Getting to Know Your Greens: Top Leafy Vegetables for Backyard Edibles

More people are starting to grow their own food so backyard gardens are turning into something more than just a nice spot in the yard. They are becoming a way to get fresh and healthy food right at home. Leafy greens are one of the best options for growing in your backyard and they can really add a lot to your garden. These greens are simple to grow and full of nutrients. They make your meals better and also bring a nice green look to your garden. Let's take a closer look at which leafy greens should be at the top of your gardening list.

Kale is often called a superfood and it is a tough plant that comes in different types like curly leaf and dinosaur kale. Kale does really well when the weather is cooler like in early spring and fall. It is packed with vitamins A C and K along with calcium and antioxidants. Kale can bounce back from frost which means you can keep picking it for a long time even when winter comes in many places.

Swiss chard adds a nice splash of color to your garden with its bright stems and shiny leaves. Being part of the beet family means it belongs to the genus Beta and that is why it has a taste that is kind of alike. Swiss chard can be grown all year if the climate is suitable. It is a strong plant that can bounce back after you pick it several times. It has a lot of vitamin K magnesium and iron which makes it a great part of your diet.

Spinach has a gentle taste and a soft feel which makes it a favorite for salads smoothies and cooked meals. Spinach likes it when it's a bit chilly and can be among the first things you pick in spring and one of the last in the fall. It has a lot of iron and vitamin C which helps different parts of the body work well and keeps the immune system in good shape.

Arugula which some people call rocket adds a spicy kick to salads and pestos. It grows fast in cooler areas and you can usually pick it about four weeks after you plant it. This green plant has a lot of calcium and vitamin K which are important for keeping bones strong. It can grow back fast so you can get several crops in one season.

Lettuce is a popular leafy green that comes in many types to match different flavors and cooking styles. Lettuce comes in different types like crunchy romaine soft butterhead and zesty arugula and it is simple to grow while usually keeping pests away. Planting different crops at various times can keep fresh produce coming all season long. Lettuce has a lot of water in it which makes it a nice thing to add to meals and it also provides some fiber and different vitamins.

Collard greens do well in a lot of different areas and they taste better after a little frost. They are easier to care for than many other vegetables which makes them a good choice for people who are just starting out with gardening. These greens take a little while to grow but they are packed with vitamins A C and K along with calcium and fiber.

Here are some ideas for growing greens well.

Getting the ground ready for planting: Make sure your soil has plenty of organic material in it. Mix some compost or aged manure into your soil to make it richer in nutrients.
Leafy greens like to have steady moisture so they don't get stressed out and taste bitter. A drip irrigation system works really well.
Gathering crops: If you want to keep getting more from your plants, try picking the outer leaves while leaving the inner ones to keep growing.
Planting different types of plants together: Grow your greens alongside onions and radishes to keep pests away and help them grow better.

If you add these greens to your garden you will be on your way to living healthier and making sure that your meals are better with fresh and nutritious food from your own yard. Start thinking about your garden now and before long you will have a lively area of plants that will make your yard look nice and give you fresh food to eat.