Kale

Okay, kale lovers (and soon-to-be kale converts!), let's talk about growing this nutritional powerhouse. Kale isn't just a trendy salad ingredient; it's a robust and rewarding plant to have in your garden. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, kale is surprisingly easy to grow, and we're here to show you how!

TL;DR: Kale Growing Guide

Want to grow your own superfood? Kale is your answer! Start seeds indoors February to May, or outdoors from March to June. Plant out seedlings late May. Harvest delicious kale leaves from early summer all the way through to the winter months! This leafy green loves sunshine, well-drained soil and a little bit of TLC. You can harvest the outer leaves as the plant grows, which means a long and tasty harvest.

Getting Started with Kale Seeds

The journey to your own kale harvest begins with sowing seeds. You've got options here: start them indoors from February to May for a head start, or sow them directly outdoors from April to June. Indoors, sow the seeds about 1cm deep in seed trays or modules, and remember to keep the soil nice and moist. Don’t let them dry out. For those of you in warmer areas, you can get away with sowing directly outdoors in March, but everywhere else is better off waiting until April. It's always better to be safe than sorry with our unpredictable weather!

Planting Out Your Kale Plant

Once your kale seedlings reach about 10cm tall, they're ready to venture outside. Late May is a good time for planting out. Find a sunny spot in your garden with well-drained soil, and plant them about 45cm apart in rows 60cm apart. This gives them plenty of room to grow big and bushy. Kale isn't too fussy, but it does appreciate good drainage - no one likes soggy roots!

Kale Care: Keeping it Happy

Growing kale is pretty straightforward. It’s a relatively low-maintenance crop, which is great for us busy gardeners. Make sure to keep the soil moist and weed regularly. A liquid fertilizer every few weeks is a good idea to keep it healthy and strong. Also, keep an eye out for pests, especially caterpillars; these little guys love kale as much as we do. Covering your plants with netting or fleece is a good way to protect them. This is especially important if you are growing organic kale, you don't want any nasty surprises!

Harvesting Your Kale

The best part? Harvesting! You can start picking kale leaves when they’re about 15cm long. The beauty of kale is that you don’t have to take the whole plant - just pick the outer leaves, and the plant will keep producing new ones. This means you can harvest from early summer right through to winter, giving you a continuous supply of this leafy green goodness.

Kale Varieties: A World of Choice

There are loads of different types of kale to explore:

• Curly Kale: The classic one with frilly leaves and a slightly bitter flavor.
• Cavolo Nero: Also known as Tuscan kale, with long, dark green leaves and a milder taste.
• Red Kale: A beautiful option with red or purple leaves and a slightly sweet flavor.

Kale Growing Tips: A Few Extra Pointers

• Kale loves the sun but will tolerate some shade.
• It thrives in well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter.
• Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
• Protect your plants from pests and diseases.
• Regular harvesting encourages more growth.

And that’s it! With a little care, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of your own home-grown kale. Now get out there and get planting! Your taste buds and your body will thank you for it. Happy gardening!