be cut when half grown, they may be spaced 10 to 15 inches apart. If they are to be harvested when full grown they should be spaced 15 to 18 inches apart. This provides rapid ground cover, fewer weeds and more tender growth.

Soils - They may be grown in a variety of soils. Heavier loamy soils that are amended with generous amounts of compost will produce the greatest yields. The lighter, well drained, sandy soils are best for early spring crops as they dry rapidly and allow earlier planting. Soils should be well drained, rich in organic matter and have a pH of 6.0 to 6.5.

Raised Beds- The use of raised beds allows for intense production in limited space. They are a very efficient way to garden in typical backyards, you can literally grow twice as much as the same area in typical rows. In addition, weed control is easier. Planting and harvesting are less laborious. We recommend filling these beds with our 50:50 Garden Soil Mix.

Fertilizer - Leafy vegetables require quick, continuous growth for best quality. They need ample nitrogen for good green color and tender growth. Soil testing is recommended. Garden-tone provides an excellent source of plant nutrients.

HOW TO USE

Soil Preparation for Vegetable Garden
Apply 3.5 lbs. per 50 square feet and work into the top 4 to 5 inches of soil. When possible, mix with organic matter such as compost, humus, or peat moss.

Feeding Vegetables and Tomatoes

• Seedlings and Transplants: One week to 10 days after planting.
• Single plants: Apply 1/3 cup per plant.
• Rows: Apply 1-1/3 cup each side per 5 ft. of row or 10 lbs. each side per 100 ft. of row.

Potted Plants

• New Plants: When preparing soil for new plants, thoroughly mix  2 cups of Garden-tone into each cubic foot of Potting Soil.
• Established Plants: Sprinkle 1.5 tsp. of Garden-tone per 4″ of pot diameter onto the soil along the outer edge of the pot.  Water thoroughly.

Planting Spring- Plant transplants in the garden between March 1 and April 1. Cabbage can be planted later. Fall- Plant transplants in the garden between August 15 and September 15 as they take 65-85 days to mature.

Irrigation– Cole Crops, like other members of this plant family, require above average moisture. Use irrigation liberally in times of moisture stress, usually 1.5 inches per week when precipitation is less than this.

Weed Management - The production method you use and the season you plant the crop will determine the kind and extent of your weed problems. Chemical herbicides are available for use on cole crops and are generally recommended. Whether you use a herbicide or not, some cultivation will likely be necessary. Avoid deep cultivation. Raised beds that use generous mulch with close spacing that promotes rapid growth will help to suppress weeds.

 Insect Management - Several worms (imported Cabbage worm, Cabbage looper, Diamond-back larvae) and Harlequin bugs are the predominate insects. A rigid control program will be necessary, especially during summer and fall. Aphids are also a serious problem during cool weather. Spinosad and Dipel are both organic products while the Hi-Yield Broad Use Insecticide can be used on a wide range of insect problems

Harvesting - Harvesting may be:

Cutting entire plants when very young, similar to mustard greens (spaced 2 to 4 inches apart). Successive cutting can be done with these systems.

Cutting entire plants when about half grown (spaced 10 to 15 inches apart).

Cutting entire plants when full grown (spaced 15 to 18 inches apart).

Harvesting tender leaves from full grown plants.

 Information for this article was adapted and obtained in part from an article written by Doug Saunders.