Growing Collard Greens | Things to Know + Bonus Tip

[@katievaughn9091]

My friend had the best collards . For pest he mixed up a hot pepper spray to spray for his pest and it worked . The greens turned out perfect.

[@BBettaGarden]

Thanks for the rec Katie! I just planted collard last week. Hoping for a bounty this year!

[@igrowdaily]

What’s hot pepper spray

[@joycejohnson1600]

Your greens are beautiful! What are the white rods that you use to put the tulle on to cover the greens. Do you have to wait until the frost to harvest them?

[@ladyjpolite]

@@joycejohnson1600 it's probably pvc piping

[@tishj8032]

@@joycejohnson1600 kzbin.infoN3_0FtR_0fc?si=FH9sxYHoSR2TbWZH

[@ogrich1820]

Beautiful work. And the shirt...🤌🏾

[@BBettaGarden]

😊😊thank you!

[@ReasonsWhy5]

Thanks for sharing, Those are some beautiful collards!🥬🥬🥬🥬

[@BBettaGarden]

Thanks!

[@freewaybaby]

Thanks for sharing your experience growing collards. Very few gardeners on KZbin do what you have done on this video and it’s really important …and that is stating WHERE you are growing and the dates you plant, etc. I really appreciate both. I’m growing in 8b and knowing what you’re doing let me adjust to my zone. Thank you again!

[@BBettaGarden]

Freewaybaby! Thank you so much for you comment (and for watching). I think those notes are super important and it's great to read from that another gardener finds it helpful too. 💚

[@amysizemore5287]

I’m in Florida. I grow them year round. Constantly cutting to just the new leaves and cooking. Keeping them very thin in the summer. 😊. My favorite vegetable

[@BBettaGarden]

Amy!!! I just love to hear you're growing them year round, in Florida, no less! I just love them! 💚💚

[@thebusybrownangel5829]

Beautiful collards! Great harvest and tips! Thanks for sharing 💚

[@BBettaGarden]

Thanks for watching and commenting! ~Batavia

[@yolereed1]

i just found you and can't wait to listen to more lessons, experiences. i live in the Dallas, Tx area and realize my will be different but still the same. thank you

[@BBettaGarden]

Great to meet you! I'm already super excited about the next growing season and what I'll have to share! Take care. ~ Batavia

[@313hobbyme]

My husband and I are urban gardeners, and we have a very aggressive squirrel population. We used the tulle (5:43), but they ripped a hole and ate our brassica. We are gonna try some chicken wire next season.

[@BBettaGarden]

So sorry to hear that. I've found a stray cat inside of my bed once that had tulle fabric on it. I don't know if the hole was there first of the cat😞. I am using black garden to try to beat the squirrels to my tomatoes when they ripen. That of course doesn't help the brassicas situation. One last note, I've not used it but have you tried insect netting? I *believe* the fabric is thicker..now I know squirrels can tear through just about anything but it's a thought.

[@lavernabouzspain]

I hear your concern. Tom squirrel came in and cause an uproar in my veggie garden. Thanks for update on the garden tulle. I'm going to try for the Fall Garden so I'm going to do some research and see how my garden might be more of a discouragement for Tom Squirrel. Smile. Thanks again for the heads up! God bless!

[@Our_Urban_Homestead]

Commenting on your latest video- because I can’t wait to see what you do this year…. And I’m binge watching, cuz we all love Ms. Batavia !!

[@BBettaGarden]

There she is! I'm clearly tardy to the party 💚.

[@mikeschaoticgardening]

Nice tips and information!

[@BBettaGarden]

Heya Mike! Thanks!

[@NicoleSmithGardening]

@mikeschaoticgardening Hey, Mike! So fun seeing you here 👋🏼

[@mikeschaoticgardening]

@@NicoleSmithGardening 🖐🏽😀 hi nicole!

[@hellotherehomestead]

This video had some wonderful and helpful info! This is my first year growing collards. Thank you so much!

[@BBettaGarden]

So glad it was helpful. Good luck with your collards (one of my favs!) and feel free to drop in if you have questions that I might be able to help with. ~Batavia

[@dameoftruth4022]

I love the tulle idea.

