Spring is in the air and people are craving fresh leafy greens. The days of eating starchy, hearty storage crops are over for now.
When I think about spring foods, a myriad of leafy greens come to mind. Greens are cold tolerant and love the sunny days and cool nights. They actually prefer the cooler weather and do not do well in the heat of the summer. In terms of pests, it's easier to grow leafy greens in colder temperatures because many pests of green leaves, such as flea beetles, are much more abundant in the warmer months. This can make it more difficult to grow these types of veggies in the summer.
If you’re eating in season or buying from local markets, the types of veggies to expect in spring include: arugula, mustard, spinach, bok choy, broccoli raab, kale, chard, collards, loose leaf cabbage, dandelion greens, green onions, peas, salad turnips, radish, nettles and early lettuce.