Growing Mustard from Seed
Growing mustard from seed in your backyard garden is a straightforward process. Mustard is a versatile plant, and both its leaves (greens) and seeds are edible.
Planting Time: Mustard is a cool-season crop. It’s best to plant mustard in early spring or late summer/early fall. Planting during the cooler seasons helps prevent the plant from bolting (going to seed) too quickly.
Location / Soil Preparation: Mustard plants thrive in full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Ensure they receive at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Mustard prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Work in organic matter, such as compost, to improve soil fertility and structure.
Sowing Mustard Seeds: Directly sow mustard seeds into the prepared soil. Scatter the seeds evenly over the soil surface or plant them in rows, covering them with a thin layer of soil. (Once the mustard seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to achieve proper spacing. Aim for a final spacing of about 15/20cm between plants).
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the germination period. Mustard prefers regular watering. Once established, water when the top few cms of soil feels dry.
Fertilisation: Mustard doesn’t require heavy feeding. A balanced, all-purpose fertiliser can be applied at planting time, but it may not be necessary if the soil is already fertile.
Harvesting Mustard Greens: Mustard greens are typically ready for harvest 4-6 weeks after planting. Harvest the outer leaves when they reach the desired size, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing.
Harvesting Mustard Seeds: If you’re growing mustard for seeds, allow the plants to flower and set seed pods. Harvest the seeds when the pods turn brown and start to dry. Cut the seed heads and hang them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area. Once the seeds are fully dry, thresh them to remove the seeds.
Successive Planting: To ensure a continuous harvest, consider successive plantings every few weeks during the growing season, especially if you’re growing mustard for greens.
Pest and Disease Management: Keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage moths and butterflies. Insecticidal soap or neem oil can be used for control. Practice good garden hygiene to minimize the risk of diseases.
Growing mustard in your backyard garden is a rewarding experience, providing you with fresh greens or seeds for culinary use.