[@BBettaGarden]

Thanks! It really does work!

[@Nclk619]

I love collard greens

[@BBettaGarden]

Thanks!

[@Witt882]

Your collard greens look so healthy. Great video and thank you for your ideas and tips!

[@BBettaGarden]

Thanks Robin!

[@msraqi5796]

You are so inspiring! I can’t wait until spring gets here. I will spend my winter getting ready!!! I wanna be like you when I grow up. Lol

[@BBettaGarden]

You're so kind Ms Raqi! It already feels like Spring can't get here quick enough :-)

[@wendybratton2159]

Yay! I was so happy to find you. Someone else in Chicago who was gardening in raised garden beds especially for collards. Thanks for the tips! Two years ago, I had trouble with those pesky cabbage moths that destroyed a large portion of my collards. Last year, I used tulle draped over a small greenhouse frame and that eliminated the problem. This will be my first year growing collards in a raised garden bed so i'm excited.

[@BBettaGarden]

Heya Chicago Neighbor 💚! So glad you found me, welcome! A friend suggested the fabric years ago and it was a God send. My only * around the tulle fabric is, it's hard to get it to last more than one season. But it has saved a many of greens in my garden! Happy growing! ~B

[@Ajyn4Life]

New viewer from 3 hours south of you. Love the content so far! Can't wait for next year's garden!

[@BBettaGarden]

Heya Neighbor ☺️. Thanks so much for checking out my channel and for commenting. ~ Batavia

[@DS-ob3gt]

I found neem oil to be great! Great video!

[@BBettaGarden]

Thanks!

[@ivriyamerican8649]

Omg! You really are an inspiration! Thank you 😊

[@BBettaGarden]

You're so welcome!

[@carolhedgspeth]

Thank you for the helpful tips. So good to hear that you are in the same area as myself.

[@BBettaGarden]

Heya Garden Neighbor! Glad I could help.

[@georgefavor4241]

Thanks for the tip on keeping the collards fresh and crisp after picking. I'm here in South Georgia and love growing. Southern Farmers Collaborative Group Motto is to "Keep on Growing".

[@BBettaGarden]

Keep on Growing! I love it. Thanks for checking out my video.

[@OakCity7797]

Good tip on holding the greens.

[@BBettaGarden]

🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@kaiiasworld405]

Hi im in Bellwood IL not sure of my zone but myself and my husband started growing collards this year and they grew wonderfully but we didn't know what was eating them. Thank you for this video it was so informative

[@BBettaGarden]

Hey IL neighbor! I'd guess you're in zone 6 too So glad to read that the video was helpful. Those white butterflies (I probably said moths in the video) are so pretty but they lead to so much damage 🙁. P.S. if you're interested, you can go here and enter your zip to find your zone. planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/

[@denesestanley7011]

Beautiful collards❤. Thanks

[@BBettaGarden]

Thank you Denese! ~ Batavia

[@bbundy4183]

I’m a new subscriber. Watched you before and forgot to subscribe. You popped up again and since I enjoyed watching your channel, I did not forget to subscribe this time. Happy New Year and all the best in your garden.🥕🥬🍅🥗

[@BBettaGarden]

Happy New Year B Bundy! So glad that you came across my channel again. The countdown for Spring and getting out in the garden is on ☺️☺️.

[@bbundy4183]

@@BBettaGarden yes, Spring will be here before you know it and watching your channel keeps me excited. I’m in NY so it is cold and rainy. However, I am working indoors setting up my Berdies raised beds. Keep sharing your videos.

[@MorrisandApril]

I am in Texas and the pests are a huge issue here in the spring and early summer. I am trying to grow collards hydroponically inside. Your collards are the ones that I have been trying to grow for my husband. We get leaf miner issues where they get in the leaf and move around.

[@BBettaGarden]

Heya! I commented under a different video and asked where you were. I see you're in Texas, have you tried growing them in the Fall going into winter? I've had some flowers and weeds get attacked by leaf miners but it's been very minor (no pun intended). Also, I was poking around online and covering the greens may help against leaf miners too. "Row covers can be effective at preventing adult insects from laying their eggs. Use row covers to control leaf miners on leafy greens and other plants in areas where there was no previous leaf miner damage the year before." from www.almanac.com/pest/leaf-miners

[@MooreLegacyFarms]

@@BBettaGarden YES!!! Those are the ones that get my Brassicas the MOST! I will work on designing row covers. That is brilliant. I also bought tree collards this year and can’t wait to see how they turn out. I will cover them as well.

