A Beginner's Guide To Kale: Essential Tips And Guide To Growing And Harvesting Kale

Are you curious about kale, the nutritional powerhouse? Are you wondering how to grow it in your backyard? As a beginner gardener, I’m excited to share my journey with you.

We’ll cover the essential steps to growing kale, from choosing the right varieties to harvesting and storing.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac Vegetable Gardener’s Handbook (Gardener’s Handbooks, 1)
The Vegetable Gardener’s Bible, 2nd Edition: Discover Ed’s High-Yield W-O-R-D System for All North American Gardening Regions: Wide Rows, Organic Methods, Raised Beds, Deep Soil
The Vegetable Garden Problem Solver Handbook: Identify and manage diseases and other common problems on edible plants
VEGETABLE GARDENER’S HANDBOOK: The Art and Science of Vegetable Gardening Made Simple
Raised-Bed Gardening for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know to Start and Sustain a Thriving Garden
The Ultimate Raised Bed & Container Gardening Guide For Beginners: Grow Your Own Vegetables, Herbs, Fruits, and Cut Flowers with this Amazing Handbook … Family, Fertility, and Maternal Wellness)
Seed to Table: A Seasonal Guide to Organically Growing, Cooking, and Preserving Food at Home (Kitchen Garden, Urban Gardening)
The Vegetable Gardening Book: Your complete guide to growing an edible organic garden from seed to harvest

Kale is a favorite in healthy eating, and for good reason. It contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that boost health.

Whether you want to eat healthier or grow your own food, kale is perfect for beginners and experts. I will share all the essential tips in this beginner’s guide to kale.

Key Takeaways

Kale is a nutrient-rich superfood that’s easy to grow in your backyard
This guide covers the complete growing process from seed to harvest
Kale is a versatile vegetable used in salads, smoothies, and various dishes
Kale is a cool-weather crop that can thrive in various climates
Kale is an excellent choice for beginner gardeners

Getting Started with Kale Growing

Kale is a versatile and nutrient-rich vegetable that thrives in cool weather. It’s a great addition to any home garden. To start growing kale, you need to know its growing season and what it needs to succeed.

Understanding Kale’s Growing Season

Kale grows best in cool temperatures below 75°F. It can even handle temperatures as low as 20°F, making it perfect for spring and fall gardens.

For the best results, plant kale 3 to 5 weeks before the last spring frost or, in the cool season, 6 to 8 weeks before the first fall frost.

Basic Requirements for Success

Kale loves full sun to partial shade. It also needs well-draining, fertile soil with a pH of 6.5 to 6.8. To prepare the soil, add compost or organic matter.

Kale plants need consistent moisture. They require 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week to grow well.

Essential Tools and Materials

Kale seeds or seedlings
High-quality potting mix or garden soil
Containers or raised garden beds
Organic compost or fertilizer
Watering can or garden hose
Mulch (such as straw or pine needles)

Knowing the kale growing season and having the right tools will help you grow kale successfully. Our guide to growing kale offers more tips and tricks…

A Beginner’s Guide to Kale

Kale is a superfood, full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s easy to grow and gives a lot of harvest. We’ll look at different kale types, their health benefits, and how to use them in recipes.

Varieties of Kale

Kale belongs to the Brassica family, and it is like cabbage and broccoli. There are many kale types, each unique:

Curly Kale – The most common, with curly leaves and a strong taste.
Lacinato (Dinosaur) Kale – Has dark, bumpy leaves and a sweeter taste.
Red Russian Kale – Has purple-tinged leaves and a milder taste, great for salads.

Kale Nutrition

Kale is called a “superfood” for good reason. It contains vitamins A, C, and K and minerals like calcium and iron. Eating kale can help your digestion and heart health.

Kale Recipes

Kale is very versatile in cooking. You can make kale salads and kale chips or add them to smoothies and soups. It’s a great way to boost your nutrition.

As a beginner gardener, growing kale is easy and rewarding. With the right care, you’ll have plenty of kale all season.

“Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet. It’s a great addition to any diet, whether you’re growing it yourself or incorporating it into your favorite recipes.” – Francis Penna, Sustainable Farming Specialist.

Popular Kale Varieties for Home Gardens

There are many tasty kale varieties for home gardens. Let’s explore some of the most popular ones:

Curly Kale Varieties

Curly kale, or Scotch kale, is very hardy and common. Its tightly curled, vibrant green leaves are full of nutrients. You can use curly kale in salads, stir-fries, soups, and more.

