Tools and Materials
Materials
Kale seed or seedling
Compost
- Mulch
- Fertilizer
- Pots
- Containers
- Grow lights
How to Grow Kale: Step-by-Step Guide
Kale requires minimal maintenance and adapts to various growing conditions. We will go over the steps required to grow kale indoors and outdoors.
Choose a location
Kale thrives in full sunlight. Selecting a location that receives at least 7-8 hours of sunlight is perfect.
- For outdoor growing, select a spot with well-drained and loamy soil.
- If you plan to grow indoors, place it near a sunny window or use grow lights to supplement light.
Soil Preparation
- Test the soil first using a pH testing kit. Soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5 should be preferred.
- Enrich the soil with compost. Add the compost at the top layer and mix with a gardening fork, to improve fertility and drainage.
- Use a balanced vegetable fertilizer according to package instructions.
Use gardening tools responsibly to avoid accidents or injuries. Wear gardening gloves while handling soil, fertilizer or compost to prevent irritation.
Planting the Kale
There are two ways to plant kale: directly from a seedling and transplanted seedling.
From a Seed
- Sow kale seeds in early spring or late summer so you can harvest them in the fall.
- Spacing is very important while planting. Use a hand trowel or shovel to plant seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep and 12-18 inches apart in rows.
- Keep the soil moist by watering it regularly using a spray bottle until seedlings emerge, mostly within 5-10 days.
Transplanting Seedling
- Gradually expose seedlings to outdoor conditions before planting.
- Plant seedlings at the same depth they were in their containers, spacing them 14-20 inches apart.
Water and Mulch
- Water at the base until the crown and to avoid wetting the leaves.
- Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around plants using a garden fork.
Fertilizing Kale
For ongoing feeding, do it every 4-6 weeks with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer to encourage leaf growth.
How to Grow Kale Indoors
If you plan to grow kale indoors particularly, there are some things that should be kept in mind.
- Choose a pot with drainage holes that are at least 10 inches wide and deep.
- Using a hand trowel, fill the container with a high-quality potting mix enriched with compost.
- Place the pot near a sunny window or use LED grow lights to provide 12-16 hours of light daily.
- Sow seeds ¼ inch deep or transplant seedlings, spacing them 6-8 inches apart.
- Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Maintain indoor temperatures between 60-75°F.
- Pick outer leaves as needed, ensuring the plant continues to grow.
Monitor indoor air quality while growing kale indoors and ensure good ventilation to prevent mold growth.
Pest and Disease Management
- For common pests like aphids, cabbage worms and flea beetles. Use organic insecticides or neem oil to control infestations. Mix the neem oil with water in 1:1 ratio and use a spray bottle to spray.
- Good air circulation prevents fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
Excessive watering can lead to root rot and other issues. Always check soil moisture levels. Use organic pest control to avoid harmful chemical pesticides that can affect the environment and health.
Harvesting Kale
- Harvest kale typically 50-75 days after planting.
- Pick older outer leaves first, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing.
- Kale tastes sweeter after exposure to frost, so don’t rush to harvest in cooler weather; let the frost sweeten it.