[@BBettaGarden]

@@MooreLegacyFarms a few years ago, I scoured the internet for ideas on creating low tunnels so I could cover my beds with plastic but I also use them more often to cover my greens with netting (isn't as effective for my greens) and the tulle fabric. Here is a video where I create the hoops. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5O3hWZ9Z9J0pa8 Since this video, I've tried one more method that lets me cover smaller beds and containers. You can see what it looks like in this short video (it's the dome thats on the black grow bag at the end). kzbin.info34OJn2sreaE?feature=share

[@MooreLegacyFarms]

@@BBettaGarden Oh my goodness thank you!!!

[@BBettaGarden]

@@MooreLegacyFarms YW!

[@rastamantedgardening1]

Love your garden I a small space garden too keep it up grow to eat

[@BBettaGarden]

Thanks so much!

[@FreddieRigginsJr]

I'm new I am going to try and growing me some veggies I will stay in touch with your videos 🎉

[@BBettaGarden]

Thanks for watching and commenting! And welcome to gardening!😊

[@msraqi5796]

Thank you!!!

[@BBettaGarden]

You're welcome!

[@superslyfoxx1]

Great thorough video . Gorgeous greens

[@BBettaGarden]

Thanks so much!

[@debsaletta9024]

Thanks for sharing the detail! I love your collards!

[@BBettaGarden]

Heya Deb! It's my pleasure!

[@reginadawson2700]

Your greens look Great!!

[@BBettaGarden]

Thanks Regina!

[@margaretlocke7938]

Your collards are awesome. Thanks for the info

[@BBettaGarden]

Thanks and you're welcome!😊💚

[@Peaches2Plums]

Thanks for the tips

[@BBettaGarden]

You're welcome Tonya!

[@bluestgirl735]

Beautiful plants! Thanks for sharing your tips and experience.

[@BBettaGarden]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Ki-l7s]

Wow, you have great collards 🌟🌞⭐️

[@BBettaGarden]

Thank you!💚

[@memascabin1186]

Thank you for sharing your great ideas for the greens

[@BBettaGarden]

It's my pleasure!

[@NolimitErik1466]

Like your channel I would like to know what type of potting mix you use.

[@BBettaGarden]

Thanks Larry! I'll buy some potting soil that's on sale at the big box store, ex. Miracle grow. But based on the number of containers I have, I've been making my own. The herbal receipe I used is: 1/3 peat moss (or coco coir) + 1/3 regular garden soil or top soil + 1/3 compost I also use spent container soil and then just add some garden soil and compost until it has the look and feel of what I normally mix up. I hope this helps.

[@brenmichael1806]

Hi Batavia your harvest looks good. I Enjoy your videos so much had to drop in to say Nice collards as Usual. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to seeing you in the Spring. Continued Blessings 😁😁😁

[@BBettaGarden]

Heya Brenda! Great to read from you. I'm planning for spring now!☺️ take care ~ Batavia

[@LawnLifters]

Hi from Houston

[@BBettaGarden]

Heya!! I have family in Houston!💚

[@Gardeningnature768]

good idea

[@BBettaGarden]

Thanks!

[@Gardeningnature768]

@@BBettaGarden yes all right 😘😘

[@deborhasmith6285]

Great video...very helpful for me.

[@BBettaGarden]

So glad to hear that Deborha!

[@vagabonddeesadventures8491]

Great video. Lots of information.

[@BBettaGarden]

Glad it was helpful!💚

[@TheBudgetingHomesteader]

New subbie here: i never knew to rotate crops thanks for the tips 😊

[@BBettaGarden]

Welcome! Glad to help!

[@YT4Me57]

Beautiful greens! How do you store them? (chop and freeze, canning?) I've never heard anyone mention that before. 🤔

[@BBettaGarden]

Thank you! I've frozen them after cutting them, blanching them, putting in an ice bath, squeezing the water out and then flash freezing in cup serving size and putting them in a container or plastic bag. I've also completely cooked them, and then frozen left overs in mason jars. I wanted to try pressure canning them this year but didn't get around to it.

