There’s no time like autumn for leafy greens, but how much should you grow to ensure a steady harvest all season long? The answer is going to depend on a few factors: how many people you are feeding, how much you consume on average, and how long the growing season lasts in your area. Let’s take a look at a few of the more common greens and see just how much the average person might need to grow to have fresh greens throughout the season. These numbers are based on personal experience and may vary based on the specific variety you grow, along with the climate and other unpredictable conditions:
Kale
I’m happy to see kale growing in popularity this year; it gets such a bad rep and really is delicious and packed with nutrients. On average, growing 1-2 plants per person will be adequate for picking 1 or 2 times per week. You should pick the outermost leaves first, as they will tend to be the first to get bitter if allowed to grow too large.
Spinach
Popeye isn’t the only one who knows the benefits of eating spinach. Grow 15 plants on average per person for regular eating throughout the season. You can use lettuce on its own or pick baby leaves to add some flavor and variety to your salads.
Depending on the type of lettuce you grow, you can usually get several weekly servings out of 5-6 heads of lettuce per week. If you are growing leaf varieties, count on 15 plants per person.
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