Kale, a nutrient-dense superfood, has gained immense popularity among home gardeners. Nate Muri, founder of Garden Like a Viking and the Viking Growing System assures that kale is remarkably easy to cultivate making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners. Its high yield and low maintenance requirements ensure a rewarding gardening experience.
This versatile green can be enjoyed in various forms—fresh in salads, sautéed with garlic and olive oil, blended into smoothies, or even baked into crispy kale chips. With just one packet of seeds, you can enjoy a continuous harvest throughout the growing season, making kale a cost-effective and space-efficient choice for your garden.
Planting Kale: Timing and Techniques
Kale thrives in cool weather, making it ideal for planting from late spring to early August. For those eager to get a head start, seeds can be sown indoors about six to eight weeks before the last expected frost date. Jeannine R. Bogard, a wholesale product specialist with Syngenta Vegetables recommends moving seedlings outdoors during the day and bringing them in at night when temperatures dip below the upper 40s.
Alternatively, you can opt for the direct-sow method planting seeds directly in the ground about three to five weeks before the last frost date. Ensure seeds are sown about ½ inch deep in well-prepared garden beds or raised planters. Proper spacing is crucial; maintain about 12 to 18 inches between plants and 24 inches between rows to promote healthy growth and airflow.
For those with limited space, kale can also be grown in containers. Opt for a three-gallon or five-gallon container and plant five to ten seeds per container. Once the seedlings reach about six inches in height, thin them out, leaving only the most vigorous-looking plants.
Cultivating Kale: Essential Care Tips
Kale prefers loose, well-draining soil enriched with compost to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. In containers, use a high-quality potting mix to ensure optimal growth. Kale requires full sun to part shade with a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight per day. If your garden lacks sufficient sunlight, containers can be strategically placed to meet the plant’s light requirements.
Consistent watering is key to kale’s success. Keep the soil moist as seedlings emerge and establish, providing one to two inches of water per week. Deep watering encourages strong root development. Kale in containers dries out more quickly so monitor the moisture levels closely to prevent the root hairs from dying back.
Mulching is an effective way to maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds. Chelsey Lenczyk, home and farm manager at Bejo Seeds suggests using fallen leaves as a natural mulch. This not only conserves moisture but also enriches the soil as the leaves decompose.
Leafy vegetables like kale benefit from nitrogen-rich fertilizers. Organic options such as bat guano can be mixed into the soil before planting to provide the necessary nutrients. Kale is a cool-weather crop that thrives in spring and fall. While it may slow down in extreme heat, consistent moisture can help maintain its productivity.
Harvesting and Common Issues
Kale is ready for harvest about two months after planting when the plants reach 12 to 18 inches in height. To ensure a continuous supply, never harvest more than 30 percent of the foliage at a time. Start from the bottom of the plant, snipping leaves close to the center stalk without damaging it. This method encourages new growth and keeps leaves off the ground, reducing the risk of disease and pests.
Common kale problems include Fusarium yellows and pests like cabbage worms and loopers. Crop rotation and proper spacing can help deter diseases. Natural controls like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) can be used to manage pests effectively. While a few holes in the leaves are normal, severe infestations may require handpicking or treating with Bt.
Popular kale varieties include Lacinato (dinosaur kale), Red RussianRubyborDarkiborStarbor and Prizm. Each variety offers unique characteristics, making them suitable for different culinary uses and growing conditions.
While kale is a nutritious addition to human diets, it should be consumed with caution by pets. Although not toxic, kale is high in oxalates which can pose risks for pets with a history of calcium oxalate kidney stones. Additionally, kale can cause gas in dogs, so it’s best to avoid including it in their regular diets.
