Growing Mustard - Benefits and Instructions

 

Benefits of Growing Mustard

  • Medicinal - Historically, the Greeks and Romans popularized medicinal use of mustard. Mustard and mustard seed have been used to relieve joint pain, lower blood sugar, reduce the symptoms of dermatitis, and help relieve symptoms of the common cold.
  • Nutritional Profile - Vitamins A,K and C, potassium and magnesium. 
  • Use in: Soups, stews, braised, fermented, pickled, stir fry, salads.
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Growing Instructions

Culture:

Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Soil pH of 5.5 to 6.8. well-worked, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Add aged compost before planting.
Moisture: Keep soil evenly moist to keep leaves growing quickly. Do not allow the soil to dry out. 
Planting: Mustard is usually planted after the last frost of the season but can be planted as early as 4 to 6 weeks before as it is cold hardy.  Sow succession crops every 4 to 6 weeks. Mustard grown in hot weather or long days will bolt and go to seed.
Spacing: Plant 4 mustard plants per square foot of growing space using Square Foot Gardening Method.  Or plant in rows 12-14 inches apart.
Sow seeds: 1/4-1/2 inch deep.

 

Harvesting:

Mustard greens may be harvested throughout the season, as long as they are sprouting. As a rule of thumb, it is important to never harvest more than 1/3 to 2/3 of the plant at one time, so that it will continue to grow. A popular way of harvesting mustard seeds from their pods is by pulling up the plant and hanging it upside down in a paper bag and allowing it to dry out. After two weeks, shake the bag and the seeds should fall out of their pods.

Storage/Preparation:

Fresh mustard greens can be stored in the refrigerator for upto 2-3 weeks. For best fresh storage wrap leaves in tea towels or paper towels and store in a sealed container or plastic bag. Mustard can also be frozen, pickled and canned.

Companions:

Onions, cucumbers, celery, thyme,  rosemary, beets, peas.

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