[@kevin.m213]

Hey Batavia! Had some great success with collards thanks to your tips this year. Wondering if ypu had your favorite recipe posted anywhere i could try!

[@BBettaGarden]

Heya Kevin! Hearing your collards did well makes my garden heart sing 💚! I poked around the interweb to see if I could find a recipe that's pretty close to how I cook my collards. This recipe is pretty close www.google.com/amp/s/www.food.com/amp/recipe/paula-deens-collard-greens-346611 A lot of people add a splash of vinegar (either white or apple cider) and use chicken broth. Here is a recipe with a few other ingredients which will also get you a great pot of greens! food52.com/recipes/35213-collard-greens-with-smoked-turkey-leg P.S. some folks use bacon or ham hocks or turkey wings. My fav is turkey legs. P.P.S. There are also vegetarian and vegan recipes where you would likely use onions, peppers (sweet and maybe hot) and maybe some different types of seasons to enhance the flavor. Enjoy!

[@kevin.m213]

@@BBettaGarden You're the best, thank you!

[@BBettaGarden]

YW!

[@michellereed5943]

Hello I am new to your channel and live in Chicago also, are there any Garden clubs you recommend?

[@BBettaGarden]

Heya Garden neighbor! I don't know if any garden clubs but if I hear of any, I will come back to your comment and reply💚.

[@tinatriestoplan8316]

I just found your channel & subscribed. I'm in IL also, and it's good to have a resource that's close to my zone & state. I see you have a tomato canning video. Have you ever canned your greens? I'm planning on doing that this year. I'm growing mustard, turnip, & collards, which I never buy/cook.

[@BBettaGarden]

Heya Chicago Neighbor!! So glad you came across my channel! I pressure canned some of my collards last year. They were just as good as the ones I freeze and thaw and heat up. The only challenge was getting the pot liquor to greens ratio right.. I ended up canning some pot liquor too so I just open about a can of each when I want some greens.😊😊 hope to see you around the channel this season!💚

[@tinatriestoplan8316]

@BBettaGarden I did freeze some greens, which I'll do from time to time, & they turn out great. Kroger had them in sale last week & I got 10 bunches! I dont even own a pressure canner at the moment, but its on my list. It's good to know the info regarding the pot liquor. I'm actually about 2 1/2 hours south in Peoria. See you around...

[@BBettaGarden]

Oh shoot! A couple hours south of Peoria? Tina, that absolutely makes you my garden neighbor😊💚! I claim anyone from the surrounding states and the states that surround those states, lol.

[@danmason7693]

How do you secure the bottom of the tulle fabric? If I leave any gaps those caterpillars find a way in. House flies too!

[@BBettaGarden]

Heya! I use spring clamps like this (1in and 2in). www.homedepot.com/p/Anvil-1-in-Spring-Clamp-99692/302755767 I’ve also heard of some folks using clothespins.

[@midwestlighting]

What’s your take on using a cayenne water base spray as a repellent

[@BBettaGarden]

Heya! A lot of folks have suggested it. I've never used it but in theory, I think it could work. I'm just not a fan of the repeated applications after rain and potentially simple watering.

[@JohnChapman7]

I found some collards growing in the garden that survived the winter! They were uprooted and not intended to be used. Any thoughts on replanting them?

[@BBettaGarden]

Heya John! Collards are biennial which means they will likely bolt/flower/go to seed in this year (year 2) BUT someone commented recently about being in heat 4 or 5 with the same plants. If you can spare the space, I would leave them where they are an enjoy them as long as you can ☺️.

[@seedssoilsunshine2909]

Beautiful collards! May I ask the brand of fertilizer you used?

[@BBettaGarden]

Thanks! I believe I used Burpee's All Purpose organic fertilizer (it might have been their Tomato + Vegetable version). The granular fertilizer was added when I planted and ~maybe~ once more during the season..im pretty bad about keeping up a routine. I also use Neptunes Harvest Fish and Seaweed liquid fertilizer.

