How to Grow Kale
Kale is an easy-to-grow leafy green that does well in many home vegetable gardens. It is a relative of the mustard plant and is packed full of nutrition, especially vitamins A and C. This cold hardy annual is both heat and cold tolerant; in fact, frost sweetens kale. Heat can make the leaves bitter, so harvest the plants before hot weather begins. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Select a variety of kale seeds to plant. Types of kale plants include Red Russian, Dwarf Blue Curled Vates and Winterbor, which is very productive and tolerant of frost and snow.
-
2
Decide where kale is to be grown and prepare the plot. Kale plants need well-drained, firm soil. Enrich the soil with compost about two weeks before planting. Kale plants also need full sun, but can be grown both in containers and in the backyard.
-
-
3
Sow the kale seeds directly outdoors as soon as the soil temp reaches about 45 degrees. Cover seeds with about ½ inch of soil but the kale plants should be spaced about 18 to 24 inches apart. Kale generally grows between 2 to 3 feet tall.
-
4
Water the kale plants as needed. Keep the soil moist, but do not over-water.
-
5
To harvest as needed, pull off the larger outer leaves and leave the plant to continue growing. The plant can also be cut off at the base, once it reaches its full growth, which takes about two months.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Kale leaves can be picked and used for salad greens when they are 3 to 4 inches tall. Mature leaves are tougher and should be cooked.
Kale plants are great for edible landscapes. The plant will turn pretty colors after the frost.
If the kale leaves turn yellow, fertilize the plants.
Kale seed can also be started indoors about six weeks before last frost date and transplanted after the soil warms.
Aphids, cutworms, cabbage worms and flea beetles can cause problems with kale. Inspect the plants regularly for these problems. Keep the vegetable bed clean and free from debris like dead leaves.
- Photo Credit James Wilsher
