If you’re looking for a hearty, nutritious vegetable to add to your garden, kale is a great choice! Kale is easy to grow and can be harvested at different times during the year, depending on the variety you choose. This article will discuss everything you need to know about growing kale in your garden, from planting tips to harvesting advice. We’ll also answer some common questions about kale care, like whether kale regrows after cutting and how long kale plants last? So read on to learn more about this unique vegetable!
What Is Kale?
Kale is a type of cabbage that belongs to the Brassica family, including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and collards. Kale comes in many different varieties, including curly kale, Lacinato kale (also called dinosaur or Tuscan kale), and redbor kale. Curly kale is the most common type of kale found in grocery stores, while Lacinato kale is most often used in Italian cooking. Redbor kale is a newer variety becoming more popular with gardeners and chefs alike.
No matter what type of kale you choose to grow, this vegetable is known for its nutritional value. Kale is packed with vitamins A, C, and K and fiber and antioxidants. So it’s no wonder this leafy green has become such a popular superfood in recent years!
How to Grow and Harvest Kale
Kale is a leafy green vegetable that is part of the cabbage family. Kale can be grown in gardens and does best in full sun or partial shade. It is a cool-weather crop and can be planted in early spring or fall.
Start by planting the seeds in soil rich in organic matter to grow kale. Kale seeds can be started indoors or outdoors. Plant the seeds about six weeks before the last frost date if you are starting them indoors. Plant the seeds ½ inch deep and keep the soil moist.
When the seedlings are about four inches tall, thin them out to be about eight to twelve inches apart, next, apply a layer of mulch around the plants to help retain moisture and keep weeds down.
Kale is ready to harvest when the leaves are dark green and slightly curled. Cut the leaves off at the stem with a sharp knife to harvest. Kale can be harvested multiple times throughout the growing season. After harvesting, kale will regrow, and you can harvest again in about two weeks.
To store kale, wrap the leaves in a damp paper towel and store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for five days.
Does Kale Regrow After Cutting?
One of the great things about kale is its very resilient plant. It can regrow after being cut, making it an excellent option for those who want a continuous supply of fresh kale. The best time to cut kale is in the morning when the leaves are still moist from the dew.
Cut the leaves about an inch from the stem, and make sure to use a sharp knife, so you don’t damage the plant. After taking your cutting, water the kale well and fertilize if needed; you can begin harvesting again in as little as two weeks!
You can cut and regrow kale multiple times throughout the season. However, be sure to give your plants rest in between cuttings so they have time to recover and regrow.
Tips for Growing and Harvesting Kale
Kale is a leafy green vegetable that is part of the cabbage family. It is a cool-weather crop that can be grown in the spring or fall. However, Kale does not tolerate heat well and will bolt (go to seed) if it gets too warm.
You can start kale seeds indoors about six weeks before the last frost date in your area. Or, you can sow them directly in the ground after the last frost. Kale seeds need light to germinate, so do not cover them with soil. Instead, press them into the ground. Keep the soil moist until they sprout.
Kale seedlings should be thinned to about eight inches apart when approximately four inches tall. Kale can be harvested as soon as the leaves are big enough to eat. You can pick individual leaves or cut the entire plant about two inches above the ground. Kale will regrow after it is cut.
It would be best to fertilize kale plants with a water-soluble fertilizer every few weeks. Fertilizing your kale will help it to grow more leaves. In addition, kale is a heavy feeder and will benefit from being fertilized regularly.
Water kale plants regularly, especially during dry spells. Kale prefers moist soil but cannot tolerate standing water. So be sure to provide adequate drainage for your kale plants.
Kale is susceptible to several pests and diseases. The most common are caterpillars, aphids, and powdery mildew—hand-pick caterpillars and aphids from plants. And, try to grow kale in an area with good air circulation to prevent powdery mildew.
Kale is a hardy vegetable that will last through the winter in most climates. In addition, kale tastes sweetest after a frost. So, if you live in an area with mild winters, you can enjoy kale all winter long!
Does Kale Come Back After Winter?
You may be wondering, does kale come back after winter? The answer is yes! Kale is a hardy plant that can withstand cold temperatures. In addition, kale thrives in cooler weather. So, if you live in an area with mild winters, you can grow kale year-round.
If you’re curious about kale being a perennial plant, the answer is yes and no. Kale plants will last for several years, but they will eventually stop producing leaves. When this happens, you’ll need to replant kale in your garden.
How Long Do Kale Plants Last?
Kale plants are annuals, meaning they live for one growing season and then die. However, with proper care, kale plants can last even longer. The key to prolonging the life of your kale plant is to keep it healthy and happy. Keeping it healthy means giving it plenty of water, sun, and nutrients.
Additionally, you can extend the life of your kale plant by harvesting it correctly. When you harvest kale, you want to cut the leaves about an inch from the stem. Cutting it about an inch from the stem will allow the plant to regrow and continue producing leaves for a more extended period.
So how long do kale plants last? With proper care, kale plants can last for several months to even a year or longer. By harvesting kale correctly, you can also ensure that your plant continues to produce leaves for an extended period.
Why Should You Plant More Kale in Your Garden? Nutrition Facts of Eating Raw or Cooked Kale
Kale is a highly nutritious leafy green vegetable part of the cabbage family. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and K and contains calcium, iron, and fiber. Kale is a low-calorie food that is great for weight loss or maintenance.
Additionally, kale has been shown to have numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease, and stroke. It is also a good source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients.
Some other yummy facts about kale- it can be eaten raw or cooked and is delicious in soups, salads, smoothies, and more!
Personally, I enjoy kale in green smoothies or lightly sautéed as a side dish.
So why not add this nutritional powerhouse to your garden this year? Kale is a super easy vegetable to grow and does well in most climates. It is a cool-weather crop that can be planted in the spring or fall and will even overwinter in some areas.
Conclusion
Kale is a highly nutritious leafy green vegetable part of the cabbage family. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and K and calcium, iron, and fiber. Kale is a low-calorie food that can help with weight loss or maintenance. Additionally, kale has been shown to have numerous health benefits like reducing the risk of cancer, heart disease, and stroke. So why not add this nutritional powerhouse to your garden this year?
Kale is a super easy vegetable to grow and does well in most climates. Growing kale isn’t that different than growing other leafy greens like spinach or lettuce. It is a cool-weather crop that can be planted in the spring or fall and will even overwinter in some areas. With proper care, kale plants can last for several months to even a year or longer. By harvesting kale correctly, you can also ensure that your plant continues to produce leaves for an extended period.
So what are you waiting for? Start growing kale in your garden today!