[@robertwoodfin]

Can I directly sow in regular dirt? I’m also in Chicago and I’m trying to plant tomorrow. Is the soil to wet to sow directly? I do have raise bed soil laying around.

[@BBettaGarden]

Hi Chicago neighbor! Generally speaking, yes, you can do directly into the dirt. Seeds germinate at different temps though. For collards, I haven't direct sow'd them in the spring so I'm not sure if the soil is "warm enough" yet. But once you sow, I would expect to see the seeds germinate / sprout within 1 to 2 weeks. Good garden luck!

[@robertwoodfin]

@@BBettaGarden Thank you! I was aiming for today but I might wait another day!

[@BBettaGarden]

@@robertwoodfin yeah, today is kinda messy. I'm hoping to get into the garden tomorrow. ☺️

[@ynvaqt80]

Hello!! I want to get into gardening…a small one. I don’t know anything about gardening though😩 I need help step by step

[@BBettaGarden]

Hey there! I don't do many step by step videos but I find this channel is super helpful with breaking down different garden things. youtube.com/@HollisNancysHomestead?si=P60C_TmTeLXIs6lQ Wishing you a wonderful garden journey and hope to see you in the comments!💚

[@brandonmonroe7050]

Which variety are these collard plants? I must have missed it.

[@BBettaGarden]

I bought the transplants and they were simply labeled "collards" so I'm not sure if the variety. But based on the way they grew and the look of the leaves, I believe they are Georgia collards 😊.

[@rolandwood3675]

Use some neem oil spray it on leaves that will protect your greens

[@BBettaGarden]

Thanks for the rec!

[@giax2031]

What store did you buy the transplants from?

[@BBettaGarden]

Heya! I bought them from either Home Depot or Lowe's maybe in March or April of that year.

[@jessek-9scentdetectiontrai10]

Beautiful Smile ma'am 🤎

[@BBettaGarden]

Thank you!!

[@jalisawilliams7006]

When you say “that makes them sweeter” are you saying that you freeze them after cleaning and cutting? Then when you cook them after being frozen, they are sweeter??

[@BBettaGarden]

Hi Jalisa! When we get frosts, collards and some other greens and root vegetables begin to convert their stored starch into sugar. So people say that the greens are sweeter after we get a few frosts in the garden.

[@Mil-yo4rt]

What type of collard green do you grow?

[@BBettaGarden]

Hi Mil! This video was from 2022 and I picked up Bonnie transplants and they didn't label them, so I'm not sure of the variety. In previous years, I've also had success with Georgia collards and Top bunch collards.

[@pearlbrown177]

Hi Chicago I’m from there but living in Michigan now. Do you only get the bugs when they matured? I’m just starting great information.

[@BBettaGarden]

Heya neighbor! I normally get aphids in towards the end of Summer and since I plant them in April (ish) the plants are mature. But the cabbage worm is in my area starting in April and basically until early Fall and they attack the collard leaves, no matter the size/how mature they are.

[@pearlbrown177]

@@BBettaGarden Thanks that's good to know so basically the entire grow time they can be attacked. I'm debating on a screen house do you think that would be better? And what do you use for the insets and worms?

[@BBettaGarden]

Heya! For my area, yep, basically the entire season. And a screened in house would be great but also think about plants you may grow that need pollination (not the greens of course).. I probably point this out because I'm terrible about hand pollination☺️. And between the dirt and the plant life, I've accepted that the insects and worms will come. For the 'bad' worms (army worms, hornworms, cabbage worms) I handpick until I get them under control. P.S. there are some insecticides that are considered organic, like Bt (Bacillus Thuringiensis) that can serve as a preventative measure for some caterpillars and worms.

[@pearlbrown177]

@@BBettaGarden Thanks a bunch

[@user-gg6yx1zb6r]

What do you do when they have wholes

[@BBettaGarden]

Sometimes I cut around the damage. And other times if it's too much damage, I'll throw the leaf out.

[@beeb9078]

My Collards are turning brown around the edges. I'm not sure what I am doing wrong

[@BBettaGarden]

So sorry to hear. Sounds like they might be getting sun burned. Are you in a place where it's 90+ degrees Fahrenheit often?

