Kale has become increasingly popular in recent years, with many health-conscious individuals flocking to the leafy green vegetable as an excellent source of vitamins and minerals.
Borecole or Kale, commonly known as “greens,” is a member of the Brassica or Cabbage family (Refer also to Brassicas). Borecole, however, has handsome curled foliage and does not form a heart. The leaves are of good flavor and make a palatable and delicious dish.
If you want to grow your own kale? Well, growing kale is actually quite easy and can be done in a variety of ways.
When to plant kale
Kale can be planted either from seed or via transplants. If planting from seed, it’s best to start indoors about four weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. Transplants should be planted outdoors when the soil temperature is around 50°F (10°C). It’s also important to note that kale grows best in cooler weather (50-65°F/10-18°C)
When growing Kale, this Borecole requires a rich, deeply-worked soil. Raise the plants in a seed box or outdoor seed bed and transplant when large enough to handle, in rows 24 inches apart, allowing from 18 to 21 inches between the plants. Sow the seed during the late Winter for an early crop in Spring.
When the plants are a fair size gather the leaves a few at a time, eventually taking the tops or heads. Those plants from which the lower leaves were taken during the early Winter will produce a nice crop of tender sprouts in the Spring. The general treatment for Borecole is the same as that recommended for Cabbage. The best varieties for the home garden are Dwarf Green Curled, Ragged Jack and Drumhead, all of which are extremely hardy and very tender and delicious when cooked. Improved Garnishing is a variety particularly suitable for garnishing purposes.
Where to plant kale
Kale needs full sun, so make sure you choose a spot that gets at least six hours of sunlight each day. It also prefers well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter like compost or manure incorporated into it. To promote good drainage, you may need to till the soil several inches deep and add some sand or gravel
How Much Water & Fertilizer does kale need?
Kale should be watered regularly throughout its growth cycle; however, make sure not to overwater as this can cause root rot. It’s also important to fertilize your kale every three weeks using a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 or 8-8-8. This will ensure that your kale has all the nutrients it needs for optimal growth and flavor development.
Growing kale is an easy way for gardeners of all levels to enjoy this nutritious vegetable without having to rely on store-bought options. Just remember that when planting kale, it needs full sun and well-drained soil with plenty of organic material added in for nutrients, and water regularly but not too much so as not to cause root rot. With these steps taken care of, you’ll have delicious homegrown kale ready for harvest before you know it.
