Collard Greens in Zone 7A — Midwest

Collard greens are a fantastic addition to any Midwest garden. Their slightly bitter, earthy flavor transforms beautifully with a little cooking, and they're incredibly versatile – think Southern-style braising, stir-fries, or even adding them raw to salads. Plus, there's real satisfaction in harvesting these leafy greens well into the fall, even after a light frost sweetens their flavor.

We do have to contend with the variable spring weather and occasional summer heat spells here in the Midwest, but don't let that deter you. With a 193-day growing season, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy a bountiful harvest of collards if you time your planting right.

Starting collard greens indoors is an option, but honestly, it's usually not necessary for Midwest gardeners. However, if you're eager to get a jump start or want to ensure an early harvest, you can start seeds indoors from early to late March, about four weeks before you plan to transplant them outside.

Use seed trays or small pots filled with a good seed-starting mix. Keep them consistently moist – bottom watering works great to avoid damping off – and provide plenty of light with a grow light or a sunny windowsill. Just remember, our spring weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared to protect those young plants if a late frost threatens.

Transplanting collard greens outdoors can be done from early April through early May. Before you put them in the ground, be sure to harden them off. This means gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions for about a week, increasing the time each day.

When transplanting, space the seedlings 18-24 inches apart in rows. Keep an eye on the weather forecast – those early April days can still bring a surprise frost. If frost is predicted, cover your young plants with a frost blanket or cloche.

Direct sowing collard greens is a perfectly viable option in the Midwest, and it's often the easiest route. Sow seeds from late March through late July, ensuring the soil temperature is at least 60°F.

Prepare the soil by loosening it and adding compost or well-rotted manure. Plant seeds about ½ inch deep and space them 18-24 inches apart, or thin them to that spacing once they germinate. Direct sowing gives the plants a strong start since they aren't disturbed by transplanting, and the soil in our region is fertile, so they take off quickly.

Collard greens need consistent moisture to produce tender, flavorful leaves, but luckily, our Midwest summers usually provide adequate rainfall. Aim to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy.

During dry spells, especially during those summer heat spells, water deeply about once or twice a week, providing about 1-1.5 inches of water. Stick your finger about 2 inches into the soil – if it feels dry, it's time to water. Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the leaves, which can encourage fungal diseases in our moderate-to-humid climate.

Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, while wilting leaves mean they need a drink. A layer of mulch, like straw or shredded leaves, can help retain moisture and suppress weeds, which is always a bonus.

You can expect your first harvest of collard greens from early June through late October, about 75 days after planting. The best time to harvest is when the lower leaves are 10-12 inches long.

Harvest by snipping off the outer leaves with a knife or garden shears, leaving the top rosette intact. This allows the plant to continue producing new leaves throughout the season. As we approach mid- October and the first frost, don't worry if a light frost hits – it actually sweetens the flavor of the leaves. You can continue harvesting until a hard freeze hits.

Here are some common problems you might encounter with collard greens in the Midwest:

• Cabbage Worms
• What it looks like: Smooth green caterpillars chewing irregular holes in leaves, dark green droppings, and white butterflies fluttering around.
• What causes it: Larvae of those pesky white cabbage butterflies. They can have multiple generations during our warm summers.
• How to fix/prevent it: Bt spray is your friend. Floating row covers can prevent the butterflies from laying eggs. Handpick caterpillars when you see them, and interplant with aromatic herbs like thyme or sage to deter them.
• Aphids
• What it looks like: Clusters of tiny green, black, or white insects on stems and leaf undersides, sticky honeydew residue, and curled or distorted new growth.
• What causes it: Rapidly reproducing sap-sucking insects that thrive in warm weather.
• How to fix/prevent it: A strong blast of water from the hose can knock them off. Encourage ladybugs and lacewings. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil for heavy infestations, and avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer.
• Cabbage Loopers
• What it looks like: Pale green caterpillars that move in a looping motion. They chew large holes in leaves, leaving behind a lot of droppings.
• What causes it: Similar to cabbage worms, they are the larvae of a moth. They enjoy munching on brassicas.
• How to fix/prevent it: Handpicking is effective. Bt spray works well. Row covers can keep the moths from laying eggs.
• Downy Mildew
• What it looks like: Yellow patches on leaf tops with fuzzy gray-purple growth on undersides. Leaves brown and die from the bottom up.
• What causes it: A pathogen that spreads in cool, humid conditions.
• How to fix/prevent it: Remove affected leaves immediately. Improve air circulation by spacing plants properly. Water at the base of the plants. Copper-based fungicides can help prevent it.

Midwest Specific Challenges: The moderate-to-hot summers and moderate-to-humid conditions in the Midwest can create favorable conditions for pests like cabbage worms and aphids. Also, wet-summer rainfall can increase the risk of fungal diseases like downy mildew. Regular monitoring and proactive measures are key to keeping your collard greens healthy.

Companion planting can be beneficial for collard greens. Onions and garlic help deter pests with their strong scent. Beets and potatoes are good neighbors because they don't compete for the same nutrients. Dill attracts beneficial insects that prey on pests like aphids.

Avoid planting strawberries or tomatoes near your collard greens. Strawberries are susceptible to similar fungal diseases, and tomatoes can attract pests that also attack collards. Planting the right companions can give your collard greens a boost in our Midwest gardens.