Kale

While being a biennial, it’s mostly planted as an annual every year. It’s cold hardy, and easily grow from seeds.

How to grow one

Check out how to start your vegetables page for getting your kale plants started. We start the seeds indoor in Feb/March and transplant them outdoor in April/May. Kale can get pretty big so be aware of spacing. Harvest mature leaves from the bottom and leave the new sprouts keep growing.

6. 6. 2023
Seedlings were transplanted but they were too close to each other (we didn’t know how big they could get.)

7. 26. 2023
They grew so fast and formed a forest already… At this stage, you can start to harvest the mature leaves.

9.1. 2023
Our kitty loves to hide under the kale canopy (and a gigantic mustard plant.)

Requirements

Kale is relatively easy to grow – it’s cold hardy so the growing season is long. Some varieties can be growing in winter. 

Water

Drip line + mulch and infrequent water: Moisture fluctuations will cause leaves to become tough and develop off flavors.

Soil

well-drained soil rich in organic matter

Climate

Full sun (6 hrs) but hot afternoon sun will make it bolt earlier (which is not what you want.)

Plant with…

  • Lettuce: kale grows taller and can create shade for lettuce.
  • Cilantro, lemon grass: keep pests away
  • Bush beans: provide nitrogen (this type of legume doesn’t need trellis)
  • Scallions, onions, garlic, leeks: repel pests 

Don’t plant with…

  • strawberries
  • basil: for some reason they don’t get along well.

Pests

Aphids are the biggest threat to destroy your kale forest. Check under the kale leaves sometimes and spray with water when you see tiny bugs sucking your plants. Also get some ladybugs to get things under control.

Aphids

Don’t wait until this late to treat it. All the plants died off very soon after this heavy infestation…