Mustard seeds, when crushed and mixed with water, vinegar, and other ingredients, can be turned into the spicy condiment known as mustard. Not only that, but the leaves of the mustard plant are also edible, and planting them in your garden can help improve soil quality. With so many benefits, it’s a great idea to grow mustard in your garden.
According to Fine Gardening website, mustard is an ancient plant that holds great allure for modern-day gardeners. Historical records show that the use of mustard dates back to 4,000 BC, with people believed to have chewed on mustard seeds when eating meat.
Mustard is easy to grow and can produce seeds as quickly as 60 days. When the seeds mature on the plant, they self-sow, providing ample nutrients for making mustard. Not only that, the leaves of the plant are edible, and the flowers are quite beautiful.
If you’ve ever visited California’s wine country in early spring, you may have seen fields of yellow flowers blooming. These are mustard plants, friends of the vineyard owners. Many vineyard owners intentionally plant them as cover crops or let them grow wild.
When these mustard plants are plowed back into the soil, they can act as green manure, releasing nitrogen and improving soil quality. Mustard plants can also help repel certain insects and attract hoverflies, which are beneficial predators that prey on insects that damage grapevines.
Mustard seeds are free of cholesterol, low in plant-based fats, and contain about 25% protein. Mustard leaves are rich in calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and Vitamin B. Most store-bought mustard varieties are low in calories and can be consumed without worries.
For years, mustard has been attributed with medicinal properties. It’s known as an appetite stimulant, digestive aid, and decongestant. Due to its ability to improve blood circulation, it’s often made into poultices to treat inflammation. There’s a folk belief that sprinkling mustard powder in your socks can prevent frostbite.
Considering that a small jar of high-quality Dijon mustard can cost up to $6, making your own mustard is worth it. With about $1 worth of mustard seeds, you can produce a pantry full of gourmet mustard and still have plenty of mustard plants left over.
Mustard thrives in most soil types, but it produces the most seeds in fertile soil with good drainage and a pH level of at least 6.0. When the soil remains moist, mustard plants grow vigorously. They prefer cool weather, and light frosts can even enhance their flavor.
If you’re planning to grow mustard, spring is the best time to sow the seeds. However, if you live in a warmer climate, you can also sow them in September or October. Once the plants are established, they require little maintenance. If you aim to harvest a large quantity of seeds, regularly fertilize the plants.
Mustard plants are relatively free from pests and diseases, and large animals seem to avoid eating them. However, warmer and drier weather speeds up the seed production process. Depending on the variety and climate, mustard plants take around 30 to 60 days to set seeds.
Garden Organic, a UK charity, states that mustard thrives in fertile soil, grows rapidly, suppresses weeds effectively, and prevents nutrient loss from the soil. However, it may struggle to grow in extremely hot weather.
When sowing the seeds, you can scatter them at a density of 5 grams per square meter on the soil surface, then rake and firm the soil to eliminate any air pockets. You can also sow the seeds with 15-centimeter spacing in rows.
It’s worth noting that you can overwinter mustard plants, but severe frosts can kill them. If you’re practicing crop rotation, mustard should be planted in the same area or rotation cycle with other cruciferous vegetables.