Cheers to cool season green veggies
Apr 19, 2021
Also known as Brassicaceae, Cruciferous, or Cole Crops... introducing The Brassica Family of green, nutrient dense, leafy vegetables. They are full life-sustaining properties. This talented family encompasses broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, collard and mustard greens, kale, kohlrabi, radishes, turnips, and rutabaga. YUM!
Here are some fun facts:
● Brassicas love the cool temperatures so they do best in the spring and fall months.
● They can be planted in a partially shaded garden.
● Cole crops are very leafy and they need lots of the macronutrient Nitrogen, so use composted manure when you plant and throughout the season.
● Flea beetles and cabbage loopers like Brassicas. If you practice chemical-free growing, pyrethrin and BT are natural pesticides. These are bug-specific killers that don’t affect nearby natural resources. Also growing flowers that attract beneficial insects helps!!
● Most of these plants need to be sown indoors first then transplanted outdoors into the ground for the best results.
● Easy to maintain.
● Favor moist soil.
● The word “cole” means stem.
These amazing vegetables are high in calcium, iron, magnesium, carotenoids, vitamin A and C A few benefits to the body include:
● You can eat A LOT of these vegetables and keep your calorie intake low.
● They want to keep you alive by decreasing the amount of inflammation inside your bodies which cause cancer, diabetes, heart problems and obesity.
● Stimulates the immune system. Very very important these days.
● It is all about the phytochemicals and these plants produce lots of them. They protect your cells.
If you are looking for recipes, there are many on the Web but here are few simple ways to get your fix:
● Blend leafy greens into smoothies
● Add to soups
● Cook in a pan with oil and salt and pepper
● Steam in a pot or roast in the oven
● Toss in a salad
● Use leaves as a wrap instead of tortillas
● Make a pesto!
Plant those Brassica’s y’all! To learn more about all edible gardening, sign up for our Reap What You Sow online program! If you prefer only in-person gardening you can attend our Garden Party Series starting in May 2021!
Author
Marlena Wolf
Author
Always following her passion to make things grow, she's been an entrepreneur for 10 years, a horticultural expert for 11 years, and a mom for 5 years.
Recent Posts
Summerthyme Herb Workshop in Louisville, KY
May 06, 2024
Community Gardens for Food Security
Apr 19, 2024
