Greens Wise

Collards shine in this soup from the South … of Europe

BY DANIELLE ROSE

As the mild Florida winter stretches ahead, gardeners are looking for easy-to-grow crops for the backyard garden. Collard greens are always my top recommendation. They’re a low-maintenance, abundant and beautiful addition to any garden, providing a versatile, nutritious ingredient for a variety of dishes — from Southern classics to international cuisine. 

In our subtropical climate, collard greens are well-suited to grow year-round, although they grow best in the cooler months from late fall through spring. If we get a frost, collard greens only get sweeter and more tender. I prefer growing them in a sunny spot, but they also do well in partial shade. Whether you're working with raised beds, containers or directly in the ground, collards require minimal care once established. A simple routine of watering, occasional fertilizing and regular harvesting is all they need to thrive. To harvest, snip or break off the lower leaves, allowing the stalk to grow taller as new leaves emerge from the top.