Tips For Planting And Growing Kale

Guide To Kale In Your Garden:

• Kale grows best when planted 3 – 5 weeks before the last frost. Fall/Autumn is one of the best times to grow kale as long as the weather does not drop into the teens. The leaves are sweeter when grown in cooler weather. Kale is resilient, making it one of the easiest of the brassica family to grow.
• Kale can also be planted in the spring before the intense heat of the summer months as kale grows best in cooler temperatures. Seeds will germinate at soil temperatures as long as 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Kale is grown best in well-drained, fertile soil with pH levels between 6.5 and 6.8.
• Plant kale 18 to 24 inches apart in an area that receives ample sun to allow proper air circulation. Use compost, fertilizer, and/or other rich, organic matter when planting your kale. When using compost, apply 1 – 2 inches of compost per 100 square of garden area.
• Plant kale seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep in your soil.
• Water your kale with 1 to 2 inches of water per week. The soil should remain consistently moist.
• Utilize mulch to deter weeds, retain moisture and keep the kale cool. Mulch will help expedite the kale growth process.
• Kale is best harvested starting with the outermost, lowermost leaves once they get to a rich color and large enough to eat. Kale is ready to harvest when the leaves are the approximate size of your hand.
• Avoid snipping and picking the terminal bud to ensure future kale plant productivity. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and can extend the harvesting period. Remove yellow and/or damaged leaves to promote overall kale health.