Growing greens in Summer?

[Nel frattempo]

I will post this is Garden Section too but wanted to ask here to get more answers. Seed packets say that for my area lettuce, kale, spinach and other greens are not planted in summer? It says plant before April or after mid August. So - is that just because it is too hot in summer for greens or is too much sunlight? Would the greens grow if planted in the shade or under a shade cloth? Thanks.

[Thoughthound]

Hot temps make the leaves bitter. Also, they don't germinate well once the soil reaches 80 degrees.

Use 50 percent shade cloth and run a soaker (not sprinkler) hose from noon until four to keep the soil cool.

[ajaxlucy]

You could try collard greens. Mine do pretty well in cool or hot weather. And they're nutritious.

[anniew]

Kale does well all summer in my area. An all greens mix (non-lettuce) also does well as does swiss chard, beet greens, etc. All is not lost.
Ann

[country jack]

I keep swiss chard in my garden from spring untill fall . When it is hot and dry keep the ground moist.
Country Friend Jack

[Nel frattempo]

Thanks -- we decided to see what will happen. We planted Kale seeds in a slightly raised bed, under a shade tree and near our "rooting nursery" which stays cooler and we mist it several times a day. I do not want to buy kale from grocery store so for 50 cents of seeds it will be worth a try. Thank you.