[@beeb9078]

@@BBettaGarden yes

[@BBettaGarden]

You may have better success really early spring and again in the Fall. There are definitely places that can't grow greens and things late spring / summer because of the heat.

[@ronaldjones1274]

I prefer to cut and come again outer leave The size of your hand because they are less bitter and more tender.

[@BBettaGarden]

Heya Ronald. Every year I say that I'm going to pick the greens when they are younger and smaller and every year I end up with greens the size in the video. I need to pick a bunch this week that have gotten pretty big. I use the cut and come again method too so I'll get another few chances to harvest them when they are smaller😊

[@IdaSnow-xd8ni]

What do you have the Yellow Sea

[@BBettaGarden]

I didn't understand.

[@lyricgraysonsnikkie3122]

Ny greens are bolting . I see seeds when do i pluck and plant

[@BBettaGarden]

Heya! I think you have 3 options: - if you they have produced flowers and you can spare the space, leave them because the bees love them. - if you want to save seeds, leave them in until the seed pods completely dry/turn brown. -if you're not saving seeds, you can pull the plants out now. (I normally pull them out of my garden)

[@lyricgraysonsnikkie3122]

@@BBettaGarden is there any way to save the plant. My momma started growing them , she recently passed away and if I could save them I'd love that

[@lyricgraysonsnikkie3122]

Pls help

[@BBettaGarden]

@@lyricgraysonsnikkie3122 I'm so very sorry for your loss. From what you described, it sounds like the plant is completing its life cycle by flowering and then producing seeds (it's common in the year after they were planted but sometimes happens in the first year). Once this starts the leaves won't be as enjoyable. Maybe consider letting it complete the seed producing process and save as many seeds as you can (it could be hundreds or thousands) and then each year you plant from those saved seeds, you'll know you're planting seeds from the original plant your mother grew. ❤️

[@lyricgraysonsnikkie3122]

@@BBettaGarden REAL TEARS, THANK YOU

[@BestyetJourney]

XOXO

[@BBettaGarden]

👋🏽

[@Healedhomegirl]

What is BT?

[@BBettaGarden]

Hi Ebony! It stands for Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and is an organic-approved pesticide. In case you want to dig a bit further, this is a resource I use: extension.illinois.edu/news-releases/organic-pest-control

[@FloridaBoy_Dcole]

What’s a crisper lol

[@BBettaGarden]

Heya! I meant the crisper drawer in the refrigerator 😀.

[@Lilbukskin]

How large is your family, there’s just 2 of us

[@BBettaGarden]

Hi Brenda. I'm a household of one ☺️.

[@missdevemissdeve8266]

Onion or whey

[@BBettaGarden]

I didn't understand.

[@trialedthroughthefurnace6605]

They are not that big..... those are very small for GA greens

[@BBettaGarden]

Heya! I still don't know what variety they were. Any thoughts?

[@erickahumphrey3061]

Great looking collards! What kind are they?!

[@BBettaGarden]

Hi Ericka! I bought these as transplants and unfortunately they weren't labeled so I don't know the variety.

[@erickahumphrey3061]

@@BBettaGarden ohhh right!! I remember that video.😂😂😂😂😂

[@meekshouse21]

Can you shoe the bug🐛 when you find it? I tried growing collards🥬 twice, and this is my first harvest, but nothing compared to yours. I actually saw them going to seed🤦🏾‍♀️. Not sure what I am doing wrong.🤷🏾‍♀️

[@BBettaGarden]

Heya! I didn't follow your question about the bun. If the greens are going to seed the same year you planted them, it's probably too hot to grow them in your area at that time. For example, some folks in southern states in the U.S. only grow them in the Fall or very early Spring because it's too hot during the summer for them to grow (without bolting and going to seed).

[@meekshouse21]

@B Betta Garden you answered it 🤣🤣. Sorry for not being clear. I'm going to try and plant them again in August. I'm not even getting good cabbage. I live in NC in zone 7B.

[@BBettaGarden]

@@meekshouse21 no worries☺️☺️. I have a good friend in NC. He sent this to me earlier this week. This seems to track with your plans. content.ces.ncsu.edu/central-north-carolina-planting-calendar-for-annual-vegetables-fruits-and-herbs