Do you love fresh leafy greens? Enjoy the flavor and convenience of growing your own fall vegetable garden.
Leafy green vegetables are packed with important nutrients that our body’s need. They are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Creating a diet that is rich in lettuce, cabbage, spinach, and more can offer many health benefits to you and your family. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you grow fresh cool season vegetables!
HOW-TO PLANT FALL VEGETABLES
SUPPLIES:
- Cool Season Vegetables: Cabbage, Mustard Greens, Lettuce, Spinach, and Cauliflower
- Calloway’s Organic Garden Compost
- Calloway’s Premium Organic Mulch
- Nature’s Creation® Expanded Shale
- Root Stimulator
- Gardening Gloves
- Hand Tools
- Espoma® Organic® Garden-tone® Herb & Vegetable Food
STEP ONE: PREPARE YOUR PLANTING AREA
First, start with a clean planting area by removing any rocks or weeds. Spread 3 inches of Expanded Shale into the soil. This is a natural soil amendment that loosens compacted soil, improves aeration and drainage, and assists in retaining moisture. The results are healthier and more extensive root systems for your plants.
Next, till the top layer of the existing soil with 3 inches of Organic Garden Compost. Calloway’s Organic Garden Compost is made from the highest quality ingredients to replenish and condition your soil naturally. The organic ingredients help promote aeration of the soil for rapid root growth and provides organic matter to enhance water and nutrient retention.
STEP TWO: PLANT YOUR VEGETABLES
Now that the planting area is ready to go, it is time to add your vegetables. Here are a few of the fabulous finds that you can pick up now at your local Calloway’s and Cornelius! Be sure to keep your plant tags for specific instructions on how to plant and care for each variety.
Cabbage
Cabbage is an antioxidant and nutrient-rich cool season vegetable. Cabbages come in a range of sizes, shapes, and colors.
Golden Cross Cabbage is an early maturing variety. It is smaller in size which allows for more plants per row. It needs about 6 hours of sunlight per day and should be planted 18-24 inches apart to allow for its size when mature. Golden Cross Cabbage takes about 45 days to reach maturity.
Ruby Perfection Cabbage is an ideal choice for the fall because of its lovely color. It creates medium-sized dense heads with a uniform shape. It will add a splash of color to many of your fall dishes. Ruby Perfection Cabbage also needs 6 hours of sunlight per day to thrive. Plant 1-2 feet apart to allow room for growth. This variety will reach maturity and be ready to harvest in 85 days.
Cabbage is a versatile vegetable. It can be enjoyed raw, cooked, boiled, and grilled. You can add it to soups or salads or enjoy it as sauerkraut or coleslaw.
Mustard Greens
Mustard Greens are a spicy green that is quick and easy to grow. Did you know they contain more vitamin A than spinach and have more vitamin C than oranges? For centuries, many cultures have used Mustard Greens as an antiseptic for wounds, support kidney function, and more!
Southern Giant Curled Mustard Greens are a long-time southern favorite. The frilly leaves have a mild mustard flavor. This plant needs 6 hours of sunlight per day, and it should be planted 18-24 inches apart. It will be ready to enjoy in 60 days when it reaches maturity.
Mizuna Miz America Mustard Greens has a mild peppery flavor with no bitterness or spiciness. The leaves have beautiful red hues for a gorgeous fall look. They need 6 hours of sunlight per day to thrive. Plant 12-18 inches apart and harvest at maturity in 56 days.
Experiment with your fresh mustard greens in salads, steamed, or even stir-fried. It is easy to incorporate these delicious greens into your diet.
Lettuce
Lettuce is one of the most well-known leafy vegetables! They are a staple in any salad recipe with many different varieties. Lettuce is a great source of vitamins K and A for stronger bones and better vision. It even promotes hydration in your body as water makes up about 95% of raw lettuce.
New Red Fire Lettuce will add gorgeous color to your dishes. This plant produces uniform heads of well-colored frilly leaves. It has good heat tolerance, making it a fantastic choice for your Texas garden. It needs 6 hours of sunlight per day and should be planted 12-18 inches apart. It will be ready to harvest in 55 days from planting.
Spinach
Spinach is a great staple to add to your diet. It is packed with vitamins and minerals and can be used in so many ways. It is also high in potassium, iron, vitamin K, and vitamin A. Eating more spinach can lead to healthier eyes, bones, skin, and blood to create a healthier you!
Red Kitten Spinach is a unique and beautiful variety. It has baby leaves with red veins. It is rich in nutrients and versatile in cooking. This easy to grow plant needs 6 hours of sunlight per day and should be planted 4-6 inches apart. The petite size makes it ideal for smaller gardens. Red Kitten Spinach will reach maturity in 40 days.
Cauliflower
Try Cauliflower for another great option to make healthier choices! It is a significant choice for adding more nutrients to your diet. It is very low in calories and is jam-packed with an impressive list of vitamins and minerals. Cauliflower contains fiber, vitamins C and K, potassium, folate, and so much more! It also contains many antioxidants to help with inflammation. Enjoy raw with a fresh dip, steamed, roasted, in rice form, or you can even turn it into pizza crust! The edible options are endless with Cauliflower.
Green Goddess Cauliflower has unique lime green heads that are large and uniform. It is a vigorous grower and thrives in 6 hours of sunlight per day. Plant 2 feet apart as they can reach up to 24 inches in height. It will mature in 70 days.
Impress your friends and family with meals that include Cheddar Cauliflower and Graffiti Cauliflower.
Cheddar Cauliflower is an early producer of wide orange heads. The fabulous orange color even intensifies when it is cooked! Plant in an area with 6 hours of sun per day and space them 2 feet apart. The Cheddar Cauliflower will reach maturity in 68 days.
Graffiti Cauliflower produces beautiful deep purple heads. When cooked, it can turn blueish purple. It is a tall and very productive plant making it a great choice for a colorful fall harvest! Enjoy in 80 days when it reaches maturity.
STEP THREE: CARE TIPS
After you are done planting, add Root Stimulator as directed to your plants. Nature’s Creation® Root Stimulator helps root development by supplying natural plant growth hormones to help your vegetables through the stress of transplanting.
Cover your garden bed with a thick layer of Calloway’s Premium Organic Hardwood Mulch. It is a 100% organic top dressing, straight from the lumber mill free of any fillers. The shredded wood mats together to form a protective covering over your plant roots that won’t wash away. It will keep the soil cool and help retain moisture so your vegetables can grow with success.
Water in your new garden and continue a regular watering schedule. Vegetables need a cool, moist soil for optimal growth.
Feed your edible garden a natural & organic granular fertilizer for a bountiful harvest! Espoma® Organic® Garden-tone® Herb & Vegetable Food has 100% natural and organic ingredients to give a long-lasting, slow-release feeding. Use as directed.
SHOP WITH EASE
At Calloway’s and Cornelius, we have everything you need for your fall vegetable garden! Stop by and explore our entire selection of cool season veggies! Vegetables and specific varieties will vary by location. Shop our neighborhood stores or shop online now!
Have questions? Ask our Texas Certified Nursery Professionals; they are here to help!
