Collard Greens

When I was a kid Id watch Jack Lalane and Happy the dog on TV with my mother. He was a health and fitness guy who did excercises and promoted healthy eating habits...and remained fit and healthy til the age of 96. 

I have always remembered his focus on green vegetables.

There is scientific data confirming what Happy the dog wagged his tail about all those years ago: eating vegetables high in choline promotes a healthy body and brain.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/11/251127010319.ht6y

Collard Greens are among the highest sources of Choline.

https://tools.myfooddata.com/nutrient-ranking-tool/choline/vegetables/highest

And they are easy to grow. Iv always grown them because I like them and they grow well here- Texas. 

I had yards to plant gardens in years ago, but am in a facility where planting is more difficult. Here I adapted to using three box planters- and have basil, sage, rosemary, aloe vera, chili pequins, collard and mustard greens growing. Last year there were tomatoes and cilantro in addition. My supplemental grocery market. 

I have a half dozen collard plants in a box planter (using about 6 square feet) that I'v been picking from for two years now. I planted new ones about a month ago because normally my collard plants would thrive for a year. 

One could use 5 gallon paint buckets on a patio or balconey- or even in a neglected field, alley, or rooftop.

Plant seeds 1/4 inch deep in loose soil or potting soil. Water a 2-3 times a week depending on the weather and conditions; but dont overdo it. 

Pick the leaves as they grow- the young small ones are the tastiest. The plant will continue to grow new leaves.

Collards are really good cooked with pork- bacon or ham hocks. Cook til tender. But I manage to boil them in a microwave with garlic and chicken buillion cubes.