What To Know
- This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to grow kale in the fall, from choosing the right varieties to harvesting your bounty.
- Lacinato kale is known for its robust flavor and is a great choice for cooking.
- It’s a good choice for making kale chips or other dishes where the flavor is enhanced by cooking.
Fall is the perfect time to get your hands dirty and grow some delicious kale. The cooler temperatures and shorter days create the ideal conditions for this hardy green to thrive. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to grow kale in the fall, from choosing the right varieties to harvesting your bounty.
Why Fall is Prime Time for Kale
Kale is a cool-season crop, meaning it prefers cooler temperatures and can tolerate even some light frost. This makes fall an ideal time to plant kale, as the weather starts to cool down. Here’s why fall is the perfect time to grow kale:
- Cooler Temperatures: Kale thrives in temperatures between 45-75 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooler temperatures of fall provide the ideal growing conditions for kale, promoting healthy growth and preventing bolting (going to seed).
- Shorter Days: Kale prefers shorter days, which are typical during the fall season. This helps to prevent the plant from flowering too early.
- Less Pest Pressure: Fall weather can deter many pests that can be a problem for kale during the hotter summer months.
Choosing the Right Kale Variety
With so many kale varieties available, choosing the right one for your fall garden can seem overwhelming. Here are a few popular varieties known for their flavor, hardiness, and ability to thrive in cooler temperatures:
- Red Russian Kale: This variety is known for its beautiful, deep red leaves and its mild, slightly sweet flavor. It’s also very cold-hardy and can withstand light frost.
- Lacinato Kale (Dinosaur Kale):: This variety has distinctive, curly leaves that resemble dinosaur scales. Lacinato kale is known for its robust flavor and is a great choice for cooking.
- Curly Kale: This classic variety has tightly curled leaves and a slightly bitter flavor. It’s a good choice for making kale chips or other dishes where the flavor is enhanced by cooking.
- Nero di Toscana Kale: This variety has dark green, almost black, leaves and a slightly peppery flavor. It’s a beautiful and flavorful variety that is perfect for salads or cooking.
Preparing Your Garden Bed
Before planting your kale, it’s essential to prepare your garden bed. This will ensure your kale has the best possible start.
- Choose a Sunny Spot: Kale needs at least 6 hours of sunlight per day. Select a spot in your garden that receives full sun or partial shade.
- Amend the Soil: Kale prefers well-drained, fertile soil. Before planting, amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve its structure and nutrient content.
- Test Soil pH: Kale prefers a slightly acidic soil pH (6.0-6.5). You can test your soil pH using a home testing kit. If your soil is too alkaline, you can add sulfur to lower the pH.
Planting Your Kale
Once your garden bed is prepared, you can start planting your kale seedlings.
- Direct Sowing: You can direct sow kale seeds in the fall. Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 12 inches apart. Keep the soil moist, and your seeds should germinate in 5-10 days.
- Transplanting Seedlings: If you prefer, you can purchase kale seedlings from a local nursery. Choose healthy seedlings with strong roots and vibrant green leaves. Space seedlings 12-18 inches apart.
- Watering: Water your kale seedlings regularly, especially during dry periods. The soil should be consistently moist but not soggy.
Caring for Your Fall Kale
Once your kale is planted, it’s time to provide it with the care it needs to thrive.
- Fertilizing: Kale is a heavy feeder, so it’s essential to fertilize it regularly. Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. You can also use compost tea or fish emulsion as a natural fertilizer.
- Mulching: Mulching helps to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around your kale plants.
- Pest Control: Kale can be susceptible to pests like aphids and cabbage worms. Monitor your plants regularly for signs of pests and take action if necessary. You can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests.
- Harvesting: You can start harvesting kale leaves when they are about 6 inches long. Cut the outer leaves, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing. Harvest regularly to encourage new growth.
Winterizing Your Kale
Kale is a cold-hardy crop and can tolerate light frost. However, if you live in an area with very cold winters, you may need to take steps to protect your kale from the harsh weather.
- Covering: You can cover your kale plants with a row cover or burlap sack to protect them from frost and freezing temperatures.
- Harvesting: If you know a major freeze is coming, it’s best to harvest all of your kale leaves before the freeze. You can store the leaves in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for longer storage.
Enjoying Your Fall Kale Harvest
Kale is a versatile green that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Here are a few ideas for using your fall kale harvest:
- Salads: Add chopped kale to salads for a boost of flavor and nutrients.
- Soups and Stews: Kale is a great addition to soups and stews. It adds a hearty texture and a slightly bitter flavor.
- Smoothies: Blend kale into smoothies for a healthy and delicious way to get your daily dose of greens.
- Kale Chips: Roast kale leaves in the oven with olive oil and salt for a healthy and tasty snack.
A Bountiful Fall Harvest: The Final Word
Growing kale in the fall is a rewarding experience. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy fresh, flavorful kale throughout the fall and even into the winter. By following these tips, you can ensure a bountiful harvest of this nutritious and delicious green.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I grow kale from seed in the fall?
A: Yes, you can direct sow kale seeds in the fall. However, it’s important to start them early enough to give them time to mature before the first frost.
Q: How often should I water my kale?
A: Water your kale regularly, especially during dry periods. The soil should be consistently moist but not soggy.
Q: What are the best ways to store kale?
A: You can store kale in the refrigerator for up to a week. To store kale longer, you can freeze it. Simply wash and dry the leaves, then pack them into freezer bags.
Q: Can I grow kale in containers?
A: Yes, you can grow kale in containers. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches wide and deep. Make sure the container has drainage holes.
Q: What are some common kale pests?
A: Common kale pests include aphids, cabbage worms, and slugs. Monitor your plants regularly for signs of pests and take action if necessary. You can use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests.
