How to grow Kale
How to grow Kale - Description
Kale does not do well in hot weather, but doesn't mind the cold.
Depending on your climate kale can also be sown in October for spring use if covered with straw during the winter.
Kale is rich in Vitamins A and C, high in potassium, calcium and iron, and is a good source of fibre.
Kale maintains flavour best when frozen.
Kale is also great in salads.
How to grow Kale - Crop Rotation
Kale is a member of the Cabbage Family, and it is recommended that it should not be grown in the same soil as other family members for at least three years.
How to grow Kale - Soil Preparation
There is an ideal soil and site for Kale but rest assured, it will grow in almost all conditions, even part shade and sandy soils will produce a reasonable crop.
For the ultimate crop, grow in a soil that was enriched with compost or manure the previous season.
Full sun is best but they will grow well in part shade.
How to grow Kale - Sowing Seed
With the exception of rape kale, sow the seeds in a seed bed around April to May time.
The timing is not crucial because kale will germinate in temperatures as low as 5°C / 42°F and as high as 35°C / 95°F. That's an enormous range for any vegetable.
Sow the kale seeds about 1.5cm (½in) deep in rows which are 22cm (9in) apart.
Germination will take about 10 days.
When the plant is about 22cm / 9in high and four leaves have developed (about 6 weeks after sowing) transplant them to their final positions.
They should be planted slightly deeper than they grew in the seed bed.
Spacings are 45cm (18in) apart with rows the same distance apart.
Rape kale should be sown slightly late in the season, May to June is a good time. Sow them directly in their final position because they do not like to be transplanted.
How to grow Kale - Care & Cultivation
Water regularly at least until the plants are well-established.
Almost no care is required because these are one of the strongest and most disease resistant of all vegetables.
Remove yellowing leaves which will appear round the base of plant.
Keep the weeds under control with regular hoeing.
Dwarf varieties of kale will withstand winter winds especially well.
How to grow Kale - Harvesting
Begin to harvest your kale as soon as the leaves reach about six to eight inches (15 to 20 cm) in length.
Harvest kale only when you need it because it does not keep well, even in the fridge.
They provide a crop between late September to early May, although rape kale is at its best in spring.
Harvest the young leaves only which will be at the top of the plant. This will stimulate the plant to produce more young tender leaves.
