Plant Mustard Greens in your COVID-19 Therapeutic Garden

MUSTARD GREENS

DISCLAIMER

THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. PLEASE CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL FOR AGRICULTURAL, MEDICINAL AND HEALTH ADVICE.

Mustard greens are vegetables somewhat like Chinese cabbage in appearance. They contain mustard oil which is described as having a hot taste similar to the burn of onion.

This is just one of the five crops suggested by Barbadian health and wellness consultant Everton 'Heru' Holligan to plant in your COVID-19 therapeutic garden. Read this edition of Grown at Home Magazine (December 2022) for some additional crops .

The mustard seed oil assists the body in blood circulation and gets rid of any mucus present in the respiratory system. This is what makes it so good for those with COVID-19.

I had my first taste of mustard greens recently and was shocked at the flavour. I love onions ... I love garlic … mustard greens, however, reminded me of aloes! I found it to be more bitter than it was spicy. I had stir-fried the greens, and subsequently, I read that different methods of cooking would have resulted in a more pleasant taste.

Mustard greens are power packed with nutrients. This super food could easily be the most nutritious you can plant in your garden. The good news is that these greens are easy to cultivate, so let’s get started.

Other Names

Indian mustard, Chinese mustard, leaf mustard, curled mustard, brown mustard, vegetable mustard and mustard spinach.

There are several varieties of mustard greens based on shape, texture and colour of leaf.

Age of Maturity

Regular plant 30 – 45 days

For microgreens 4 – 7 days

Planting

Mustard greens love to be planted in cooler weather but some people plant them anywhere, anytime and it just grows.

If you prefer to be guided as you plant, begin by preparing a rich, loose, well-draining soil.

Mix in compost to enrich the soil. Some planters add perlite and vermiculite to create a loose soil texture throughout.

Start by planting 2 – 3 seeds at 1 ½ inches deep, 6 inches apart. If you plant them even closer together, harvest most of the seedlings as microgreens in 4 – 7 days and leave a few to grow to maturity.

If you do not use microgreens, separate the seedlings and plant them 12 inches apart for increased yield.

Grows Well in Containers and Pots

If you plant mustard greens in pots, place one seedling in each pot, or PET (PolyEthylene Terephthalate) bottle if you are into recycling. https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=wPd-2JEBt5E

Maintaining

Give the plants two inches of water every week.

Gently weed regularly.

At four inches tall, fertilise the plants.

If the caterpillars are feasting on them before you do, cover your mustard greens with a greenhouse fabric fitted around a frame. Make sure, however, that the plants do not get too hot because of the covering.

Harvesting

In 30 – 45 days, you can harvest the whole plant. If you want continuous growth, simply cut off the outer leaves and allow new leaves to grow from the centre.

(CA)

NUTRITIONAL CONTENT

Heathline.com states that mustard greens are one of the most nutritious foods you can eat, as they are low in calories, yet rich in fibre and micronutrients.

One cup (56 grams) of chopped raw mustard greens provides:

• Calories: 15

• Protein: 2 grams

• Fat: less than 1 gram

• Carbs: 3 grams

• Fiber: 2 grams

• Sugar: 1 gram

• Vitamin A: 9% of the Daily Value (DV)

• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): 6% of the DV

• Vitamin C: 44% of the DV

• Vitamin E: 8% of the DV

• Vitamin K: 120% of the DV

• Copper: 10% of the DV

Additionally, mustard greens contain 4-5% of the DV for calcium, iron, potassium, riboflavin (vitamin B2), magnesium, and thiamine (vitamin B1), as well as small amounts of zinc, selenium, phosphorus, niacin (vitamin B3), and folate.

6 INTERESTING THINGS ABOUT MUSTARD GREENS

1. Mustard greens are the leaves of the mustard plant.

2. They get rid of any mucus present in the respiratory system.

3. Consuming these greens assists with blood circulation.

4. Mustard greens are related to broccoli, cauliflower and kale.

5. They may have a spicy or bitter taste.

6. It is better to cook your mustard greens. Steamed or boiled is preferred by many.

REFERENCES

Thanks to:

How to Grow Mustard Greens from Seed / City Steading Plant Life

https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=mjFfGTri8AE