Leafy greens – the space-savers that give and give.
Hopefully, you started most of your winter plants in autumn, but if you still have some spaces to fill or are just starting on your organic gardening adventures, then leafy greens may be your answer.
Leafy greens include lettuce (especially loose-leaf varieties), English and sub-tropical types of spinach, silverbeet, rainbow chard, rocket, mustard greens, and Asian greens such as pak choi, tatsoi, bok choi and mizuna.
Asian greens, mustard greens, rainbow chard and loose leaf lettuce can be harvested regularly – simply pick the leaves as you need them. Pick outer leaves to best encourage continuous production. For faster harvest, choose Asian greens or loose-leaf lettuce such as Oakleaf, Butterhead, Australian Yellow Leaf, and Lollo Rosso or Bionda – these are commonly found in mixed seed packs and are ready in 6-8 weeks.
Growing Tips and Pest Control
Plant seedlings or start seeds off in rich, well-drained soil in full sun, ensuring consistent moisture and protection from snails. Effective natural slug and snail repellents include physical barriers like crushed eggshells and spray deterrents such as diluted garlic or coffee. Encouraging natural predators like birds and frogs also helps.
Enjoy your beautiful, fresh leafy greens straight from your own garden!
Read more stories from the Chermside Guide’s print magazine here:
- Chermside Connect: Updates from the Community
- Movie Review: A Loose End
- Podcast Review: The Rest is History
- Aussie Clog Set for Chermside
- McDowall Park To Host Free Swing Music Event
- Beams Road Upgrade Reaches Halfway Milestone
- Winter Magic Returns to Carseldine Markets
- Coda Brings European Dining to Chermside
- Roaring Fun Awaits at Dino Maniacs Show
- All-Male Zumba Event Boosts Men’s Health Awareness
- Neon Nights Nundah Glows Up Winter Weekend
- Swordwork Weekend Expands Workshops For Beginners
- Coven Conjures Theatre Magic In Australian Premiere
- Free Cooking Classes Support Skills for Older Men
- Samford Arts Trail Opens Doors to Creativity
- Janine’s Wallet Wins: Where to Buy Cheap Meat
- Adventures for Cooler Days Around Chermside
- Slow Fashion Workshop Inspires Mindful Clothing Choices
- Family Environmental Day Returns to Rainbow Lorikeet Park
