Growing Collards

There’s a certain joy in growing collards, a deep and almost meditative satisfaction that comes from nurturing such a hardy, vibrant plant. Collards aren’t just food; they’re a symbol of resilience, community, and heritage. For me, growing collards started as a curiosity and has since become a passion that connects me to the earth, my ancestors, and the people around me.

I still remember the first time I planted collard greens. It was a cool spring morning, and I had just tilled a small patch of earth in my backyard. I didn’t have much gardening experience back then, just a bag of seeds, a pair of gloves, and a whole lot of hope. The soil smelled rich and earthy, promising a good start for my new venture. I scattered the seeds in neat rows, pressing them gently into the ground with my fingertips. Little did I know that this small act would set the stage for an ongoing love affair with one of the most versatile and nutritious greens out there.

Collards are surprisingly forgiving for a beginner gardener. They’re tough plants that can thrive in various conditions, which was a blessing for someone like me, still learning the ropes. I had read that collards prefer full sun and well-drained soil, so I chose a sunny spot in my yard that received plenty of light throughout the day. I also made sure to add compost to the soil to give the plants a nutrient-rich start. These initial steps were crucial, but what really amazed me was how quickly the plants grew once they germinated.

The first signs of life came within a week. Tiny green shoots emerged from the soil, reaching skyward with a determination that was both inspiring and humbling. I found myself checking on them every morning, watching as they grew taller and developed their signature broad, dark green leaves. It wasn’t long before the collards began to take on their characteristic form, standing tall and proud like little soldiers in my garden.

One of the most fascinating things about growing collards is their resilience. They can withstand heat and even light frost, making them a year-round crop in many climates. In my region, I’ve been able to grow collards almost continuously, planting a new batch every few months to ensure a steady supply. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that, no matter the season, I can step out into my garden and harvest fresh greens for a meal.

As my first crop of collards matured, I started experimenting with different ways to cook them. Growing up, collards were a staple at family gatherings, usually served slow-cooked with smoked meat, onions, and a dash of vinegar. Recreating those flavors in my kitchen brought back memories of Sunday dinners and holiday feasts, where collards always held a place of honor on the table. But I’ve also discovered that collards are incredibly versatile. They’re delicious sautéed with garlic and olive oil, blended into smoothies, or even used as a wrap in place of tortillas. The possibilities are endless, and each preparation highlights the greens’ unique flavor and texture.

Growing collards also deepened my understanding of their cultural significance. These greens have a rich history, especially in the Southern United States, where they’ve been a dietary staple for centuries. Collards are deeply intertwined with African American culinary traditions, having been brought to the Americas through the transatlantic slave trade. They represent resourcefulness and endurance, qualities that resonate deeply with me as I tend to my garden. Each time I harvest a leaf, I feel a profound connection to this legacy, a reminder of the resilience and creativity of those who came before us.

Of course, gardening isn’t without its challenges, and collards are no exception. Over the years, I’ve had to deal with pests like cabbage worms and aphids, which can quickly decimate a crop if left unchecked. I’ve learned to inspect the undersides of the leaves regularly and to use natural pest control methods like neem oil or introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs to keep these nuisances in check. Weeds are another constant battle, but I’ve found that mulching around the plants not only helps suppress weeds but also retains moisture in the soil.

One of the most rewarding aspects of growing collards is sharing them with others. Whenever I have a surplus, I love giving bundles of freshly harvested greens to friends, neighbors, and family members. It’s a simple gesture, but it’s amazing how much joy a bunch of homegrown collards can bring to someone’s day. I’ve even inspired a few people to start their own gardens, which feels like a small but meaningful way to contribute to a healthier, more sustainable community.

Collards have also taught me valuable lessons about patience and persistence. Unlike some crops that mature quickly, collards take time to reach their full potential. You can start harvesting the outer leaves when the plant is about six to eight weeks old, but the true reward comes later when the plant has had time to develop fully. There’s a rhythm to growing collards, a cycle of planting, tending, and harvesting that mirrors the ebb and flow of life itself.

I’ve come to appreciate the meditative quality of working in the garden. There’s something profoundly grounding about digging in the dirt, feeling the sun on your back, and watching as tiny seeds transform into thriving plants. It’s a reminder that life is both fragile and resilient, a delicate balance that requires care and attention to flourish. Gardening has become my refuge, a place where I can escape the noise of the world and reconnect with something primal and essential.

In recent years, I’ve started experimenting with different varieties of collards. While the traditional green collards will always have a special place in my heart, I’ve enjoyed trying heirloom varieties with unique flavors and colors. One of my favorites is the “Georgia Southern” variety, known for its tender leaves and robust flavor. I’ve also tried “Vates” and “Champion” varieties, each with their own distinct characteristics. Exploring these different types has added a new layer of excitement to my gardening journey.

As I reflect on my experience growing collards, I’m struck by how much this simple act has enriched my life. What started as a modest backyard project has blossomed into a source of joy, nourishment, and connection. My garden has become a space where I can honor tradition, cultivate resilience, and share abundance with those around me. It’s a testament to the power of small, intentional acts to create ripples of positivity in our lives and communities.

If you’ve ever considered growing collards, I encourage you to give it a try. You don’t need a large space or a lot of experience to get started—just a patch of soil, a packet of seeds, and a willingness to learn. Whether you’re planting them for their nutritional value, their cultural significance, or simply the joy of watching something grow, collards are a rewarding and fulfilling addition to any garden. And who knows? You might just find, as I have, that growing collards is about so much more than just growing greens. It’s about cultivating a deeper connection to the land, to history, and to ourselves.