The arrival of Spring gladdens the heart. It’s a time of renewal and fresh starts – the right time to put on your gardening gloves and get out the seed packets, hand trowel, and watering can. Leafy greens – think lettuce, spinach, arugula, snow peas, scallions, and Bok choy – thrive this time of year. They’re easy to grow and have enormous nutritional value. So what are you waiting for? Calling all seasoned gardeners and greenhorns! Check out these tips and get the most out of your garden this Spring 🌱!
1. Lettuce
A classic spring green, lettuce is fantastic on sandwiches and in wraps. It’s also the basis for an infinitude of salads. The gardener has many options to choose from, including romaine, butterhead, and leaf lettuce.
Nutritional Value: Low in calories but rich in vitamins A and K and folate, it’s a splendid source of fiber and a wise choice to promote digestive health.
Gardening Tips: Lettuce adores well-drained soil and plenty of sunshine, but it can also tolerate partial shade. Soil should be moist but not soggy. Depending on the variety, plant seeds directly into the soil about 1/4 inch deep and space them 6 to 12 inches apart. Baby greens can be harvested in around 30 days. Sow new seeds every few weeks to make sure you never run out of your leafy green lettuce.
2. Spinach
Popeye knew what he was talking about: Spinach is a great nutrient-dense leafy green that you can grow in your garden. It grows quickly in cool weather and can be ready to plate and eat as early as 30 to 45 days after planting.
Nutritional Value: Spinach is exploding with iron, vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C, and folate. It’s also a superb source of antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Gardening Tips: Spinach does best in slightly acidic, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Plant it in early spring when temperatures are between 50 and 60°F (10-15°C). Space the plants about 4 to 6 inches apart to allow room for their broad leaves. Dry conditions can lead to tough leaves, so regular watering is essential.
3. Arugula
Arugula’s peppery flavor adds a kick to salads, sandwiches, and pasta dishes. Like other leafy greens, it grows quickly and isn’t bothered by the cooler temperatures of early spring. In contrast to the mild and refreshing flavor of other leafy greens, Arugula’s the choice when you want to add some zowie to your meals.
Nutritional Value: Arugula’s packed with vitamins A, C, and K, and contains significant amounts of calcium, potassium, and folate. It’s also bursting with antioxidants and nitrates, which can help improve blood flow.
Gardening Tips: Its profile is similar other types of lettuce: sun is good, shade is okay. Plant seeds directly into well-drained, slightly alkaline soil about 1/4 inch deep and 6 inches apart. It can be harvested in about a month. Just so you don’t run out, plant new seeds every 2-3 weeks.
4. Snow Peas
Ah, the majestic Snow pea! So versatile – fresh, stir-fried, or as an addition to soups. Not all peas have edible pods like the Snow pea. When harvested early, they’re especially sweet and tender – yummmmm.
Nutritional Value: Snow peas are an excellent source of vitamins C & A, iron, fiber, folate, and potassium – so critical to maintaining healthy bones, skin and boosting immunity.
Gardening Tips: This will surprise you, I know: Snow peas require well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter. But did you know they also need a trellis or support structure to climb as they grow? They do. Plant the seeds 1 inch deep and 1-2 inches apart in rows 18-24 inches apart. Water consistently, especially during dry spells. For the best flavor, and harvest the pods when they’re young.
5. Green Onions (Scallions)
Nothing like some Green Onions for garnishing dishes and adding a touch of mild onion flavor to recipes. They’re very easy to grow. Harvest them early for greens or wait until they mature if you’re after bigger bulbs.
Nutritional Value: Green onions are a fine source of vitamin K & C, antioxidants, and fiber. They also contain small amounts of folate and calcium.
Gardening Tips: You know the drill by now: well-drained, fertile soil (with a pH level of 6.0 to 7.0 for best results). Plant seeds or sets 1 inch deep and space them 4-6 inches apart. Green onions are relatively low-maintenance and can be grown in containers or garden beds. Keep the soil moist, and harvest when the leaves are about 6 inches tall.
6. Bok Choy
Also known as Chinese cabbage, Bok choy is a leafy green with crunchy white stems and dark green leaves. It’s a popular choice for Asian dishes like stir-fries and soups.
Nutritional Value: Bok choy is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, potassium, and folate. Throw in antioxidants and fiber and you’ve got an outstanding leafy green.
Gardening Tips: Well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep and space them 6 to 8 inches apart. Fast-growing, Bok choy matures in about 40-50 days. Don’t forget to water consistently.
7. Let’s Not Forget These Spring Greens
In addition to the greens listed above, other members of the lettuce family do well in early spring: mustard greens, Swiss chard, collard greens, and kale. A wealth of flavors and textures combine with vitamins A, C, K and high levels of calcium and iron to make lettuce in any of its guises a must-have for any meal.
Gardening Tips for Spring Greens: For all of these plants, make sure to provide well-drained soil and consistent moisture. Most of these greens prefer cooler temperatures (55-75°F or 13-24°C), so planting them early in the spring ensures a successful harvest. Plus, using row covers can help protect your greens from frost while promoting healthy growth.
The Wrap-Up
Spring is a terrific time to get into the garden and grow these delish and healthful leafy greens. They bring a burst of flavor and nutrition to any meal, and with very little effort, you can enjoy them all season long.
