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August 16, 2011

University of Maryland Extension: Plant of the Week

Mustard Greens

Brassica juncea

Text by Bob Orazi

Photo by Cornell University

Have any space left in your garden? Mustard greens are quick to mature, easy to grow, and nutritional in your diet.

Mustards are in the Brassicae family of plants, which includes collards, kale, turnips, and pac choi. They come in many forms and colors averaging 45 to 65 days to maturity. You can use mustard greens to spice up a salad or cook them with other greens.

Mustards are tolerant of cool fall temperatures. In fact, a light frost will increase the sugar content and flavor. Broadcast the seed on a raised bed about a ¼” deep in mid-August. Thin plants to 8” centers. Row cover will help with insect pests like flea beetle. Plants are medium feeders, responding well to nitrogen applications.

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About Susan Reimer

Susan Reimer has spent 16 years writing about raising kids - among other topics - in her column for The Baltimore Sun. And every time son Joseph or daughter Jessie passed another milestone - driver's license, college, wedding or a move to a new military duty station - she has planted another garden. Now she will be writing about those gardens - and yours - here on Garden Variety.

Susan isn't an expert gardener, but she wasn't an expert mother, either. Both - the kids and the gardens - seem to be doing well in spite of her.

She lives in Annapolis with her husband, Gary Mihoces, who loves to cut his grass but has noticed that there seems to be less of it every time the kids pass another milestone.

Follow @susanreimer on Twitter