Sow seeds in late summer and enjoy your own fresh greens through fall

1. Prepare the soil

Choose a sunny spot with rich, loose, well-draining soil (our greens grow in a raised bed). Add fresh potting mix or amend the existing soil by digging in aged compost.

Video: How to get great dirt

2. Sow seeds

Sprinkle seeds of assorted salad greens thinly, about ½ inch apart and as deep as seed-packet directions advise. For added flavor and color, add chives and edible ‘Sorbet Lemon Chiffon’ violas from sixpacks. Water regularly so that soil remains evenly moist as seedlings develop.

More on sowing seeds

3. Harvest

When plants reach 5 to 6 inches tall, shear the lettuces with scissors 1 to 2 inches above the base (the “cut and come again” method); they’ll regrow for a few more harvests.

IN THIS PHOTO

Lettuce

Red- and green-leaf lettuces such as ‘Oak Leaf’ and ‘Ruby’, as well as the Heirloom Cutting Mix from Renee’s Garden.

Other greens 

‘Bull’s Blood’ beets, kale, spinach, and ‘Bright Lights’ Swiss chard.

Learn more on Sunset.com:

More: Other cool-season crops