Lacinato (Dinosaur) Kale

Lacinato kale, or Tuscan or dinosaur kale, has long, narrow leaves. Its bumpy texture is almost like that of a reptile. This kale has a sweeter flavor than curly kale, making it perfect for salads and light cooking.

Red Russian Kale

Red Russian kale has flat, tender leaves with purple-tinged stems and veins. Its mild, slightly nutty flavor makes it great in stir-fries, smoothies, and more.

Each kale variety has its own unique texture, flavor, and uses. Try different types to find your favorites based on taste and growing conditions.

“Kale has been cultivated for at least 2,000 years and is considered one of the most nutritious vegetables available.” – Francis Penna, Sustainable Farming Specialist.

Selecting the Perfect Growing Location

Choosing the right spot for growing kale is key. Kale loves full sun, needing 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. In hot places, a bit of shade helps protect it from too much heat and prevents it from growing too fast.

The soil should drain well to avoid waterlogging, which can harm the roots. Planting kale with herbs, onions, or potatoes can help it grow better and keep pests away. But avoid planting it near beans, strawberries, or tomatoes, as they might compete for resources.

It’s also important to protect your kale from strong winds. Wind can damage the leaves and slow down the plant’s growth. A spot shielded by a fence, wall, or natural barrier is best for your kale.

You’ll set your kale up for success by picking the perfect spot. With enough sun, good soil, and smart planting with others, you’ll enjoy fresh, healthy kale all season.

Soil Preparation and Requirements

Getting your soil ready is key to growing healthy kale. Kale loves well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Before you plant, test your soil and adjust it to ensure the best growing conditions.

Optimal pH Levels

Kale thrives in slightly acidic to neutral soil pH. If your soil is too acidic or alkaline, you can fix it by adding lime to raise the pH or sulfur to lower it. This will help your kale plants get the nutrients they need to grow strong.

XLUX Soil Moisture Meter, Plant Water Monitor, Hygrometer Sensor for Gardening, Farming, Indoor and Outdoor Plants, No Batteries Required

Soil Amendment Tips

Work in well-rotted compost or manure to a depth of 6-8 inches to improve soil fertility and drainage.
Avoid soils that are too rich in nitrogen, which can lead to excessive leaf growth and attract pests.
To maintain soil health and structure, add organic matter regularly, such as shredded leaves, grass clippings, or aged bark.

Preparing and amending your soil well will give your kale plants the best chance to thrive.

“Healthy soil is the foundation for successful kale cultivation. With the right pH and nutrient balance, your kale plants will reward you with bountiful harvests.” – Francis Penna, Sustainable Farming Specialist.

Soil Characteristic	Optimal Range for Kale
pH	6.0 to 7.5
Organic Matter	3% to 5%
Drainage	Well-drained
Fertility	Moderately Fertile

Starting Kale from Seeds

Starting kale from seeds is a great way to grow your own. It lets you begin early and ensures your seedlings are healthy before moving them outside.

Begin by sowing kale seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Plant them 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep in seed trays or small pots with good seed-starting mix. Keep the soil moist and the temperature around 70°F for best germination. This usually takes 3-12 days.

Sow kale seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep
Use seed trays or small pots with seed-starting mix
Maintain soil moisture and 70°F temperature for best germination
Kale seeds usually sprout in 3-12 days

When your kale seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, thin them out. This helps the remaining plants grow well. Before moving them outside, harden them off. This means gradually exposing them to cooler temperatures and more sunlight over 1-2 weeks.

Kale Seed Starting Tips	Recommendation
Sowing Depth	1/4 to 1/2 inch
Seed Trays or Pots	Use seed-starting mix
Soil Temperature	Maintain 70°F
Germination Time	3-12 days
Thinning Seedlings	Prevent overcrowding
Hardening Off	1-2 weeks before transplant

By following these steps, you can start kale from seed. This way, you can grow your own nutritious and tasty kale at home.

Transplanting and Spacing Guidelines

When growing kale, it’s vital to space plants right for the best growth and harvest. Move your kale seedlings outside when they have 4-5 true leaves. This usually happens 4-6 weeks after you sow the seeds.

Proper Plant Spacing

For big kale, plant them 18-24 inches apart. Rows should be 24-36 inches apart, giving them room to grow fully.

For smaller kale, you can space them 12-18 inches apart. This is because they don’t need as much room.

