OTHER-MUSTARD (7G)

How to grow Mustard

1. Mustard prefers a location that receives full sun or partial shade with well-draining soil. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils, but it prefers soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
2. Before planting, prepare the soil by removing any debris or weeds, and till the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches. Mustard is not a heavy feeder, but it will benefit from the addition of a balanced fertiliser, such as a 10-10-10 or a 5-10-10.
3. Mustard seeds can be sown directly in the garden after the last frost date in your area, or started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. The seeds can be sown at a rate of about 0.45-1kg (1-2 pounds) per acre, or about 28g (1/2-1 ounce) per 30sq metres (100 square feet). Sow the seeds 1-2 cm (1/4 inch) deep and about 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) apart.
4. Keep the soil consistently moist until the seedlings are established. Then, water as needed to keep the soil from drying out.
5. Fertilise with a balanced fertiliser, such as a 10-10-10, when the plants are about 6 inches tall, and again when the plants are about 12 inches tall.
6. Mustard can be sensitive to competition from weeds, so it is important to keep the area around the plants free of weeds. You can use mulch or hand pull the weeds.
7. Mustard leaves can be harvested as soon as they are large enough to use. It can be used as a salad green or a cooked green, depending on the variety.
8. Seeds can be readily saved nce the seed pod has dried out on the stem. I found it a bit of a tedious process separating the remants of the pods from the seeds as they are tiny.  Willowing would be easier with the correct equipment.

I followed none of these step when I sowed them with other green manuer plants and they seemed to do fine.  My soil was very fertile from composting waste inside my eco-eze Compot composters.  They will however set seed readily if you don’t harvest the seeds before they make it back into your soil. So you may get unwated mustard plants sprouting in your garden or tiny cracks in paving if the seeds get loose from their pods.  They are easy to remove if this happens but you have to catch them before they bud again or they can become a pest.

Additional tips for growing Mustard Seeds

1. Allelopathic Properties: Mustard plants have allelopathic properties, meaning they release chemicals that can inhibit the growth of nearby plants. This characteristic can be both a benefit and a drawback, depending on what is planted nearby.
2. Natural Biofumigant: Mustard plants produce compounds called glucosinolates, which, when broken down, act as a natural biofumigant. These compounds can help suppress soil-borne pests and diseases, making mustard an excellent cover crop for soil health.
3. Rapid Growth: Mustard seeds are known for their incredibly rapid germination and growth. Under optimal conditions, mustard seeds can germinate within 3-5 days, and the plants can reach maturity in as little as 30 days.
4. Green Manure: When grown as a cover crop and ploughed back into the soil, mustard can act as green manure, enriching the soil with organic matter and nutrients. This practice also helps improve soil structure and fertility.
5. Trap Crop: Mustard can be used as a trap crop to attract and trap pests like aphids and flea beetles. By planting mustard around or near other crops, farmers can lure pests away from their primary crops.
6. Flavour and Heat Variation: The flavour and heat of mustard seeds can vary significantly based on their variety and growing conditions. Factors like soil type, temperature, and moisture levels can influence the pungency and taste of the seeds.
7. Mustard Greens: Not just the seeds, but the leaves of the mustard plant (mustard greens) are edible and highly nutritious. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K and are often used in salads, soups, and stir-fries.
8. Phytoremediation: Mustard plants have been studied for their potential in phytoremediation, which is the use of plants to absorb and remove contaminants from the soil. Mustard can absorb heavy metals like lead and cadmium, helping to clean polluted soils.
9. Seed Longevity: Mustard seeds can remain viable for several years if stored properly. This longevity makes them a reliable crop for farmers and gardeners who may not use all their seeds in one growing season.

Heritage of Mustard

Mustard seeds have a rich and ancient heritage, tracing back thousands of years. Originating from the temperate regions of Europe and Asia mustard seeds were considered symbols of faith and growth.  In the Christian Bible, the mustard seed is used in parables to represent the Kingdom of Heaven due to its small size and rapid, expansive growth.

In ancient times, mustard was valued not only for its culinary uses but also for its medicinal properties. The Greeks and Romans utilised mustard seeds for their supposed health benefits, including aiding digestion and relieving muscle pain.  The seeds were used both as a spice and for their oil.

Over time, mustard became a staple in various cuisines around the world, most notably in Indian, Mediterranean, and European dishes. Mustard seeds are integral to condiments like mustard paste, which became popular in mediaeval Europe and has since evolved into many regional varieties. Today, mustard continues to be a significant crop, appreciated for its versatile applications in cooking and its role in sustainable agriculture as a cover crop.