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Kale is rightly regarded as one of the hardiest and most nutritious greens the home gardener can grow. Plant it for a late-summer crop of fresh, crisp greens, or plan on a winter harvest said to be even sweeter.
Kale tolerates a wide range of conditions in the garden. It is a cool-season crop, so it does great in both in-ground gardens and in containers, thus making it wonderful for gardeners with reduced areas. With proper care, you will have fresh kale throughout most of the year.
When and Where to Plant Kale
When to plant kale is different, depending on whether you want a spring, fall, or winter harvest. Indoor planting: Start by planting about six to eight weeks before the latest frost. Set out into the garden when warmer weather arrives. Kale prefers temperatures between 55-75° F. Sweeter kale is the result of cooler air temperature. To have an autumn or winter crop, plant in mid-to-late summer. A kale juggernaut of a plant much of the world over, yielding well into winter if given some mulch or row cover to protect against extreme cold.
It prefers a full sun location for the best growth, though it does tolerate partial shade. If it is allowed to receive too much intense heat, leaves can become too bitter or the plant goes directly to seed.
How to Prepare Soil for Growing Kale
Kale prefers to grow in loose, well-draining soil with abundant organic matter. Soil pH should be in the range of 6.5-7.5 this will help avoid many of the common diseases like clubroot.
Mix compost or composted manure in ahead of planting, and it will provide all necessary nutrition. Kale is a heavy feeder, and these organic amendments give it the boost needed for continued profuse growth throughout the season.
Good soil moisture is required but it shouldn't be waterlogged, which could lead to root issues. Container grown plants - use containers at least 12-inch deep and with good drainage.
Planting and Growing Kale from Seed or Transplants
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Kale can be planted by direct seeding or transplanting. To direct seed into the ground, plant about ¼ inch deep and 12-18 inches apart to allow for good air circulation. Harden transplants off to outdoor conditions over one week. Transplants are garden-ready when plants are reaching about three inches in height.
Mulching around your plants promotes retention of water, suppression of weeds, and stabilization of soil temperature. In the event of temperature highs, mulch further prevents stress-a situation that turns the leaves tough and bitter.
Watering and Fertilizing Kale for Best Results
This is because kale needs to always be moist, especially in dry seasons, so it will not wilt and its leaves will remain tender. The general requirement for it is about an inch of water a week from rainfall or supplemental irrigation. One can employ a soaker hose or drip irrigation in it to avoid wetting the leaves to invite insects and diseases.
Regular feeding will ensure good health for your kale. You can feed with a balanced fertilizer or compost tea once every 4-6 weeks, but go high on the nitrogen levels since the plant is leafy. This said, too much fertilizer actually predisposes kale to an aphid infestation and other pests; therefore, moderate feeding must be practiced.
Pest and Disease Control
Generally, kale plants are hardy but may also fall prey to a number of pests and diseases. Some of the most frequent kale plant pests will include cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles. Such insects may chew or nibble at the leaves of your kale plants. You will be able to control such pests with some organic remedies like neem oil or insecticidal soap. Another good physical control is the use of a row cover.
The wetting of the leaves for extended time will expose them to diseases such as downy mildew. Plants spaced enough and watered at the base reduce the chances of fungal diseases. Other control measures include crop rotation to prevent the soilborne diseases from building up with time.
Harvesting Kale for Continued Production
Kale leaves can be picked at any time when they become large enough to use, which is normally when they reach about the size of your hand. Start removing the lower, older leaves, always leaving the central stem intact so more growth will be encouraged. The tender baby leaves may be picked earlier for salads. This would also prevent the plant from bolting, especially in warmer weather.
With winter gardening, kale can be left in the ground in temperatures as low as below 20°F. Most often, frosts sweeten the leaves, so allowing them to stay in the garden for a couple of extra weeks really adds flavor.
Top Varieties for Different Growing Conditions
Several kale varieties offer unique flavors, textures, and growing characteristics.Here are some varieties to consider:
- 'Curly Kale': This is a variety with frilly leaves that are cold-tolerant and very popular in smoothies and soups.
- 'Lacinato Kale' (Dinosaur Kale): Dark, flat leaves that taste earthy it does particularly well in soups and sautés.
- 'Red Russian Kale': These are tender, flat-leafed with red stalks that sweeten after frost.
- 'Siberian Kale': Is very cold-hardy and an excellent variety for winter harvests.
- 'Premier Kale': Is fast-growing and with its smooth leaves, does very well when planted in the spring.
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Growing Kale in Containers
Since kale is a shallow root vegetable, it will do quite well in container gardening.
Choose a container that is at least 12 inches deep and fill it with good quality potting soil mixed with compost. Since pots dry out sooner compared to garden soil, the kale planted in containers will require more frequent watering compared to those grown in a garden.
For continuous growth, fertilizer should be provided every few weeks, and if necessary, the pot should be rotated for uniform exposure to the sun.
Cooking and Enjoying Kale
The kale is quite versatile in the kitchen. Its baby leaves work well in fresh salads, while its larger leaves sauté well with garlic or are added to soups and stews. It is also great in smoothies since it adds a load of nutrients without an overpowering flavor.
If you want to save your kale for later, you may take it out from your freezer. Kale freezes fairly well, and most of its nutritional value can be preserved if it is blanched prior to freezing.
Overwintering Kale for Extended Harvests
Many types of kale are cold-hardy and will continue to thrive with some extra TLC. Mulch around the plants very heavily to shield roots from freezing temperatures. For colder climates, row covers or frost blankets will protect against snow and ice. For those that can, kale will do well under grow lights indoors, too, for fresh greens well into the colder months.
FAQs
How often should I water the kale plant?
Kale loves having consistent moisture in the soil for tender leaves. You are required to water deeply, about 1 inch per week. However, this frequency needs to increase during hot or dry conditions. Mulching helps retain moisture and prevents evaporation.
Can I grow kale indoors?
Yes, kale can grow indoors if the conditions are right. Place it near a bright window that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day or use grow lights. Ensure it’s planted in well-draining soil and water when the top inch of the soil feels dry.
How do I prevent pests like aphids and cabbage worms from kale?
Row covers can protect young plants, and crop rotation prevents recurring pest issues. Introducing natural predators, like ladybugs, or using neem oil helps control infestations. For smaller gardens, handpicking infested pests is an effective solution.
At what time does one harvest kale?
Kale is ready to harvest when the leaves are large enough to use, usually 6-8 weeks after planting. Always pick the outer leaves first, leaving the inner ones to continue growing. For the sweetest flavor, harvest after frost, as cold temperatures reduce bitterness.
Conclusion
Growing kale is both worthwhile for salads and smoothies, not to mention hearty winter stews. It is arguably one of the most popular vegetables to grow in your home garden, based on the fact that it will tolerate an awful lot of damage from weather, insects, and amateur gardeners.
Plant correctly, water faithfully, and watch for pests on a regular schedule, and your kale plants will reward you with a continuous harvest throughout the season.
Whether grown in the backyard garden or in a patio container, kale is one of those vegetables that offers something to each and every home gardener.
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