When you transplant, plant them a bit deeper than before. This helps their roots grow strong. After, water well and mulch to keep moisture in and weeds out.

Timing Your Transplants

Baby kale is ready in 20-30 days, and microgreens in 10-15 days.
Mature kale takes 50-65 days to harvest.
Plant baby kale every 1-2 weeks in the fall for ongoing harvests.

Correct spacing is vital for healthy kale and a good harvest. Too close can cause problems like nutrient loss and disease.

Kale Variety	Spacing Guidelines	Harvest Timeline
Full-sized Kale	18-24 inches between plants, 24-36 inches between rows	50-65 days to maturity
Dwarf/Small Kale Varieties	12-18 inches between plants	50-65 days to maturity
Baby Kale	2-4 inches between seeds	20-30 days to harvest
Microgreens	Very close together to create a dense carpet	10-15 days to harvest

“Widely spaced kale crops yield more than closely planted ones, according to a study in the International Society for Horticultural Science journal by J. A. Chweya.”

Watering and Fertilizing Your Kale

Keeping your kale plants healthy means the correct watering and fertilizing. Let’s explore how to make sure your kale grows well.

Consistent Watering

Kale needs steady moisture to grow. Give it 1 to 1.5 inches of water each week, either from rain or from you watering it.

Water the soil well, but don’t let it get too wet. This can cause root rot. Mulch helps keep the soil moist and the temperature right.

Balanced Fertilization

Fertilizing your kale is vital for its health. Mix a balanced, organic fertilizer into the soil when you plant. Later, feed it with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer or compost every 6-8 weeks.

True Organic Herb & Leafy Greens Plant Food Granular Fertilizers 4lbs – CDFA, OMRI Listed for Organic Gardening NPK 4-4-6

This keeps your kale strong and healthy. But don’t overdo it. Too much fertilizer can make your kale grow too fast and weakly.

Watering Kale	Fertilizing Kale
1-1.5 inches of water per week	Balanced, organic fertilizer at planting Nitrogen-rich fertilizer or compost every 6-8 weeks
Consistent soil moisture, avoid waterlogging	Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent weak growth
Mulch around plants to retain moisture	–

You’ll meet your kale’s needs by following these water kale and fertilizing kale tips. Your plants will get the right feeding kale to flourish in your garden.

Common Pests and Disease Management

Kale is a superfood, but many pests and diseases can harm its growth and quality. As a gardener, watching out for and acting fast to protect your kale is vital.

Aphids are common pests that harm kale. They suck sap, causing stunted growth and deformed leaves. To fight them, use beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings, which eat aphids.

Cabbage worms are another problem. These green caterpillars eat kale leaves, leaving holes. You can remove them by hand or use organic treatments like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).

Flea beetles also trouble kale growers. They jump and make small holes in leaves, making them look tattered. Use floating row covers to keep these pests away from your kale.

Pest	Symptoms	Control Measures
Aphids	Stunted growth, distorted leaves	Beneficial insects, neem oil
Cabbage Worms	Leaves with holes	Hand-picking, Bt
Flea Beetles	Small holes in leaves	Floating row covers

Kale growers must also fight diseases. Fungal diseases like Alternaria Leaf Spot and Anthracnose cause leaf lesions. Damping Off affects seedlings. Good crop rotation and air circulation help prevent these diseases.

Garden Safe 32 oz. Insecticidal Soap Ready-to-Use, 1 Count (Pack of 1)

Bacterial diseases like Bacterial Leaf Spot and Black Rot are threats, too. To manage them, use disease-free seeds, avoid overhead watering, and remove infected plants.

You can keep your kale healthy and growing well by being alert, using organic pest control, and following good practices.

Companion Planting with Kale

Kale is a nutritious and versatile vegetable. Growing it with the right plants can help it grow better. You can keep pests away, improve soil, and attract good insects. Let’s look at the best plants to grow with kale and those to avoid.

Best Companion Plants for Kale

Aromatic herbs like mint, dill, and cilantro keep pests away from kale. They make a bad place for pests. Onions, garlic, and beets are also great with kale. They help the soil and make nutrients better.

Herbs: Mint, dill, cilantro
Vegetables: Onions, garlic, beets
Alliums: Chives, leeks, shallots
Annual Flowers: Marigolds, nasturtiums, sweet alyssum
Grains and Cover Crops: ‘Blue Lake’ bush beans, rye, buckwheat

Plants to Avoid for Kale

Some plants don’t get along with kale. Pole beans, strawberries, and tomatoes can fight for resources. They might even stop your kale from growing. Keep these plants away to help your kale grow well.

