By Dave Whitinger

Among lettuces there are few that match the long-standing popularity of the venerable Lettuce (Lactuca sativa 'Black-Seeded Simpson'). With beautifully savoyed green leaves, Black-Seeded Simpson has been grown in home gardens for well over a century.



My first spinach was Spinach (Spinacia oleracea 'Bloomsdale') and it continues to be a mainstay in our garden. Generously thick leaves with a hearty spinach flavor make this the perfect spinach for any climate.



Snap Pea (Lathyrus oleraceus 'Sugar Snap') is a treat for us and we can never grow enough. Love edible pod peas? This is the one to grow!



Of Kohlrabi (Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes 'Early White Vienna') Garden.org member @chelle says, "Absolutely amazing kohlrabi! I set out my seedlings around the last of April; by the end of May I was harvesting a few. We had no rain to speak of from mid-June through mid-July, but these plants just sat there and waited. When the rains resumed in mid-August they began to fill out again. Not a one turned out tough or stringy either; I'm simply stunned by the staying power of these plants!"



Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata 'Early Golden Acre') is a popular cabbage variety. @farmerdill says, "Golden Acre is another variety from my childhood. Excellent round head type that is early and dependable. Sufficient size (4 lbs) to be useful."



For me, Brussels Sprouts conjure up bad childhood memories of the dinner table, but properly prepared they can be an excellent treat. Brussels Sprouts (Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera 'Long Island Improved') is a popular cultivar.



Some time ago, @RickCorey introduced me to Tah Tsai (Brassica rapa subsp. narinosa 'Tatsoi') and I found it to be a very hardy and easy to grow green for our southern garden. Read up about it, and give it a try this Spring!



Lastly, I'd be remiss if I didn't include Broccoli (Brassica oleracea 'Waltham') in our list. It's my standard "go to" broccoli and performs consistently and reliably for us, as long as you plant it early enough in the season!



About Dave Whitinger
Thumb of 2020-03-17/dave/72728eDave is the Executive Director of National Gardening Association.
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