What To Know
- Starting kale from seed is a rewarding experience, allowing you to choose your preferred varieties and control the entire growing process.
- Store harvested kale in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- In colder climates, cover your kale plants with a row cover or frost blanket to protect them from extreme temperatures.
Kale, the leafy green powerhouse, is a versatile and nutritious addition to any garden. Its ability to withstand cooler temperatures and its long harvest season make it a favorite among home gardeners. But knowing how to plant kale can be a challenge, especially for beginners. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from choosing the right variety to harvesting your bountiful crop.
Choosing the Right Kale Variety
The first step in your kale journey is selecting the perfect variety. With a wide range of options available, consider your preferences and growing conditions.
- Curly Kale: The classic choice, known for its frilly leaves and robust flavor. Popular varieties include ‘Red Russian’ and ‘Winterbor.’
- Lacinato Kale (Dinosaur Kale): This variety features long, deeply crinkled leaves with a milder flavor. Look for ‘Nero di Toscana’ and ‘Cavolo Nero.’
- Tuscan Kale: Similar to Lacinato Kale, this variety boasts a slightly sweeter flavor. ‘Black Tuscan’ is a popular choice.
- Russian Red Kale: This variety features striking purple-red leaves with a slightly bitter flavor.
- Other Varieties: Explore unique options like ‘Redbor’ (red, curly leaves) and ‘Vates’ (a compact variety).
Preparing Your Planting Site
Before planting your kale, ensure your planting site is well-prepared.
- Sunlight: Kale thrives in full sun to partial shade. Aim for at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Soil: Loose, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0 is ideal. Amend your soil with compost or aged manure for improved fertility and drainage.
- Spacing: Allow adequate spacing between plants to prevent overcrowding and promote healthy growth. For most varieties, space plants 12-18 inches apart.
Starting Kale from Seed
Starting kale from seed is a rewarding experience, allowing you to choose your preferred varieties and control the entire growing process.
- Timing: Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost in your area. You can also direct sow seeds outdoors after the last frost, but germination may be slower.
- Seed Starting: Fill seed trays with seed starting mix and sow seeds 1/4 inch deep. Keep the soil moist and warm until germination.
- Thinning: Once seedlings have a few true leaves, thin them to the strongest plant, leaving 4-6 inches between them.
Transplanting Kale Seedlings
Once your kale seedlings have developed a strong root system, it’s time to transplant them to your garden.
- Hardening Off: Before transplanting, gradually acclimate your seedlings to outdoor conditions by exposing them to increasing amounts of sunlight and wind over a week.
- Transplanting: Dig holes slightly larger than the root ball and gently remove the seedling from its container. Place the seedling in the hole, ensuring the root ball is level with the soil surface.
- Watering: Water the newly transplanted seedlings thoroughly to help them establish roots.
Direct Sowing Kale Seeds
For a more hands-off approach, you can direct sow kale seeds outdoors after the last frost.
- Timing: Sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 12-18 inches apart. Keep the soil consistently moist.
- Thinning: Once seedlings have a few true leaves, thin them to the strongest plant, leaving 12-18 inches between them.
Caring for Your Kale Plants
Once your kale is established, it requires minimal care.
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Aim for deep watering to encourage root development.
- Fertilizing: Feed your kale with a balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks to promote healthy growth and production.
- Weeding: Keep the area around your kale plants weed-free to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
- Pest Control: Monitor your kale plants for pests like aphids, cabbage worms, and slugs. Use organic pest control methods like insecticidal soap or diatomaceous earth.
Harvesting Your Kale
The best time to harvest kale is when the leaves are young and tender.
- Harvesting: Cut the leaves from the outer part of the plant, leaving the inner leaves intact to continue growing.
- Storage: Store harvested kale in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Kale’s Second Act: Overwintering
Kale’s ability to withstand cold temperatures makes it a perfect candidate for overwintering.
- Protection: In colder climates, cover your kale plants with a row cover or frost blanket to protect them from extreme temperatures.
- Harvesting: Continue harvesting throughout the winter, as the leaves will become sweeter and more flavorful after a frost.
Beyond the Garden: Cooking with Kale
Kale is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in countless ways.
- Salads: Add chopped kale to salads for a nutritious and flavorful boost.
- Soups and Stews: Kale’s hearty texture makes it a perfect addition to soups and stews.
- Smoothies: Blend kale into smoothies for a hidden dose of vitamins and minerals.
- Sautéed Kale: Sauté kale with garlic and olive oil for a simple and delicious side dish.
- Chips: Roast kale in the oven for crispy and flavorful kale chips.
A Kale-ful Harvest: Your Success Story
Growing kale is a rewarding experience, offering a bountiful harvest of nutritious greens. By following these simple steps, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown kale throughout the growing season and beyond.
Frequently Discussed Topics
Q: How often should I harvest kale?
A: Harvest kale regularly, every 1-2 weeks, to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from bolting (producing flowers).
Q: Can I grow kale in containers?
A: Yes, kale can be successfully grown in containers. Choose a pot at least 12 inches in diameter and fill it with a well-draining potting mix.
Q: When should I stop harvesting kale?
A: You can continue harvesting kale until the plant starts to bolt (produce flowers).
Q: What are the benefits of growing kale?
A: Kale is packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants. It’s a low-calorie, high-fiber food that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes.
Q: What are some tips for preventing pests and diseases?
A: Rotate your crops each year, remove any infected plants, and use organic pest control methods to help prevent pests and diseases.