Pole Beans
Strawberries
Tomatoes
Potatoes
Sunflowers

Choosing the right plants for your kale and avoiding bad ones makes a great garden. Companion planting boosts your kale’s growth, keeps pests away, and keeps the soil healthy. You’ll enjoy a big harvest, too.

Harvesting and Storage Methods

I love how versatile kale is. It’s a hardy and productive green. When I harvest, I pick the outer leaves first. This lets the center keep growing, giving me an extended harvest. I harvest kale when the leaves are about the size of my hand, usually 55-75 days after transplanting it.

I keep kale in the fridge in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel for short-term storage. It stays fresh for up to a week. To keep it longer, I freeze or dehydrate the leaves. Freezing keeps the nutrients and flavor, while dehydrating makes a tasty kale chip.

One tip is to harvest kale in the morning or evening. This way, the leaves have the best texture and flavor. For seed saving, I let the plants flower and dry the pods. Then, I collect the seeds for the next season.

Frequently Asked Questions: Guide to Growing Kale

Start by sowing the seeds directly in your garden or in containers to grow kale from seed. Plant the seeds about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart in rows.

Once the seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them 12-18 inches apart. Kale is a cool-season crop, so plant it in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. For best results, ensure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter.

The best time to harvest kale leaves is when they’re young and tender, typically 55-75 days after planting. Start harvesting when the leaves are about the size of your hand.

You can continue to harvest kale throughout the growing season by picking the outer leaves and allowing the center to grow. Kale tastes best when plants grow rapidly and mature during cool weather.

Kale grows best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in warmer climates. It prefers cool temperatures between 55-75°F (13-24°C) and well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.

Kale is relatively cold-hardy and can withstand light frosts, which can even improve its flavor. Consistent moisture is important, so water regularly and mulch around plants to retain soil moisture.

Caring for kale involves regular watering to moisten the soil, especially during dry spells. Fertilize your kale plants with a balanced, organic fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.

Watch your kale for pests like aphids or cabbage worms and remove them by hand or using organic pest control methods. Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves to promote healthy growth and prevent disease.

You can choose from several varieties of kale, each with unique characteristics. Some popular types include

1. Curly kale: The most common variety with ruffled leaves.
2. Lacinato or Tuscan kale: Also known as dinosaur kale, with long, narrow leaves.
3. Red Russian kale: Features purple stems and greenish-purple leaves.
4. Redbor kale: Known for its deep purple-red color.
5. Siberian kale: A cold-hardy variety with blue-green leaves.

Experiment with different varieties to find your favorite for both growing and eating.

To store kale after harvesting, first remove any damaged or yellowed leaves. Rinse the leaves gently in cool water and pat them dry. Store unwashed kale in a plastic bag in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer, removing as much air as possible.

It should last for about 5-7 days. For longer storage, you can freeze kale by blanching the leaves, chopping them, and storing them in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 6 months.

Growing kale in a pot or container is possible and can be a great option for those with limited garden space. Choose a container at least 12 inches deep and wide with drainage holes.

Use a high-quality potting mix and place the container in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.

Water and fertilize regularly, as container plants may need more frequent feeding. You can successfully grow kale in containers and enjoy fresh leaves throughout the season with proper care.

To protect your kale from pests, try these methods:

1. Use row covers to prevent insects from reaching the plants.
2. Practice companion planting by growing kale alongside aromatic herbs like mint or rosemary to deter pests.
3. Regularly inspect plants and remove pests by hand.
4. Apply organic insecticidal soaps or neem oil for persistent infestations.
5. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings that prey on common kale pests.
6. Maintain healthy plants through proper watering and fertilization, as strong plants are more resistant to pest damage.

Final Thoughts about Growing Kale

Growing kale is a rewarding and relatively easy gardening experience. This hardy, nutrient-rich vegetable can be grown in various climates and seasons, making it an excellent choice for novice and experienced gardeners.

Kale thrives in well-drained soil and partial to full sunlight. It can withstand frost, which improves its flavor. With proper care, including regular watering and pest management, kale plants will provide multiple harvests throughout the growing season.

Kale’s versatility in the kitchen and impressive health benefits make it a valuable addition to any vegetable garden. Whether grown in containers or garden beds, kale is a reliable and productive crop that offers home gardeners an excellent return on investment.

Happy growing.