Growing your own greens

[SukiLove]

I know a few of you grow your own greens. I am now about to venture into this as well, I just planted some collard, mustard, and red romaine (for the guinea pigs ) in my bio-active terrarium. Once they are 3" I plan on moving them into their own pots and keeping them indoors, we have a lot of wildlife around where I live so it will be easier. I have quite a few Sun blaster light fixtures so they will receive plenty of light that way.

For those that do grow, do you find the quality of greens last longer? I love my grocery store, and usually they have really good quality, however, lately I've been finding 'bad' leaves or stalks among the bunches and that seems to make them go bad faster even if removed.

I'm really excited to be doing this!

 

[CooperDragon]

I kept my kale going over the winter by just keeping it in the window. It didn't grow a ton but stayed healthy. I added collards and squash to the garden this year. Put in a 2' fence around it to help keep the rabbits out. I've found that the stuff I grow is a good supplement but I still buy veges from the store every week or so. I just don't grow enough for both me and the dragon =). The quality is good though. If you have grow lights you'll probably have even better luck indoors.

 

[kingofnobbys]

Nasturtiums, dandelions, green leafy herbs in self watering pots or self watering troughs , can move these to different places or to the porch / patio or deck as needed , can also grow multilevel on step like stands and even grow inside at a sunny window .

Cabbage like greens (like buk choi, kale, etc) best grown in raised garden beds.

 

[SukiLove]

Unfortunately I can't grow anything outside because the wildlife eats it. It's actually not just rabbits I have to worry about, it's mostly the deer...and they have no problem jumping fences to get to what they want, even on the deck! If I can get these grown successfully I will definitely add to my indoor garden. The reptiles have their own room that stays about 75 degrees year round, so it won't be a problem temperature-wise.

Most likely I will still buy from the grocery store when I need too, but it would be nice to actually be able to be super picky and know I have better stuff at home. I also love that I can now control the texture of the collard leaves! That will be better for Nero as he has an issue if they are 'off', and I won't look weird for testing all the leaves in a bunch at the store. :lol:

I have never had a green thumb, but I'm really starting to like all this plant-rearing stuff.

 

[kingofnobbys]

I know people who set up a wire mesh enclosure to keep animals (rabbits, kangaroos and others) out of their garden beds or racks of planter troughs).

 

[mossling]

Heh I feel your wildlife pain! We're actually not allowed to grow gardens in our housing areas because of moose and bears. I keep pots and planter boxes with various herbs and veggies inside on my windowsills for my rabbits and our dragon. Right now I'm growing basil, cilantro, mint, kale, red leaf lettuce, romaine, and kale. I still have to buy from the grocery store, but it's good to be able to at least supplement my whole family with home grown greens.