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Planting Seeds:
- Sow mustard green seeds directly in the garden or start them indoors in seed trays. Plant the seeds about 0.5 to 1cm deep in well-draining soil.
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Spacing:
- Space rows approximately 30 to 45 cm apart. For individual plants, aim for a spacing of about 10 to 20 cm.
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Location:
- Choose a location with full sun to partial shade for your mustard greens. They prefer cooler temperatures and can tolerate light frosts.
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Soil Preparation:
- Plant mustard greens in well-draining soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. Incorporate organic matter like compost into the soil before planting.
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Watering:
- Keep the soil consistently moist. Mustard greens prefer even moisture, so water regularly, especially during dry spells. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage.
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Fertilization:
- Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer when planting, and consider side-dressing with additional fertilizer during the growing season.
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Thinning:
- Once the mustard green seedlings are a few centimeters tall, thin them to the recommended spacing to ensure proper leaf development.
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Mulching:
- Apply a layer of organic mulch around the mustard green plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a more even soil temperature.
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Pest Control:
- Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids or cabbage worms. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil if pests become problematic.
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Harvesting:
- Harvest mustard greens when the leaves are young and tender, typically around 10-20cm long. Harvest outer leaves first, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing for a longer harvest.
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Succession Planting:
- For a continuous harvest, consider successive plantings every 2-3 weeks.