Kale is often regarded as the king of winter vegetables due to its nutritional value, hardiness, and beauty. This versatile leafy green thrives through the colder months, and with proper care, it will provide a steady harvest well into winter. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, growing kale is a rewarding experience, and now is the perfect time to start.
Types of Kale
Kale is not only nutritious but visually striking. There are several varieties to choose from, each with its unique look and texture. Some feature curly, frilled leaves, while others have flatter, smoother foliage. Kale can also be red or purple, offering ornamental appeal in the garden alongside its culinary benefits. Varieties like ‘Red Russian’ and ‘Purple Curled’ can be a beautiful addition to ornamental borders, making kale both a functional and decorative plant for your garden.
Where to Grow Kale
Kale thrives in well-drained, fertile soil and requires plenty of sunlight for optimal growth. It is remarkably frost-resistant, making it an ideal winter vegetable. Like other cabbage family members, kale does best in soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is lacking, improve its fertility by adding compost or applying a balanced organic fertilizer, such as chicken manure pellets, a week or two before planting.
How to Sow Kale
Kale requires plenty of space to grow and is best started in plug trays or pots. This allows you to get your seedlings growing before space becomes available in the garden. Fill your trays or pots with good-quality potting soil, firm it down, and make small holes about half an inch deep. Sow two seeds per plug or pot, cover them lightly with soil, and water gently. If both seeds sprout, remove the weaker one to give the stronger seedling room to grow.
If you’re sowing kale indoors, you might need to transplant your seedlings into larger containers as they grow. About a week before planting them outdoors, begin to harden off the plants by placing them outside for longer periods each day. This acclimates them to outdoor conditions.
Transplanting Kale
Once your kale seedlings are ready to be planted outdoors, space them 18 inches apart (45 cm) in rows to allow ample room for growth. Dig a hole for each plant, set it in place, and fill the hole with soil, ensuring the rootball is firmly in contact with the earth. Water well after planting. For smaller salad leaves, you can space the plants closer together, about 10 inches apart (25 cm).
Caring for Kale
Kale is relatively easy to care for. Keep the plants well-watered, especially during dry periods, and regularly remove weeds to prevent competition for nutrients. Kale is less prone to pests and diseases compared to other brassicas, but common issues may include slugs, pigeons, and aphids. Slugs can be controlled by hand-picking or setting up slug traps. Pigeons can be deterred by bird netting or reflective tape, while aphids can be kept at bay using fine mesh insect netting. Insect pests often disappear after the first frost, leaving your kale plants healthy and pest-free.
How to Harvest Kale
Kale can be harvested from fall onwards and continues to grow through the winter. Harvest by pulling or twisting leaves away from the plant, or use scissors to cut them off. To ensure continued growth, always leave the central rosette of leaves intact. This encourages the plant to produce new leaves. Harvesting regularly will also help the plant grow taller and more robust as it reaches toward spring. Once kale begins to flower, you can either remove the plant or leave it as a nectar source for pollinators like butterflies and bees.
Conclusion
Kale is a hardy, productive vegetable that can provide a consistent harvest even through the coldest months. With a little attention to soil preparation, sowing, and care, you’ll be able to enjoy this nutritious crop throughout the winter. If you’re growing kale this season, consider experimenting with different varieties and recipes to make the most of your harvest in the kitchen. Whether you’re adding it to salads, soups, or smoothies, kale is sure to be a valuable addition to your garden and your meals.