Mesclun greens are valued for their colour, variety, nutritional punch and mix of flavours. Salad mesclun is a mix comprised of the young, tender new leaves of several greens species. Often called spring mix, the leaves are rich in vitamins and their colour and form add interest to salads.
The salad mix is an essential culinary ingredient for the keen home chef. Growing mesclun in the garden affords a healthful, convenient and cost saving way to enjoy these greens.
Prepare
If you’re a first time gardener you may find it easier to grow from seedlings, rather than seeds, although seeds are a more economical option. Check seed packets or plant labels for individual planting instructions.
Refer to our Planting Calendar for when to plant in your region.
Plant
Like building a house a good foundation is the key to success in your garden. The better the soil, the better your plants will grow. If you are starting with an existing garden bed dig in organic matter like Tui Sheep Pellets and Tui Compost to your soil. Then you can add a layer of Tui Vegetable Mix. If planting in pots and containers, fill with Tui Vegetable Mix.
The best times to plant are early in the morning or late in the day, so the plants aren’t exposed to the hot sun straight away. Always water plants well before and after planting.
Find a full sun, sheltered position to plant and space at least two hand spaces apart, to ensure the crops can fully mature and are not fighting for space, fertiliser and water. If you planted mesclun or a certain variety of salad green last year don’t grow them in the same spot as pests and diseases can be lingering in the soil, read our Crop Rotation Guide here.
Planting in garden beds
- Water plants thoroughly before planting and allow to drain.
- Dig a hole, approximately twice the depth and width of the root ball of your plant.
- Partly fill the hole with Tui Vegetable Mix.
- Gently loosen the root ball of your plant and position the plant in the centre of the hole.
- Fill in with Tui Vegetable Mix.
- Press soil gently around the base of the plant.
- Water your plant well.
Planting in pots and containers
- Water plants thoroughly before potting and allow to drain.
- Partly fill your container with Tui Vegetable Mix.
- Gently loosen the root ball of your plant and position the plant in the container.
- Fill your container with Tui Vegetable Mix up to 3cm from the top.
- Tap the container gently on the ground to settle the mix.
- Press soil gently around the base of the plant.
- Water your plant well.
Nourish
Feed your plants and they will feed you. Plants use nutrients from the soil as they grow, so replenishing the nutrients ensures your plants grow to their full potential.
Select a fertiliser specially blended for your crop like Tui Vegetable Food. Feed mesclun planted in pots and containers with Tui NovaTec Premium fertiliser. Well watered, well nourished veges will have a better chance of keeping insect pests and diseases at bay.
While your mesclun are growing regularly apply a dose of Tui Organic Seaweed Plant Tonic to give them a welcome boost. Keep your garden weed free.
The weather, weeds, pest insects and diseases can all impact on the success of your garden. Coming into winter it is important to protect your plants from the colder weather with layers of mulch like Tui Mulch & Feed.
Be vigilant and stop unwanted insects and diseases from ruining your plants. Don’t put up the welcome sign to the munch bunch of slugs and snails. These pests love coming for dinner in autumn, apply Tui Quash slug & snail control every few weeks to protect your seedlings.