Kale has become a favourite among health enthusiasts, and it’s easy to see why—packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this leafy green is as nutritious as it is versatile. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner just starting to explore the world of home-grown vegetables, kale is an excellent plant to grow. It’s hardy, easy to care for, and can thrive in cooler weather, making it a fantastic choice for many gardeners. Here’s everything you need to know about growing kale from start to finish.
1. Why Grow Kale?
Before diving into the how-to, let’s look at why kale is worth adding to your garden:
- Nutrient-Packed: Kale is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium. It’s one of the healthiest leafy greens you can grow.
- Simple to Grow: Kale is hardy and adaptable, making it perfect for novice gardeners. It tolerates a variety of soil types and can withstand a bit of neglect.
- Long Harvest Season: Kale is a cut-and-come-again plant, meaning you can keep harvesting leaves throughout the season. This provides you with fresh greens for an extended period.
- Versatile in the Kitchen: Kale can be used in so many ways—whether in salads, soups, smoothies, or sautés, this green adds texture and flavour to any meal.
2. Choosing the Right Kale Variety
There are several types of kale to choose from, each with its own flavour and texture. Here are some popular varieties:
- Curly Kale: This is the classic type of kale with tightly curled leaves. It’s perfect for fresh salads or as a garnish.
- Lacinato Kale (Dinosaur Kale): Known for its dark, wrinkled leaves, this variety has a milder taste and is excellent for cooking, especially in soups and stews.
- Red Russian Kale: This variety has flat, tender leaves with a reddish-purple stem. It has a milder flavour compared to curly kale and works well in both cooked and raw dishes.
For beginners, curly kale is a great choice because it’s reliable and grows quickly. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, try growing a mix of different types for variety.
3. Where to Grow Kale
Kale thrives in full sun but will also tolerate some shade. Ideally, choose a spot that receives at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight per day. Kale prefers cooler weather, so it’s an excellent vegetable to grow in early spring or autumn. It thrives in temperatures between 13°C and 24°C, which helps produce the best flavour and texture in the leaves.
If you’re growing in a garden bed, aim for a location with well-drained soil, as kale doesn’t like to sit in waterlogged conditions. Raised beds or containers can also be a great option if your garden soil is heavy or compacted.
4. Preparing the Soil
Kale isn’t too picky about soil, but it grows best in rich, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Here’s how to prepare the soil for your kale plants:
- Loosen the Soil: Use a garden fork or trowel to loosen the soil to a depth of 15–20 cm. This allows the roots to spread easily and access nutrients.
- Add Organic Matter: Kale is a heavy feeder, so enrich the soil with compost, well-rotted manure, or other organic matter. This will provide the nutrients needed for strong, healthy growth.
- Check Soil pH: If you’re unsure about the pH of your soil, it’s worth testing it. You can buy a simple soil pH testing kit at most garden centres. If your soil is too acidic, add lime; if it’s too alkaline, add sulphur.
5. Planting Kale
You can grow kale from seeds or seedlings. Here’s how to go about each method:
Starting from Seeds:
- Indoors: Start seeds indoors about 6–8 weeks before the last expected frost. Plant them about 1.5 cm deep in seed trays or pots, keeping them in a warm, sunny spot. Once seedlings are large enough (around 8–10 cm tall), transplant them into your garden after the last frost.
- Outdoors: If planting directly in the ground, sow kale seeds 1.5 cm deep, spaced 30–45 cm apart in rows. Water gently to keep the soil moist, and keep an eye on the weather, as kale is sensitive to frost during its early stages.
Using Seedlings:
If you prefer not to start from seed, you can buy young kale plants from a garden centre. Simply transplant them into your garden, spacing them about 30–45 cm apart. Make sure to gently break up the root ball before planting to encourage new growth.
6. Caring for Kale: Watering and Fertilising
Kale needs regular watering to keep the soil moist, but it doesn’t like to sit in waterlogged soil. Here’s how to care for your plants:
- Watering: Water deeply, especially during dry periods, to encourage deep root growth. The soil should remain moist, but not soaked. Consistent moisture is key to producing tender, flavourful leaves.
- Mulching: Mulch around your kale plants with organic material like straw or leaves. Mulch helps retain moisture, prevents weeds, and keeps the roots cool during hot spells.
- Fertilising: If you’ve amended your soil with compost, kale will generally thrive without additional fertiliser. However, if the plants start to look weak or yellow, a balanced organic fertiliser can be applied every 4–6 weeks.
7. Dealing with Pests and Diseases
Kale is susceptible to a few common pests and diseases, but with proper care, you can minimise the risk:
- Cabbage Worms: These pests love to eat kale leaves. Check your plants regularly and remove any worms you find. You can also use organic insecticidal soap if needed.
- Aphids: Small, soft-bodied insects that suck the sap from your kale can be controlled by hosing them off with a strong stream of water or using insecticidal soap.
- Flea Beetles: These tiny black beetles can damage kale leaves, causing small holes. Row covers can help protect young plants from flea beetles.
To keep pests at bay, regularly inspect your plants and remove any affected leaves or insects by hand.
8. Harvesting Kale
One of the best things about growing kale is the ability to harvest continuously. Here’s how to know when to start picking:
- Start Early: Once your kale has grown to 15–20 cm in height, you can start harvesting the outer leaves. It’s best to remove the older leaves first, leaving the younger, inner leaves to continue growing.
- Pick Leaves Regularly: For the best flavour, harvest your kale in the morning when it’s crisp and fresh. Cut the leaves at the base of the stem using clean scissors or pruning shears.
- Cut and Come Again: Kale is a “cut-and-come-again” plant, meaning it will continue to grow new leaves as long as you keep harvesting the outer leaves.
9. Storing Kale
Freshly harvested kale can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to preserve your kale for longer:
- Freezing: Blanch kale leaves in boiling water for about 2 minutes, then cool them quickly in ice water. After draining, pack the leaves into freezer bags. Frozen kale will last for several months and is perfect for smoothies or soups.
10. Common Troubleshooting Tips
Here are a few problems you may encounter while growing kale, and how to fix them:
- Yellowing Leaves: This could be due to nutrient deficiencies, often a lack of nitrogen. Add compost or organic fertiliser to correct the issue.
- Leggy Plants: If your kale is tall and thin, it may not be getting enough sunlight. Ensure your plants are receiving at least 4–6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Pests: If you notice holes in your kale leaves, check for pests like caterpillars or aphids. Remove them by hand or use an organic pest control solution.
Final Thoughts
Growing kale is a rewarding experience, especially for beginners. With minimal care, you can enjoy fresh, nutrient-packed greens all season long. By following these simple steps, you’ll have a thriving kale patch that provides you with healthy, homegrown produce—and who knows, you might even develop a taste for this versatile green! Happy gardening!
