Tips for Growing Kale

Growing kale can be a rewarding experience for anyone looking to add a healthy and versatile vegetable to their garden. With the right preparation and care, you can have a plentiful harvest of this nutrient-dense vegetable in no time! Here are some tips for growing kale in your own backyard:

1. Pick the right spot. Kale loves lots of sun, so make sure your garden area gets at least six hours of sunlight each day. You’ll also want to find an area that is protected from strong winds and has well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. 

2. Start from seed or transplants. Growing kale from seed can be time consuming, so if you’re just getting started it might be easier to purchase transplants from your local nursery or gardening store.

3. Plant at the right time. Kale is best planted during the cooler months of fall or early spring in most climates – avoid planting in summer when temperatures are high and it will become tough and bitter tasting quickly.

4. Fertilize wisely. Give your kale plants plenty of nutrients by mixing in some compost or other organic matter into the soil prior to planting and use a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 when they start to produce flowers (or bolts).

5. Keep it well watered. Be sure to keep the soil consistently moist but not overly wet – if the soil gets too dry then the leaves will become bitter and unappetizing! It’s important to check on your plants every couple days and water if needed, especially during warmer weather. 

6. Thin out crowded plants for optimal growth & taste . Once the plants reach about 8 inches tall, start thinning them out by removing some of the smaller leaves so there’s more room for bigger leaves to grow which results in a tastier harvest! 

Follow these simple tips for growing kale and you should be well on your way towards having a successful crop that you can enjoy all season long!