Winter might feel like the end of gardening season, but it’s really just the start for slow-growing greens like kale and chard.
These hardy plants thrive in cooler weather, growing at their own pace and offering a steady supply of fresh, flavorful leaves long after most crops have called it quits.
Let’s explore why these greens are the heroes of winter gardening and how to make the most of them in your garden.
Why Grow Slow-Growing Greens?
They Love the Cold: Kale and chard don’t just survive the chill—they thrive in it! The cooler temperatures even improve their flavor, making kale sweeter and chard extra tender.
Steady Harvests All Winter: These greens grow slowly but steadily, so you can harvest leaves as needed. It’s like having a living salad bar in your backyard!
Low-Maintenance Crops: They’re tough, resilient, and don’t need much fuss—perfect for busy gardeners or anyone new to winter gardening.
How To Get Started?
Planting
If you haven’t planted kale or chard yet, don’t worry! You can still start seeds indoors for transplanting or look for seedlings at your local nursery.
Care Tips:
Water Sparingly: With cooler weather, your greens won’t need as much water. Aim for moist, not soggy, soil.
Sunshine: Even in winter, these greens appreciate as much sunlight as they can get. Plant them in the sunniest spot in your garden.
Pick Smart: Harvest outer leaves first and leave the inner ones to keep growing. This way, your plants will keep producing through the season.
How to Enjoy Your Greens?
Here’s where it gets fun! Kale and chard are versatile, adding flavor and nutrition to all kinds of dishes:
Sauté them: A quick toss in olive oil with garlic makes an easy side dish.
Add to soups: Their sturdy leaves hold up beautifully in hearty winter soups.
Blend into smoothies: A handful of kale is a great way to sneak in some greens.
Recipe of the Week: Garlicky Sautéed Kale
This simple, flavorful recipe is the perfect way to enjoy the winter kale from your garden. With just a few ingredients, it’s a healthy, delicious side dish that’s easy to whip up for any meal.
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1/4 teaspoon red chile flakes
2 bunches kale, rinsed and dried, ribs and stems removed, leaves thinly sliced crosswise
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over moderate heat.
Add the sliced garlic and chili flakes, and sauté for 2 minutes, just until the garlic begins to brown.
Add the kale in batches, tossing to coat with the oil as you go. Once all the kale is in the pan, cover and let it steam for 5 minutes.
Remove the lid, season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until most of the moisture has evaporated.
Serve immediately and enjoy the garden-fresh flavor!
This dish is quick, nutritious, and the perfect way to showcase kale’s winter sweetness. Pair it with your favorite main course or enjoy it as a light, satisfying snack! 🌿
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