Love Kale? Grow Your Own!

Just follow these simple steps and you’re on your way.  Some good varieties to try include Lacinato Dinosaur Kale and Red Russian Kale.

Preparation
Kale grows best in full to part sun on well-drained soils high in organic matter. In a raised bed garden plant kale with other cool temperature-loving flowers and vegetables, such as Swiss chard, mustard, asters, chrysanthemums, and pansies.

Planting
Plant kale in spring, one month before your last frost date for a summer harvest. Plant again six weeks before your first frost date in fall for autumn and early winter harvest. In warm climates, fall plantings will grow through the winter for an early spring harvest before they flower. Sow seeds 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart. You can also start seeds indoors. When they are four weeks old, transplant seedling 6 inches apart, in rows 2 to 3 feet apart, and thin to 12 inches apart when leaves begin to touch.

Care
Unless the leaves look yellow, applying additional fertilizer is usually not necessary. For a quick boost of nitrogen on poor soils, fertilize with fish emulsion when seedlings are 4 inches tall. Keep the soil cool, and prevent weed growth. Kale has only a few insect pests of concern.

To control aphids, spray with insecticidal soap. To control cabbage worms and cabbage loopers, cover plants with a floating row cover or spray with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). This organic biological pesticide controls the caterpillars without harming wildlife, beneficial insects, pets, or humans.

Harvest
Harvest baby greens for salads one month after planting. Plants mature 50 to 70 days after seeding. In the center of mature plants, harvest tender young leaves for use in salads. Wait until cooler weather arrives to harvest older leaves for cooking. The flavor sweetens with cold weather.

Enjoy your healthy leafy kale!

Bryan Vellinga is the former Director of Horticulture at MGM Resort properties, such as Beau Rivage and Bellagio.  As the owners of Garden Farms of Nevada, he and his wife Brittany are inspired to share their organic gardening experience and wisdom to coach everybody on how it’s possible to grow a thriving organic garden under the most challenging conditions. Keeping your fridge full and the beauty of nature’s bounty for your yard.