In Minnesota we are starting our first garden crops - and since it is still cold, we focus on cold weather plants.  On the Backyard Farm Fan Page, one fan asked what are some good examples of cold weather plants? What can I get started on in this cold spring?

Here is a list of some cold weather plants that A Backyard Farm started in my garden:

• Kale
• Spinach
• Romaine Lettuce
• Butterhead Lettuce
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Broccoli
• Radishes

Spring is a great time to start with all your greens.  I always get a little concerned with planting too many greens, because we are not big salad eaters at our house.  So what can we do with these wonderful cold weather greens?

A little over a a year ago my husband and I started making green smoothies for breakfast as a way to increase our fruit and veggie consumption and hopefully lose a little weight.  We blend kale, apples, a banana, some strawberries and a little ginger and lemon along with about a cup of distilled water.  It is quite refreshing and gives us a little boost of energy.  So we plant A LOT of kale in the spring summer and fall.  The spinach can also be used instead of kale.

I like using the spinach for sandwiches and to make some nice dips.  I will also chop it up and add it to Spaghetti sauce.  Why not sneak some more dark greens in when you can?

The romaine and butterhead lettuce are good for creating wraps.  I will grill some chicken and then wrap it up with one of the lettuces.  Low on carbs and getting more use out of my greens!

This year my intention is to make some coleslaw using the cabbage. So we will see how that goes.

The broccoli, cauliflower and radishes will get eaten up as they are :) 

Rebecca Metz
New Farmer