What To Know
- If you’re looking to add a robust, flavorful green to your garden and kitchen, Taunton Deane kale is a fantastic choice.
- This heirloom variety boasts a deep, rich flavor and a sturdy, frost-tolerant nature, making it a winner for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Place the trays under a grow light or in a sunny window.
If you’re looking to add a robust, flavorful green to your garden and kitchen, Taunton Deane kale is a fantastic choice. This heirloom variety boasts a deep, rich flavor and a sturdy, frost-tolerant nature, making it a winner for both novice and experienced gardeners. Learn everything you need to know about how to grow Taunton Deane kale in this comprehensive guide.
Understanding Taunton Deane Kale
Taunton Deane kale is a heritage variety known for its exceptional flavor and hardiness. Its leaves are deeply crinkled, dark green, and have a slightly peppery, earthy taste. This kale thrives in cooler temperatures, making it an excellent choice for fall and winter gardening.
Choosing the Right Location
Taunton Deane kale requires plenty of sunlight to thrive. Select a spot in your garden that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It’s also important to consider the soil. This kale prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. If your soil is lacking in nutrients, amend it with compost or aged manure before planting.
Starting from Seed
Starting Taunton Deane kale from seed is the most common and rewarding method. Here’s how to do it:
1. Choose the Right Time: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost in your area.
2. Prepare Seed Trays: Fill seed trays with a seed-starting mix and gently water it.
3. Sow the Seeds: Place one or two seeds in each cell, covering them with about ¼ inch of soil.
4. Maintain Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy.
5. Provide Light: Place the trays under a grow light or in a sunny window.
6. Thin Seedlings: Once the seedlings have a few true leaves, thin them out to the strongest one per cell.
7. Harden Off: Before transplanting outdoors, gradually acclimate the seedlings to outdoor conditions over a week.
Transplanting Seedlings
Once the threat of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up, it’s time to transplant your Taunton Deane kale seedlings.
1. Prepare the Garden Bed: Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of each seedling.
2. Space the Seedlings: Space the seedlings 18-24 inches apart, allowing for adequate growth.
3. Plant and Water: Carefully remove the seedlings from their trays, keeping the root ball intact. Place them in the holes and gently firm the soil around them. Water thoroughly.
Caring for Your Taunton Deane Kale
Once planted, Taunton Deane kale requires minimal care, but there are a few key factors to consider.
Watering
Taunton Deane kale prefers consistent moisture. Water deeply and regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week.
Fertilizing
To encourage healthy growth, fertilize your kale every few weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer. You can also side-dress with compost or aged manure.
Pest and Disease Control
Taunton Deane kale is generally pest-resistant. However, watch out for common garden pests like aphids, cabbage worms, and slugs. Handpick these pests or use organic pest control methods.
Harvesting Your Kale
Taunton Deane kale is ready to harvest when the leaves are large and mature. You can start harvesting individual leaves as needed, or cut the entire plant back to about 6 inches above the ground. This will encourage new growth, and you can continue to harvest throughout the growing season.
Winterizing Your Kale
Taunton Deane kale is a cold-hardy variety and can tolerate temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. To help your kale survive the winter, mulch around the plants with straw or leaves. This will insulate the roots and prevent them from freezing.
Enjoying Your Harvest
Taunton Deane kale is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. You can use it in soups, stews, salads, smoothies, and more. The leaves can be eaten raw, but they are best cooked to bring out their rich flavor.
Beyond the Basics: Tips for Success
- Succession Planting: For a continuous harvest, stagger your plantings by a few weeks.
- Companion Planting: Plant kale near herbs like rosemary, thyme, and sage to deter pests.
- Protect from Wind: If your area is prone to strong winds, provide windbreaks for your kale plants.
- Harvest Early: Harvesting kale regularly will encourage new growth and prevent it from becoming too woody.
Final Thoughts: Your Kale Garden Awaits
Growing Taunton Deane kale is a rewarding experience. With its robust flavor and hardiness, this heirloom variety is a true gem for any garden. By following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy fresh, flavorful kale throughout the season.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
Q: Can I grow Taunton Deane kale in containers?
A: Yes, absolutely. Choose a container that is at least 12 inches wide and deep. Use a high-quality potting mix and ensure adequate drainage.
Q: How long does it take for Taunton Deane kale to mature?
A: It typically takes 60-75 days from planting to harvest.
Q: What are the best ways to store harvested kale?
A: Store kale in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 30 seconds before freezing.
Q: What are some alternative uses for kale?
A: Besides eating it, you can use kale for composting, as a natural fertilizer, or as a mulch to suppress weeds.
