How to Grow Collards

Spread a layer of compost or manure over the garden row and dig it in with a shovel. The amount depends on the makeup of your soil. A 2-inch layer of compost or a 1-inch layer of manure is sufficient for most soils. For soils that are already rich in organic matter, you can use 1 lb. of 10-10-10 fertilizer per 100 square feet instead of manure or compost.

Smooth out the soil with a garden rake, removing stones and hard clods as you go.

Draw a straight, shallow line down the center of the row with the handle of a hoe or a stick, creating a trench no more than a quarter-inch deep.

Spread the collard seeds evenly down the trench, allowing one-tenth to two-tenths of an ounce of seeds per 100 feet of row.

Cover the seeds with a quarter-inch of soil and water gently to a depth of 1 to 2 inches.

Thin plants to 12 inches apart when seedlings are about 2 inches tall.

Side dress with 3 oz. of 10-10-10 fertilizer per 100-foot twice during the growing season, at three weeks and five weeks after seedlings emerge. Sprinkle the fertilizer evenly down the sides of the row and work it into the soil with a hoe, taking care not to damage the roots.

Harvest the leaves about six weeks after planting. You can harvest the entire plant or just the large lower leaves. If you only take the lower leaves, the upper leaves and buds will continue growing.