How to Grow Kale
Although kale is quite versatile, there is a proper way for planting kale in the garden in order to attain the healthiest growth. Kale prefers well-drained soil in sunny locations but will tolerate shade too. This means you should choose your garden area wisely, as kale grows best when planted after the soil reaches temperatures of 60 to 65 F. (16-18 C.). However, hot weather can turn it bitter, so you may want to mulch the ground to protect from too much heat and to keep down weeds. Likewise, you can opt for a somewhat shadier location in regions where extreme heat may be an issue, or even where sun just isn’t that plentiful. When planting kale, start the plants indoors to get a jump early in the season. Growing kale isn’t too demanding. Simply cover the kale seeds with 1/2 inch (1 cm.) of soil and keep moist to germinate. After all chance of frost has passed, transplant the seedlings into the ground. In late summer or early fall, you can also direct seed kale plants outdoors. Cover the seeds with 1/2 inch (1 cm.) of soil. Don’t cultivate around the seed area until the seedlings appear, then do so only when necessary, as you don’t want to disturb the roots.
Caring for Kale Plants
Keep the ground well watered and, as your kale grows, hoe the soil shallowly around the plants, removing any weeds starting to grow. Growing kale is pretty simple, and plants take only about two months to mature. Since they take so little time, you can start a couple of batches early, a couple more later in the summer, and a couple in the fall. This succession planting provides you with fresh kale plants to pick from for about six months or so. When it comes to picking kale, simply harvest the young leaves from the bottom of the plant up. Being able to pick kale all season long is definitely a plus to growing this hardy vegetable.
