Top 15 Greens To Plant Now (Cool Climate Friendly)

 Below is a list of 15 household-garden-friendly greens that are great focooler climates in late June and July, including planting tips, companio plants, pest management, care, and easy ways to enjoy them.

🌱 Top 15 Greens to Plant Now (Cool Climate Friendly)

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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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🥤 Article and photos © 2026 Cynthia Zirkwitz | Organic Granny
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