Growing Tips for Kale: 2016's Favorite Vegetable
Kale, the beloved vegetable that took the culinary world by storm in 2016, continues to capture the hearts of gardeners and food enthusiasts alike. In this episode of the Backyard Gardens Podcast, hosts discuss their experiences, growing tips, and the various varieties of kale that can be cultivated in home gardens. From planting and care to companion planting and harvesting techniques, kale proves to be a resilient and nutritious addition to any garden.
Planting and Care:
Kale, a biennial plant, requires two cold-to-warm cycles to produce seeds. For optimal growth, it is recommended to plant kale three to five weeks before the last frost or six to eight weeks before the first frost. Starting seeds indoors is also a viable option. Kale thrives in cool weather and may bolt if exposed to excessive heat. Extending the growing season by planting kale earlier than expected is possible, and local extension services can provide valuable information in this regard. Additionally, kale is exceptionally cold hardy and performs well in fall gardens.
Spacing and Transplanting:
When planning the placement of kale plants, it is advisable to provide 12 to 18 inches of space between each plant. While research suggests a 12-inch spacing, the hosts' experience indicates that an 18-inch gap yields thicker, fuller plants. Transplanting kale is preferable, but direct sowing can be done by planting the seeds half an inch deep. Certain kale varieties, such as curly kale, benefit from transplanting.
Fertilizing and Companion Planting:
Kale plants thrive on nitrogen-rich fertilizers, and a regular fertilization schedule is essential for optimal growth. Applying fertilizer when the plants have five or six leaves, and subsequently every two weeks or monthly, ensures a robust harvest. Kale's hardiness makes it an ideal candidate for companion planting. Herbs like cilantro, chives, and shallots, as well as marigolds and buckwheat, make suitable companions for kale. Spinach, beets, potatoes, garlic, leeks, and chives also complement kale while helping to repel pests.
Pests and Diseases:
Kale shares common pests with other brassicas, including aphids, cabbage loopers, cabbage worms, cutworms, flea beetles, slugs, and snails. Regular inspection for holes in the leaves is crucial. Bacterial diseases like clubroot and fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, can affect kale. Organic treatments like BT (Bacillus thuringiensis), neem oil, and spinosad help combat these pests and diseases. Beer traps, specialized snail control products, and maintaining a clean garden space aid in managing slugs and snails.
Harvesting and Culinary Uses:
Kale's versatility extends beyond its growth and care. Harvesting can be done through a "cut and come again" method, where the outer leaves are harvested while leaving the center to promote continued growth. The size of the leaves can vary, but if they are large enough for enjoyment, they can be harvested. Kale can be used in a variety of culinary preparations, such as kale chips, added to stews, or sautéed. It also freezes well and can be used as a substitute for traditional Southern greens.
Varieties:
Several kale varieties offer diverse flavors and appearances. The traditional curly kale, known as Vates or Vaes, is a popular choice among gardeners. Red Russian and White Russian kale are prolific and relatively soft with larger plants. Tuscano kale, also known as dinosaur kale, provides a different texture and is favored by some for its milder taste. Winterbor kale is frost tolerant and resembles Vates in appearance.
Planting and Care:
Kale, a biennial plant, requires two cold-to-warm cycles to produce seeds. For optimal growth, it is recommended to plant kale three to five weeks before the last frost or six to eight weeks before the first frost. Starting seeds indoors is also a viable option. Kale thrives in cool weather and may bolt if exposed to excessive heat. Extending the growing season by planting kale earlier than expected is possible, and local extension services can provide valuable information in this regard. Additionally, kale is exceptionally cold hardy and performs well in fall gardens.
Spacing and Transplanting:
When planning the placement of kale plants, it is advisable to provide 12 to 18 inches of space between each plant. While research suggests a 12-inch spacing, the hosts' experience indicates that an 18-inch gap yields thicker, fuller plants. Transplanting kale is preferable, but direct sowing can be done by planting the seeds half an inch deep. Certain kale varieties, such as curly kale, benefit from transplanting.
Fertilizing and Companion Planting:
Kale plants thrive on nitrogen-rich fertilizers, and a regular fertilization schedule is essential for optimal growth. Applying fertilizer when the plants have five or six leaves, and subsequently every two weeks or monthly, ensures a robust harvest. Kale's hardiness makes it an ideal candidate for companion planting. Herbs like cilantro, chives, and shallots, as well as marigolds and buckwheat, make suitable companions for kale. Spinach, beets, potatoes, garlic, leeks, and chives also complement kale while helping to repel pests.
Pests and Diseases:
Kale shares common pests with other brassicas, including aphids, cabbage loopers, cabbage worms, cutworms, flea beetles, slugs, and snails. Regular inspection for holes in the leaves is crucial. Bacterial diseases like clubroot and fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, can affect kale. Organic treatments like BT (Bacillus thuringiensis), neem oil, and spinosad help combat these pests and diseases. Beer traps, specialized snail control products, and maintaining a clean garden space aid in managing slugs and snails.
Harvesting and Culinary Uses:
Kale's versatility extends beyond its growth and care. Harvesting can be done through a "cut and come again" method, where the outer leaves are harvested while leaving the center to promote continued growth. The size of the leaves can vary, but if they are large enough for enjoyment, they can be harvested. Kale can be used in a variety of culinary preparations, such as kale chips, added to stews, or sautéed. It also freezes well and can be used as a substitute for traditional Southern greens.
Varieties:
Several kale varieties offer diverse flavors and appearances. The traditional curly kale, known as Vates or Vaes, is a popular choice among gardeners. Red Russian and White Russian kale are prolific and relatively soft with larger plants. Tuscano kale, also known as dinosaur kale, provides a different texture and is favored by some for its milder taste. Winterbor kale is frost tolerant and resembles Vates in appearance.