How To Plant Collards In A Garden

To plant collards in a garden, you’ll want to start with a sunny spot and well-draining soil.
 
Collards are one of those hardy, forgiving greens that don’t mind a little neglect, which makes them perfect for beginners.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to plant collards in a garden, the good news is that this leafy green is pretty low-maintenance once it’s established.
 
You can plant collards in a garden from seed or transplants, and either way, they’ll reward you with a steady harvest of tender leaves.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to plant collards in a garden step by step, from choosing the right spot to keeping your plants happy all season long.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

When and Where to Plant Collards in a Garden

Timing and location are everything when you plant collards in a garden, so let’s get those right first.
 

1. Pick the Right Season

Collards thrive in cool weather, so the best time to plant collards in a garden is either early spring or late summer into fall.
 
They actually taste sweeter after a light frost, which is why many gardeners plant collards in a garden during late summer for a fall harvest.
 
If you live in a warm climate, you can plant collards in a garden in fall or even winter.
 

2. Choose a Sunny Spot

Collards love full sun, so pick a spot that gets at least six hours of direct light a day.
 
When you plant collards in a garden, a little afternoon shade in hot climates won’t hurt, but too much shade makes for spindly, slow-growing plants.
 

3. Prepare the Soil

Collards prefer rich, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.5 and 6.8.
 
Before you plant collards in a garden bed, work in some compost or aged manure to give them a nutrient boost.
 
Good soil prep is honestly half the battle when you plant collards in a garden.
 

How to Plant Collards in a Garden Step by Step

Now for the fun part, actually getting your collards into the ground.
 

1. Start Seeds Indoors or Direct Sow

You can plant collards in a garden by direct sowing seeds or by starting them indoors about four to six weeks before your last frost date.
 
If you plant collards in a garden directly, sow seeds about a quarter inch deep and thin them once they sprout.
 

2. Space Your Plants Properly

When you plant collards in a garden, give each plant about 18 to 24 inches of space so air can circulate.
 
Crowded collards are more prone to disease, so don’t skip this step when you plant collards in a garden.
 

3. Water Gently After Planting

Right after you plant collards in a garden, give them a gentle, thorough watering to settle the soil around the roots.
 
Keep the soil consistently moist for the first couple of weeks while they establish.
 

Caring for Collards After You Plant Them in a Garden

Once you plant collards in a garden, the care routine is pretty simple, but it does matter.
 

1. Water Deeply and Regularly

Collards need about an inch of water per week, so water deeply rather than lightly.
 
If you plant collards in a garden during a dry spell, don’t let the soil dry out completely.
 

2. Feed Them Occasionally

A side dressing of nitrogen-rich fertilizer every few weeks keeps the leaves tender.
 
When you plant collards in a garden for a fall crop, a mid-season feed really pays off.
 

3. Watch for Pests

Cabbage worms and aphids love collards, so keep an eye out and handpick or spray as needed.
 
Row covers can help protect the plants you plant collards in a garden alongside.
 

4. Harvest Outer Leaves First

You can start harvesting about 60 to 75 days after you plant collards in a garden.
 
Pick the outer leaves first and let the center keep growing for a longer harvest.
 

So, How Do You Plant Collards in a Garden?

To plant collards in a garden, start with rich soil, full sun, and the right cool-season timing.
 
Whether you direct sow or transplant, the key is giving each plant room to breathe and keeping the soil evenly moist.
 
Once you plant collards in a garden, they’ll keep producing tender leaves for weeks, especially if you harvest from the outside in.
 
So grab some seeds, pick a sunny spot, and plant collards in a garden this season.
 
You’ll be glad you did.