PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

Growing kale in your garden provides a nutritional powerhouse that’s both beautiful and productive. This hardy leafy green, a member of the Brassica family, is celebrated for its exceptional nutritional profile rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals and antioxidants. Kale comes in various varieties, from curly and Lacinato (dinosaur) to Russian and ornamental types, each offering unique flavors, textures, and colors ranging from deep green to purple and blue-green. Remarkably tolerant of cold temperatures and even improving in flavor after light frosts, kale is an excellent choice for extending your growing season.

• Best Time to Plant: Kale is a cool-season crop that thrives in temperatures between 55°F and 75°F (13°C to 24°C). For spring harvests, start seeds indoors 4 to 6 weeks before the last expected frost date, then transplant seedlings outdoors 2 to 3 weeks before the last frost. For fall and winter harvests, which often yield the sweetest leaves, direct sow seeds 6 to 8 weeks before the first expected fall frost. In mild-winter regions, kale can be grown throughout the winter for continuous harvests, while in colder areas, it can often survive under protection and resume growth in early spring.
• Soil Type: Kale performs best in fertile, well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Before planting, amend the soil with 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) of compost or aged manure to improve soil structure and provide essential nutrients. Kale is a heavy feeder, so rich soil supports robust growth and higher yields. Adding a balanced organic fertilizer before planting will help establish strong root systems. Avoid sandy soils that dry out quickly unless you can provide consistent irrigation.
• Spacing: When direct seeding, plant kale seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch (0.6 to 1.3 cm) deep. Space seeds approximately 3 inches (7.5 cm) apart in rows that are 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) apart. Once seedlings develop 2 to 3 true leaves, thin them to stand 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) apart, depending on the variety. Dwarf varieties can be spaced closer, while larger varieties need more room to develop fully. For transplants, set them at the same depth they were growing in their containers and space them according to the variety’s mature size.

CARE TIPS

• Watering: Kale requires consistent soil moisture to develop tender, flavorful leaves. Provide approximately 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm) of water per week, adjusting based on rainfall and temperature. Water deeply at the base of plants to encourage strong root development and keep foliage dry to reduce disease risk. Irregular watering can lead to tough leaves and bitter flavor. Applying a 2 to 3-inch (5 to 7.5 cm) layer of organic mulch around plants helps maintain even soil moisture, suppress weeds, and keep soil cool during warmer months.
• Fertilizing: Kale is a heavy feeder that benefits from regular nutrient supplements throughout its growing season. After the initial pre-planting fertilization, side-dress with compost or a balanced organic fertilizer when plants are about 6 inches (15 cm) tall, and again every 3 to 4 weeks during the growing season. A high-nitrogen organic fertilizer, such as blood meal or fish emulsion, can be particularly beneficial for leafy growth. For long-season or overwintering plants, apply a additional side-dressing of compost in late summer or early fall to support continued production.
• Pest Management: Protect young kale plants from pests with floating row covers, which also provide light shade during warmer weather. Regularly inspect the undersides of leaves for eggs and caterpillars, removing them by hand. Companion planting with aromatic herbs like thyme, sage, or mint can help deter some pests. If cabbage worms become problematic, apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), an organic biological control that specifically targets caterpillars without harming beneficial insects. For healthy growth, maintain good air circulation by proper spacing and removing any yellowed or damaged leaves promptly.

HARVESTING

• When to Harvest: Kale is typically ready for harvest 50 to 70 days after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Baby kale leaves can be harvested as early as 25 to 30 days after planting. Plants will continue producing for many months if properly maintained. The flavor of kale actually improves and sweetens after exposure to light frosts, making fall and winter harvests particularly desirable. Younger leaves tend to be more tender and milder in flavor, while mature leaves are more robust and suited for cooking.
• How to Harvest: Kale can be harvested using two methods:
  • Cut-and-come-again: Remove the outer, lower leaves individually by cutting them 2 inches (5 cm) above the soil level, working from the bottom of the plant upward. Leave the center growth point and at least 4 to 5 central leaves intact. This method allows the plant to continue growing for months of ongoing harvests.
  • Whole plant harvest: Cut the entire plant 2 inches (5 cm) above the soil level when it reaches the desired size. In favorable conditions, the plant will often regrow for additional harvests.

For the best quality, harvest in the cool morning hours and refrigerate promptly. Kale leaves can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks in a perforated plastic bag, though flavor is best when used within a few days of harvest.

TROUBLESHOOTING

• Common Issues: • Cabbage Worms: Green caterpillars that create irregular holes in leaves. • Aphids: Small insects that cluster on the undersides of leaves and new growth, causing distortion. • Flea Beetles: Tiny beetles that create small, shot-hole damage in leaves. • Powdery Mildew: White, powdery fungal growth on leaf surfaces, particularly in humid conditions.
• Solutions: • Cabbage Worms: Use floating row covers to prevent butterflies from laying eggs on plants. Remove caterpillars by hand when spotted. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) according to package directions for severe infestations. Attract beneficial parasitic wasps by planting flowers like sweet alyssum or dill nearby. • Aphids: Spray plants with a strong stream of water to dislodge aphids. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings. For persistent problems, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, making sure to cover the undersides of leaves where aphids cluster. • Flea Beetles: Protect young plants with floating row covers until they are well established. Apply diatomaceous earth around plants as a barrier. Keep the garden clean of debris where beetles can overwinter. For severe infestations, consider organic insecticides containing pyrethrin. • Powdery Mildew: Improve air circulation by ensuring proper spacing between plants. Water at the base of plants and avoid overhead watering. Remove and destroy affected leaves. For persistent problems, apply a fungicide approved for organic gardening, such as potassium bicarbonate or sulfur-based products, following package directions.