How to Grow Mustard Greens in Tennessee: A Complete Guide

How to Grow Mustard Greens in Tennessee: A Complete Guide

Mustard greens are a fast-growing, nutrient-packed leafy vegetable that thrives in cool weather. With Tennessee’s moderate climate, gardeners have the opportunity to grow mustard greens in both the spring and fall seasons. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, mustard greens are an easy and rewarding crop to cultivate in Tennessee.

1. Understanding Tennessee’s Growing Climate

Tennessee falls within USDA Hardiness Zones 6a to 8a, offering a growing season that spans from early spring to late fall. Mustard greens thrive in cool weather, making them perfect for early spring planting, typically in March or April, and again in the fall, from September through November. The mild winters in Tennessee’s southern regions may even allow for winter harvesting with the right protection.

2. Choosing the Right Mustard Green Varieties

There are several varieties of mustard greens, each offering unique textures and flavors. Some popular varieties for Tennessee gardens include:

• Southern Giant Curled: Known for its large, curly leaves and slightly spicy flavor, this variety is particularly well-suited for southern climates.

• Red Giant: With its reddish-purple leaves and robust flavor, Red Giant adds a beautiful splash of color to your garden and plate.

• Mizuna: A Japanese mustard green with slender, feathery leaves and a mild peppery taste, Mizuna is excellent for salads and stir-fries.

Selecting a variety depends on your taste preferences, but all mustard greens generally share the same growing requirements.

3. Preparing the Soil

Mustard greens are relatively low-maintenance, but they grow best in rich, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.5). Here are some key steps to prepare your soil for planting:

• Test the soil: A soil test can help you determine if any amendments are needed to adjust pH or nutrient levels. Your local Tennessee Cooperative Extension office offers soil testing services.

• Add organic matter: Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting. This not only enriches the soil but also improves drainage, which is important for preventing root diseases.

• Loosen the soil: Mustard greens have shallow roots, so tilling or loosening the top 6 inches of soil will help the plants establish strong root systems.

4. Planting Mustard Greens

Mustard greens can be grown from seeds or transplants. Here’s a step-by-step guide to planting:

• Direct seeding: For most gardeners, direct seeding is the easiest and most effective method. Sow the seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows spaced about 12-18 inches apart. Once the seedlings reach about 2 inches tall, thin them to 6-12 inches apart, depending on the variety and how large you want the plants to grow.

• Transplanting: If you prefer to start seeds indoors, begin about 4-6 weeks before your desired planting date. Transplant seedlings outdoors once they have 4-5 true leaves and nighttime temperatures consistently stay above freezing.

Mustard greens grow quickly and will begin producing edible leaves within 4-6 weeks of planting.

5. Caring for Mustard Greens

Once your mustard greens are established, they require regular care to thrive.

• Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during hot spells or dry periods. Mustard greens do not tolerate drought well, and dry conditions can lead to bitter or tough leaves. Aim for 1-1.5 inches of water per week, either from rainfall or irrigation.

• Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the plants to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil cool.

• Fertilizing: Mustard greens benefit from additional nitrogen for optimal leafy growth. Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 mix, at planting and once during the growing season if the plants appear to need a boost.

• Weeding: Keep the garden bed free from weeds that compete with mustard greens for nutrients and water.

6. Pest and Disease Management

Like many leafy greens, mustard greens can attract pests such as aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage worms. Here’s how to manage common pests:

• Aphids: These small insects can cluster on the undersides of leaves, sucking sap from the plant. Knock them off with a strong spray of water or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs.

• Flea beetles: These tiny, hopping beetles chew small holes in the leaves. Floating row covers can protect young plants from infestations.

• Cabbage worms: Green caterpillars that feed on mustard greens can be controlled by hand-picking or by using organic insecticides like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).

To prevent diseases such as downy mildew and white rust, ensure good air circulation by spacing plants properly and avoid overhead watering.

7. Harvesting Mustard Greens

One of the best things about mustard greens is how quickly they mature. Depending on the variety, you can begin harvesting leaves as early as 30-40 days after planting. Harvesting tips include:

• Baby greens: For tender baby mustard greens, pick leaves when they are 3-4 inches long. These young leaves are perfect for salads or stir-fries.

• Full-size leaves: For mature leaves, harvest when they reach about 6-8 inches in length. Cut the outer leaves first, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing for multiple harvests.

• Entire plant: If you prefer, you can harvest the entire plant when it reaches maturity by cutting the stem at the base. This is typically done in late fall before the first hard frost.

If growing mustard greens for their seeds, allow the plants to bolt (go to flower) in late spring or early summer. The seed pods can be harvested once they dry on the plant.

8. Growing Mustard Greens in Fall

Fall is an ideal time to grow mustard greens in Tennessee. The cooler temperatures reduce the risk of bolting (premature flowering) and tend to enhance the flavor of the greens. Plant seeds in late August to early September, allowing them to grow into the cooler months. Some varieties can even withstand light frosts, which can improve the taste, making the greens sweeter and less pungent.

9. Companion Planting

Mustard greens grow well alongside other cool-season crops like carrots, onions, and radishes. Avoid planting them near pole beans or nightshades like tomatoes and peppers, as they don’t thrive in the same soil conditions.

Conclusion

Mustard greens are an excellent addition to any Tennessee garden, offering fast growth, nutritional value, and delicious flavors. With the right variety and growing conditions, you can enjoy multiple harvests throughout the year. Whether you’re growing them in early spring or late fall, mustard greens provide a fresh, healthy crop that can thrive in Tennessee’s climate with minimal effort.