{"id":10573,"date":"2020-02-10T03:39:00","date_gmt":"2020-02-09T17:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardens.theownerbuildernetwork.co\/?p=10573"},"modified":"2025-10-30T21:16:27","modified_gmt":"2025-10-30T11:16:27","slug":"gardening-guide-how-to-grow-kale","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theownerbuildernetwork.co\/gardens\/2020\/02\/10\/gardening-guide-how-to-grow-kale\/","title":{"rendered":"Gardening Guide: How to Grow Kale"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Kale has become increasingly popular over the past few\nyears, mainly because people have begun to discover what it brings to the\ntable. The remarkably hardy kale is rich in fiber, minerals, and packed with Vitamin\nK, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The vegetable will grow just about anywhere, as well. You\ncan grow this cool-season vegetable in the tropics just as easily as in the far\nnorth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The
The remarkably hardy kale is rich in fiber, minerals, and packed with Vitamin K, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Growing Kale <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You plant kale once and it yields a harvest of fresh greens\nall year. You can also plant in succession to enjoy an extended harvest.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kale varieties offer a choice of frothy, frilled leaves,\ncrinkled leaves, and flatter leaves suitable for both cooking and salads. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When to Plant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In most areas, you can plant kale any time between early\nspring through early summer; and again, from late summer to early fall. Though\nkale will produce in warm weather, the vegetable tends to become woody and\nbitter under such conditions.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll produce delicious greens when you allow the plant to\nmature in cool temperatures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"In
In most areas, you can plant kale any time between early spring through early summer; and again, from late summer to early fall. (Photo: Cultivar413\/Flickr)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Where to Plant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re planting during the cool season, do so where your\ncrop will get full sun. If you\u2019re growing during warmer temps, plant in partial\nshade. Be sure to work a good amount of organic fertilizer into the top 3 to 4\ninches of soil before planting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Be
Be sure to work a good amount of organic fertilizer into the top 3 to 4 inches of soil before planting. (Photo: Maren Barbee\/Flickr)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How to Plant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Kale requires some room to grow properly. To make the most of the space you have, it\u2019s almost always better to start plants in plug trays or small pots. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fill the trays or pots with multipurpose potting soil. Tamp it\nin with your fingertips then make holes about half an inch deep. Sow two seeds\nper plug or pot, cover, and water. If two seedlings emerge, remove the weaker\nof the two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on how soon you plan on planting your kale, you may need to transplant your seedlings in larger containers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start moving your plants outside about a week before planting. This will permit them time to acclimatize to the outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"To
To make the most of the space you have, it\u2019s almost always better to start plants in plug trays or small pots. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Caring for Kale<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Keep the soil moist but well-drained to encourage consistent\ngrowth. You should apply compost to your bed every six to eight weeks. Seaweed\nemulsion will help boost development when used lightly throughout the entire growing\nseason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protect young plants with row covers to establish a buffer against unexpected dips in temperature and fend off pests. Pick off unhealthy-looking leaves and keep your plants well-fed with compost<\/a> and water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The roots of kale run horizontally from the central stem. To\nkeep the soil moist and cool, apply straw or grass mulch at the base of your\nplants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Pick
Pick off unhealthy-looking leaves and keep your plants well-fed with compost and water. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Harvesting Kale<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can begin harvesting when the leaves are about the size of your hand. Pick them one by one, starting with the lowest, outermost leaves. You should leave a few of the small central leaves untouched to encourage growth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, you\u2019ll be able to harvest from the same plant again in five to seven days, according to Zoe Schaeffer of Good Housekeeping<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"You
You can begin harvesting when the leaves are about the size of your hand. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Growing kale is easy! <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t need to be a seasoned gardener to grow kale. Even\nthe professed black thumb can expect some gardening success with this green. Just\nthree or four plants can supply a family of four with a nice weekly harvest.\nYou don’t even need a backyard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kale grows well in containers, too. Simply make sure your pot is at least 12 inches in diameter and use a well-draining potting mix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here’s a quick video\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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