Container Grown & Raised Right: Growing Collard Greens in Northwest Ohio
- frobertsdunston
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
Collard greens aren’t just a Southern staple—they’re a soulful, nutrient-packed crop that grows beautifully in Northwest Ohio, even in containers and raised beds. While collards are technically a cool-season crop, with the right setup, care, and variety, you can grow them all season long—even during summer heat.
Whether you’ve got a small patio, a sunny raised bed, or a few grow bags on your deck, this guide will help you grow collard greens with confidence and intention.
Why Grow Collards?
Collard greens are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, iron, calcium, and fiber. They’re part of the resilient brassica family and offer both spring and fall harvests—with the bonus of tasting sweeter after a frost. And when grown in containers or raised beds, they’re easy to manage, harvest, and protect from pests.
When to Plant Collards in Northwest Ohio (Zone 6)
Spring: Transplant from mid-April to early May.
Fall: Direct sow or transplant from late July to mid-August for a sweet, frost-kissed harvest.
Best Collard Varieties for Heat
While collards prefer cooler weather, some varieties are bred to handle the heat:
‘Georgia Southern’: Heat-tolerant, traditional flavor
‘Champion’: Slow to bolt, tender leaves
‘Tiger’: Especially good for summer growing
‘Top Bunch 2.0’: Upright growth and bolt resistance
If you’re growing into the warmer months, these varieties will give you the best chance of success.
Best Containers & Beds for Collards
Grow Bags (7–10 gallons)
Breathable and prevent root rot
Easy to move for sun or shade needs
Raised Beds
At least 12” deep
Plant collards 18–24” apart for full growth
Large Pots
Minimum 12” deep and wide
Ensure good drainage and stability for top-heavy plants
Soil & Feeding
Use nutrient-rich, well-draining soil
pH between 6.0 and 7.0
Feed with compost or organic fertilizer every 2–3 weeks
Companion Planting for Collard Greens
Collards do best when planted with helpful neighbors! Companion planting naturally supports pest control, encourages pollination, and can improve growth.
Great Companions:
Onions, garlic, and chives: Deter aphids and cabbage worms
Nasturtiums: Attract pests away from collards (trap crop)
Marigolds: Repel nematodes and other harmful insects
Beets and celery: Grow well alongside collards without competing for nutrients
Herbs like thyme, mint, and dill: Their strong scents help keep pests away
Avoid Planting Near:
Strawberries: Can compete for nutrients
Pole beans: May interfere with collard growth
Other brassicas (like broccoli or cabbage) in the same container—can attract more pests
In containers, try adding herbs or small flowers around the edge of the grow bag or pot. In raised beds, alternate rows or plant companion herbs on the perimeter.
Protecting Collards from Heat
Even heat-tolerant varieties need help in the summer:
Provide Shade: Use shade cloth or plant where it receives morning sun and afternoon shade
Water Regularly: Deep water in the morning; grow bags may need watering daily
Harvest Often: Pick outer leaves frequently to reduce plant stress
Harvesting
Start harvesting outer leaves when they’re about 8–10 inches long. Always leave the center growth intact. Fall-grown collards will reward you with sweeter leaves after a light frost.
Pest Watch
Common pests include:
Cabbage worms
Flea beetles
Aphids
Combat them with row covers, neem oil, or companion plants like onions and nasturtiums.
Faithful Gardening—One Container at a Time
Your garden space doesn’t have to be big to be bountiful. With the right containers, healthy soil, and a little planning, you can grow strong, vibrant collard greens right on your patio or porch. Raised beds and grow bags make gardening simple, soulful, and oh-so-rewarding.
Need Help Designing Your Edible Garden?
Book a coaching session with Sow and Reap Gardens! Use code GREENS20 for 20% off a 1-hour consultation through August 31, 2025. Let’s plan your greens with purpose—containers, companions, and all.
You don’t need a farm to grow good food—just faith and a little soil.
