-
Planting Seeds:
- Start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area. Kale can also be directly sown in the garden after the last frost.
- Plant seeds about 0.5cm deep in well-draining soil.
-
Location:
- Choose a location with full sun to partial shade. Kale prefers cooler temperatures.
-
Watering:
- Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
- Water the plants at the base to avoid moisture on the leaves, which can lead to diseases.
-
Fertilization:
- Use a balanced fertilizer when the seedlings are a few cm tall, and then every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
-
Thinning:
- If you start with multiple seeds per pot, thin out the weaker seedlings, leaving the strongest ones.
-
Transplanting:
- If started indoors, transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost, spacing them about 20-30cm apart.
-
Mulching:
- Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil cool.
-
Pest Control:
- Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids or cabbage worms. Handpick or use insecticidal soap if necessary.
-
Harvesting:
- Begin harvesting outer leaves when they reach a usable size, leaving the centre leaves to continue growing.
- Harvest before the leaves become too mature for the best flavour and tenderness.
-
Cold Tolerance:
- Kale is frost-tolerant and can often withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for fall and winter growing.
