Below is a list of 15 household-garden-friendly greens that are great for cooler climates in late June and July, including planting tips, companion plants, pest management, care, and easy ways to enjoy them.
🌱 Top 15 Greens to Plant Now (Cool Climate Friendly)
1. Lettuce (Leaf & Romaine)
Planting: Direct seed now; thrives in cooler temperatures.
Companions: Carrots, radishes, cucumbers, strawberries.
Pests: Aphids, slugs. Use neem spray for aphids and crushed eggshell barriers for slugs.
Watering: Frequent, light watering to keep soil moist but not soggy.
Fertilizing: Compost-rich soil; mulch to retain moisture.
Eating Ideas: Fresh salads, lettuce wraps, sandwich greens.
2. Spinach
Planting: Sow directly now for summer harvests, prefers partial shade.
Companions: Strawberries, peas, radishes.
Pests: Leaf miners. Use floating row covers and plant near strong-smelling herbs like basil.
Watering: Keep evenly moist, especially in heat.
Fertilizing: Enrich soil with compost; use light mulching.
Eating Ideas: Salads, sautéed, smoothies.
3. Kale
Planting: Direct seed now or transplant starts.
Companions: Beets, onions, aromatic herbs.
Pests: Cabbage worms. Hand-pick pests and use row covers.
Watering: Water deeply 2-3 times per week.
Fertilizing: Compost at planting; top-dress mid-season.
Eating Ideas: Kale chips, soups, smoothies.muffins
4. Swiss Chard
Planting: Direct seed now; handles heat better than spinach.
Companions: Onions, beans, cabbages.
Pests: Leaf miners. Use row covers; remove affected leaves.
Watering: Regular, deep watering.
Fertilizing: Well-composted soil; mulch to retain moisture.
Eating Ideas: Stir-fries, omelets, grain bowls.
5. Broccoli
Planting: Start transplants now for fall harvest.
Companions: Onions, beets, potatoes.
Pests: Cabbage moths, aphids. Use row covers; attract ladybugs.
Watering: Deep watering, 2-3 times a week.
Fertilizing: Compost and seaweed solution.
Eating Ideas: Steamed, roasted, raw with dips.
6. Celery
Planting: Set out transplants now.
Companions: Leeks, tomatoes, beans.
Pests: Aphids, slugs. Spray with soapy water; use slug traps.
Watering: Keep soil consistently moist.
Fertilizing: Compost tea every few weeks.
Eating Ideas: Fresh sticks, soups, stir-fries, juicing
7. Arugula
Planting: Direct seed now; fast grower.
Companions: Carrots, beets, beans.
Pests: Flea beetles. Use row covers and keep soil moist.
Watering: Frequent, shallow watering.
Fertilizing: Compost-rich soil; add mulch.
Eating Ideas: Peppery salads, pizza topping, sandwiches.
8. Mustard Greens
Planting: Sow now; can tolerate heat with some shade.
Companions: Dill, onions, mint.
Pests: Flea beetles. Use row covers; companion plant with dill.
Watering: Keep evenly moist.
Fertilizing: Compost at planting; mulch to keep cool.
Eating Ideas: Southern-style sautéed greens, stir-fries.
9. Cabbage (Mini Varieties)
Planting: Transplant now for fall harvest.
Companions: Dill, onions, celery.
Pests: Cabbage moths, aphids. Use netting and encourage wasps.
Watering: Deep watering every few days.
Fertilizing: Compost and natural mulch.
Eating Ideas: Slaws, stuffed cabbage rolls.
10. Pak Choi (Bok Choy)
Planting: Sow now for quick growth.
Companions: Carrots, onions, radishes.
Pests: Cabbage worms. Row covers work well.
Watering: Even, consistent moisture.
Fertilizing: Add compost; mulch to prevent bolting.
Eating Ideas: Stir-fries, noodle bowls, soups.
11. Endive & Escarole
Planting: Direct sow now; prefers cooler temperatures.
Companions: Beans, carrots, leeks.
Pests: Aphids. Use strong water spray or neem.
Watering: Keep soil moist.
Fertilizing: Compost at planting; mulch to prevent bitterness.
Eating Ideas: Bitter salad mixes, braised greens.
12. Collard Greens
Planting: Sow now; heat-tolerant.
Companions: Beans, beets, dill.
Pests: Cabbage worms. Hand-pick or use covers.
Watering: Deep watering twice a week.
Fertilizing: Compost and organic side dressing mid-season.
Eating Ideas: Steamed, wraps, Southern-style greens.
13. Mizuna
Planting: Direct sow now; very fast grower.
Companions: Beets, carrots, radishes.
Pests: Flea beetles. Row covers and keep moist.
Watering: Regular watering to avoid bitterness.
Fertilizing: Compost-rich soil; mulch lightly.
Eating Ideas: Spicy salad green, quick stir-fries.
14. Radish Greens
Planting: Sow radishes now and use the greens!
Companions: Lettuce, carrots, peas.
Pests: Flea beetles. Use covers and plant near mint.
Watering: Keep soil moist.
Fertilizing: Minimal; compost at planting.
Eating Ideas: Pesto, soups, sautéed as side greens.
15. Beet Greens
Planting: Plant beets now and harvest the greens as they grow.
Companions: Onions, lettuce, cabbage.
Pests: Leaf miners. Remove affected leaves and use row covers.
Watering: Regular deep watering.
Fertilizing: Compost-rich soil; mulch to protect roots.
Eating Ideas: Sautéed, added to soups, fresh in salads.
General Tips for Summer Green Growing
Watering: Early morning or evening to reduce evaporation.
Mulching: Always mulch to keep soil cool and retain moisture.
Companions: Strong-smelling herbs like dill, basil, and mint repel pests.
Fertilizers: Compost and compost tea are best for leafy greens.
Natural Pest Control: Row covers, hand-picking, and introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.
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Disclaimer: ChatGPT was used in the editing of this article. All plants shown were AI-generated.
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