Growing GREENS From Seed to Harvest

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**NEW**  SPECKLED LETTUCE

Mary's Heirloom Seeds Growing GREENS from Seed to Harvest Quick Links  SUPPLIES  ORGANIC PLANT FOOD  Heirloom BEANS Heirloom BEETS  Heirloom CABBAGE Heirloom CARROTS Heirloom CORN *NON-GMO*  Heirloom CUCUMBER HEIRLOOM SEEDS HEIRLOOM EGGPLANT Heirloom GREENS *Arugula, Dandelion, Kale, Endive, Radicchio, Chard, Spinach*   Heirloom ONIONS Heirloom PEAS Order Online and we SHIP! Join Our List Using Coconut Coir Pellets for Seed Starting is eco-friendly and oh-so-easy! **NEW** ARUGULA "ROQUETTE" May 7, 2015 We're on a roll here with planting season in full swing.  Many of you have asked about growing different varieties from seed so we'll continue to share our Growing Tips. If there is a variety in particular that you'd like more info about, please feel free to ask!  Growing GREENS from   Seed to Harvest  Lettuce and Spinach: Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep in moist soil.  It is best to sow lettuce or spinach seeds thinly in rows spaced about 1 ft. apart or simply scatter the seeds in blocks. Cover lightly with soil, firm in place and water well. Keep the soil moist until germination. Once the plants have a grown their true leaves, you can begin to thin the plants to about 6" apart. Start lettuce or spinach indoors or direct seeded in the garden as soon as the soil is workable.  Great for container gardens.    Spinach    Depending on the type of lettuce, harvest outer leaves only or cut down the whole head. Spinach can be harvested in the cut and come again method of harvesting lettuce. Cut individual leaves, starting with the older, outer leaves, and letting the young inner leaves remain and continue growing for a later harvest. You can also cut down the whole plant, for a larger harvest.   Swiss Chard and Kale: Tip: Soak seeds overnight in water before planting to ensure strong germination.   Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep and 3 inches apart. Set out seedlings 8 inches apart. Indoors or out, thin newly germinated seedlings with cuticle scissors instead of pulling them out. Chard seed capsules often contain two or more seeds. If more than one germinates snip off all but the strongest sprout at the soil line. Gradually thin direct-sown seedlings to 8-12 inches apart. Harvest individual leaves from the outer area but be sure to leave the crown intact.  Frequent picking helps to stimulate the production of new leaves.   Companion Plants for GREENS Chard: Bean, cabbage family, tomato, onion and roses. Don't overlook chard's value as an ornamental plant in flower beds or wherever you have room for it. Don't grow chard near cucurbits, melons, corn or herbs. Lettuce: Does well with beets, broccoli, bush beans, pole beans, carrots, cucumbers, onion, radish and strawberries. It grows happily in the shade under young sunflowers. Dill and lettuce are a perfect pair. Keep lettuce away from cabbage. Cabbage is a deterrent to the growth and flavor of lettuce.  Spinach: Plant with peas and beans as they provide natural shade for the spinach. Gets along with cabbage, cauliflower, celery, eggplant, onion, peas, strawberries and fava bean. Plant spinach with squash. It's a good use of space because by the time squash plants start to get big the spinach is ready to bolt.  Recipe for your GREENS Harvest  Herb Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing   Homemade Flatbread with Eggplant and Kale   Quick and easy Pear, Cranberry and Spinach Salad Radish and Cucumber Salad If you have additional questions please feel free to ask.  We usually reply within a few hours (unless we're out in the field).  Thanks you and have a wonderful day! Happy Planting, Mary Mary's Heirloom Seeds