Kale (Brassica oleracea) photo credit |
photo credit |
Both ornamental and culinary kale are very cold tolerant and can be planted a couple of weeks before the last average spring frost and maintained late into the fall or early winter. In fact, the National Gardening Association says "a few frosts will even improve (the) flavor" of culinary kale. This tolerance provides for early and late season color in flower beds and garden produce in the kitchen and on the table.
Kale can be started indoors 6-8 weeks prior to the average last spring frost or directly seeded into the garden once the soil is warm. Plant in a full to partly sunny location giving each plant 12-18 inches of space. Mulch around the plant to maintain soil moisture. Be sure the plants are watered with an equivalent to 1 inch of rain per week along with the rest of the garden. Harvest individual leaves as soon as they are big enough to eat. Keep in mind that the leaves will be the most tender in the spring and fall since the summer heat tends to toughen the leaves.
Happy Gardening! :)
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