Growing in North Idaho: Early season greens
Christina Zampich
Before planting, punch a series of holes in the bottom of the potting soil bag for good drainage.
Cut a large rectangle in the top of the potting soil bag, leaving the sides in tact to hold in the soil. This makes a perfect, compact garden-in-a-bag.
If the temperature is cold or conditions are windy, use a plastic dome to protect the tender seedlings from frost or wind damage.
Tiny greens are starting to peek through the soil even with some frosty nights.
Are you yearning to start your vegetable garden? I am, but tomato planting is still weeks away. Luckily, you can begin early with some of the most nutritious plants available — greens. As a cool-season crop, spring is their season, and they will fizzle out with summer’s heat. Nutritious, easy to grow greens include mixed salad greens, spinach, arugula, chard, kale or even beet greens.
Pick your choice of seeds and decide on your growing container, patio area or a sunny portion of your garden. Is there a spot on your deck that you want to devote to growing greens? You can fill a shallow tray (3-4 inches deep) or use a pot filled with potting soil.
Do you want to plant directly in your garden bed? Cover the ground with 2-3 inches of potting soil, as it is too early to sow directly. You will want several inches of a soil medium that drains well and is loose enough for tender roots.
I have created my own growing container by taking a bag of potting soil and puncturing holes in the bottom for drainage. I cut a rectangle on the top of the bag, leaving the sides intact to hold the mix. Wet the soil so it is damp, but not soggy. Following seed packet planting guidelines, gently press seeds into the soil media.
Water every other day, or as needed — the soil should stay evenly moist. A water spritzer can be a useful tool to moisten it. You can cover the bag container or garden area with a plastic lid, cloche or row cover to protect from frost and help to retain heat. If the days are warm — remove the frost protection to avoid excessive heat.
Harvest when the greens are 2 to 4 inches tall for a salad or to use in a stir-fry. If you leave about 1 inch of stem and leaves, you can “cut and come again,” meaning the plants will continue to grow and you can harvest three or four more times.
What happens if a frost surprises you and wipes out your greens? Just seed again. Early gardeners must be adventurous. When I am finished growing my early greens, I reuse the potting mix elsewhere in the garden.
Since greens are cool-season crop, they are a great way to extend your gardening into the fall when cooler temperatures return. Just resow in mid-to-late summer for a fall crop.
Greens are some of the most nutritious foods and are so easy to grow. What a wonderful science experiment this could be for your children. They grow relatively quickly and kids can watch their progress. Children can harvest them by cutting with scissors and eat them in their salad for dinner. The “bagged garden” is small enough to fit into any area that is sunny and protected from wind. Happy planting.
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Christina Zampich is a Certified Idaho Master Gardener. The University of Idaho Extension, Kootenai County Idaho Master Gardener program is located in the UI Research Park, 958 S. Lochsa St., Post Falls. Learn more about us at uidaho.edu/extension/county/kootenai/garden or on Facebook. Visit us in person, email us at kootenaimg@uidaho.edu or call us at 208-292-2525. IMG services are free to the public.
