Cole crops are king during fall and winter. Kale, Collards, and Cabbage grow well in our slowly cooling fall for harvest in winter and spring. They are excellent sources of calcium, magnesium, vitamins, and beta carotene. These winter staples like rich soil and as much sun as mother nature provides. Work in lots of compost and manure two weeks before planting. In a few weeks add more organic fertilizer alongside the young greens to encourage growth.

KALE

‘Lacinato’ Kale or the kale of Tuscany is known also as ‘Cavolo Nero’ in Italy. The British name ‘Black Tuscan Palm Tree’ Kale describes its large narrow blue-green bumpy, crinkled leaves arranged on a tall stalk. ‘Red Russian’ Kale sports reddish-tinged smooth leaves with a jagged edge. ‘White Russian’ and ‘Winterborn’ are also popular and tasty varieties. A light frost or two turns the leaf starches to sugar and adds sweetness to these nutritious greens.

COLLARDS

Collards are the cole crop in the South. Yet they taste sweeter and are more tender in a cooler climate like the Bay Area. Their flavor is milder than Kale. Plant in the fall for an early winter harvest. Large smooth, broad leaves grow around stems that reach 3 ft. or more. Give these plants room to grow, about 18 in. apart. You’ll need about three plants to feed a family. Kale and Collards can be harvested a few leaves at a time from the bottom of the plant working up the stem.

CABBAGE

Cabbage is a decorative addition to your vegetable garden, especially the varieties with red leaves. Plant seedlings 15-18 inches apart so the heads can expand. Cabbage likes moisture, but too much can cause the head to split or crack. If this happens, break a few roots near the base of the plant with a shovel.

Aphids are frequent visitors to cole crops. Interplant flowers attractive to parasitic wasps (yarrow, Queen Anne’s Lace, dill and coriander) for a natural control. Tiny round brown shells that look like miniature crisp rice cereal under a leaf are evidence that wasps are around. For cabbage worms hand pick, or use BT wormkiller.

– Barbara