What To Know
- Kale is a heavy feeder, so fertilize it every few weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer.
- One of the best things about growing kale in winter is that you can harvest it throughout the season.
- Kale is incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of dishes.
Winter may bring snow and cold, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of fresh, vibrant greens. In fact, winter is the perfect time to grow kale! This hardy, nutrient-rich vegetable thrives in cooler temperatures, providing a delicious and healthy harvest even when other plants are dormant. If you’re wondering how to grow kale in winter, you’ve come to the right place.
Choosing the Right Kale Variety
The first step to successful winter kale is selecting the right variety. Not all kale is created equal, and some are better suited for colder weather than others. Here are some popular winter-hardy varieties:
- Red Russian Kale: This variety boasts deep red leaves with a slightly sweet flavor. It’s known for its cold hardiness and can withstand frost.
- Lacinato Kale (Dinosaur Kale): With its distinctive, curly leaves, Lacinato kale is a favorite for its bold flavor and texture. It’s also very cold-tolerant.
- Nero di Toscana Kale: This variety offers dark green, frilly leaves and a slightly bitter, earthy flavor. It’s a good choice for winter gardens.
- Winterbor Kale: This variety is specifically bred for its winter hardiness and can withstand freezing temperatures.
Preparing Your Garden Bed
Before planting, prepare your garden bed for optimal growth.
- Soil Preparation: Kale prefers well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter. Work in compost or aged manure to improve the soil structure and fertility.
- Sunlight: Kale needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Choose a location in your garden that receives ample sunlight.
- Spacing: Plant kale seeds or seedlings about 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation.
Planting Your Kale
You can start your kale journey by either directly sowing seeds or transplanting seedlings.
Direct Sowing:
- Timing: Sow kale seeds outdoors in the fall, about 6-8 weeks before the first frost.
- Depth: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep in the soil.
- Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil moist.
Transplanting Seedlings:
- Timing: Transplant kale seedlings outdoors in the fall, after the soil has cooled down.
- Spacing: Space seedlings 12-18 inches apart.
- Watering: Water deeply after transplanting and make sure the soil remains moist.
Winterizing Your Kale
Once your kale is established, it’s important to take steps to help it survive the winter months.
- Mulching: Apply a thick layer of organic mulch (straw, leaves, or wood chips) around the base of your kale plants. This will help to insulate the soil, prevent frost heaving, and suppress weeds.
- Row Covers: Consider using row covers to protect your kale from extreme cold and wind. Row covers create a mini-greenhouse effect, trapping warmth and protecting the plants.
- Winter Protection: In areas with very cold winters, you can protect your kale by building a simple cold frame. A cold frame is a box-like structure that traps solar heat and protects plants from the elements.
Caring for Your Winter Kale
Even though kale is cold-hardy, it still needs some care to thrive.
- Watering: Water your kale regularly, especially during dry spells. The soil should be consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilizing: Kale is a heavy feeder, so fertilize it every few weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer.
- Pest Control: Keep an eye out for common kale pests like aphids, cabbage worms, and slugs. Use organic pest control methods like insecticidal soap or diatomaceous earth.
Harvesting Your Winter Kale
One of the best things about growing kale in winter is that you can harvest it throughout the season.
- Harvesting: Harvest kale leaves as needed, cutting them at the base of the plant. You can harvest individual leaves or cut entire stalks.
- Storage: Store fresh kale in the refrigerator for up to a week. Or, you can freeze kale for later use.
Enjoying Your Winter Kale Harvest
Now that you have a bountiful harvest of winter kale, it’s time to enjoy its deliciousness and health benefits.
- Cooking: Kale is incredibly versatile and can be used in a wide variety of dishes. Try it in soups, stews, salads, stir-fries, smoothies, and more.
- Health Benefits: Kale is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s a great source of vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin A, and fiber.
Lasting Goodness: Beyond the Winter
Growing kale in winter is a rewarding experience. It not only provides a fresh source of nutrients during the colder months, but it also extends the gardening season and allows you to enjoy the beauty of your garden year-round. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be enjoying delicious, homegrown kale all winter long.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Can I grow kale indoors in winter?
A: Yes, you can grow kale indoors in winter. Choose a sunny windowsill or invest in a grow light.
Q: How cold can kale tolerate?
A: Most kale varieties can tolerate temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q: What if my kale gets frostbite?
A: If your kale gets frostbite, the leaves may turn brown or black. You can still harvest and eat the leaves, but they may have a slightly bitter taste.
Q: Can I grow kale in containers?
A: Yes, kale can be grown in containers. Choose a pot that’s at least 12 inches wide and deep.
Q: How long does it take kale to grow?
A: Kale takes about 60-75 days to mature from seed to harvest.
