LIFE’S FLAVORS 2/23- Leafy greens ALLISON LIBBY-THESING OF THE OAKS BED & BREAKFAST

Late winter is the perfect time to plant greens. Greens are considered leafy vegetables which have an overall healthy aspect which should be included in every diet. They can be exactly what you like and will grow in just about any place. A great way to figure out what works best and where is to try different locations, planting styles and varieties.

We personally enjoy a salad mix. When we consider what to plant, we are looking for greens we can cut that will regenerate over time, until the “season” is concluded. This allows for multiple cuttings from one plant versus a head of lettuce or cabbage that yields only one cutting. Have no fear, if you are short on space we have just the idea for you. A movable planter box, makes for a wonderful addition to your home, that can be used again in a decorative function after the growing season. We love these local planter boxes from R & R Farms in Yantis. Their boxes will be able to be purchased from All Mixed Up in Yantis very soon.

Even though we like to plant a salad mix, we still plant those single cut options as well. It is still our belief that fresh is always best. A good rule of thumb is to plant a variety of greens. That way you can add flavor and texture to your salad or meal. This means that we grow greens that can be eaten raw or cooked. Kale, collards, napa cabbage and spinach are great multi-use plants to grow and consume.

The best part about growing greens is that they are simple and can be grown with other plants as well to enhance the use of space and the growing season. Since we focus on growing for salad mixes we include a wide variety of green options. Kale is one option we do not skimp on, a super food that is full of vitamins and nutrients you can not go wrong with a few varieties of kale. One of our favorite varieties is White Russian Kale. The color is lighter than the crinkle leaf kale you find in the store, and has a broader, flat leaf that curls a little around the edges.

Another favorite is spinach. Spinach is so versatile we try to always have some on hand. You can cook or eat spinach raw. It adds depth and flavor to the dishes you choose to add it to, while also providing your body with much need vitamins and minerals. One varietal of spinach we grow is Longevity Spinach. Another super food that has been found to reduce help reduce cholesterol and maintain sugar levels in diabetics. Right now our longevity spinach is inside until the weather settles in to a more moderate temperature.

Do not wait any longer, head on out to the store or check out some seeds on line to start growing your own greens for a new and healthy way to cook and eat at home, fresh from your yard. Start small with a few pots or go big and plant in some rows in the back yard. Either way, you can not go wrong with starting your own garden.

Contributed by Allison Libby-Thesing