Although kale is generally considered to be a cold-weather crop, it is quite hardy and can tolerate a temperature range of - 6 to 27 ° C. Kale is part of the cabbage family and is a super food rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Follow the steps below to plant kale in your garden.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Preparing the Ground
Step 1. Choose the variety of black cabbage that best suits the climate in your area
Black cabbage is divided according to the shape of the leaves, and although cultivation times vary, most varieties are ready for harvest 45-75 days after transplanting.
- Curly: sweet and delicate, one of the most common varieties. It is characterized by curled and wrinkled leaves.
- Lacinato: The leaves of this variety are also wrinkled, even if they are tall and thin.
- Premier: it is very resistant to cold and grows fast.
- Siberian: it is the most resistant variety, and can withstand harsh temperatures and parasites.
- Russian red: has red curved leaves. It has a similar resistance to the Siberian one.
- Redbor: it's a dark purple and red cabbage, perfect for adding color to any dish.
- Stick: it has a thick stem that can grow up to 180 cm in height. The stem can be used as a walking stick, hence the name of the variety.
Step 2. Choose a pot or spot in your garden
You will need at least 40 square centimeters of space to grow for each plant, regardless of the type of container. Choose an area in full sun if you are planting during the fall, and a partially shaded area if you are planting in the spring.
- Avoid areas where water tends to collect or flood. If you don't have an area with suitable drainage at your disposal, you can build a planter.
- Use cedar boards to build your planter so it doesn't rot from water.
Step 3. Perform a Soil Test
Kale likes a soil pH between 5, 5 and 6, 8. Make sure the soil is healthy. A sandy or clayey soil will have a negative impact on the flavor of the cabbage and production.
- If the soil pH is below 5.5, enrich the soil with compost or acidic mixed soil.
- If the soil pH is above 6.8, add granular sulfur.
Step 4. Choose the right time to plant
If you are sprouting seeds indoors, plant them five to seven weeks before the last frost. If you are sprouting seeds outdoors, plant the seeds two to four weeks before the last frost, or at least 10 weeks before the first autumn frost.
- For cabbage seeds to germinate, the soil temperature must be at least 4.5 ° C.
- The ideal temperature is 21 ° C.
Part 2 of 4: Growing Black Cabbage From Seeds
Step 1. Mix soil and fertilizer in small pots of at least forty square centimeters
Use organic fertilizers and vegan compost if possible. Kale is particularly fond of fish emulsion and tea compost.
Step 2. Alternatively, take care of your garden soil and add fertilizer to plant the seeds directly outside
Be sure to sow two to four weeks before the last frost in this case.
- If you sow directly in the garden, plant the seeds just over 1cm deep and leave about 8cm between plants.
- If the plants start to struggle with each other for space, you can prune them further later.
Step 3. Plant the seeds about an inch deep in the soil
Use your hand to lightly tap the soil and cover the seeds.
Step 4. Wet the plants well
As the seeds grow, let the top layer of soil dry out between waterings.
Step 5. Grow the seedlings up to 8-10cm high
Kale seedlings should now have at least four developed leaves. It takes 4-6 weeks for the seedlings to reach this stage of maturity.
Part 3 of 4: Moving the Cabbages to the Garden
Step 1. Spread a thin layer of fertilizer evenly over the growing area
Follow the directions for the specific type of fertilizer you are using. For compost and mulch, spread a layer of a few inches. For algae powder or rock dust, apply a thin, even sprinkle.
Step 2. Remove the seedlings from their container
Do this by gently tapping the container on one side if you have used plastic pots. If you purchased already sprouted cabbage seedlings from a nursery, simply remove the plants from their plastic packaging.
Step 3. Use your hands or a small hoe to dig holes 30 - 40cm apart
The holes should be deep enough for the soil to reach the first leaves of the plant. If you are planting in multiple rows, make sure they are 45 - 60cm apart.
Step 4. Place the seedlings in the holes and cover them with soil
Level the soil so that the plants are firm and covered with soil. Make sure they are planted perpendicular to the ground, regardless of the shape of the roots.
Step 5. Water the plants well
Part 4 of 4: Plant Care and Harvesting
Step 1. Keep the soil around the plants moist
Depending on the amount of sun your plants get, you may need to water them every day.
Step 2. Fertilize the plants as they grow every six to eight weeks
Fertilizer promotes the growth of strong, sturdy plants and helps produce healthy, sweet leaves.
Step 3. Mulch around the cabbage if the leaves rot or lose their color
Make sure the cabbage has reached at least 6 inches in height before using mulch. This practice will prevent moist soil from sticking to the leaves and causing them to become moldy.
Step 4. Remove any leaves that have lost color or withered when you notice them
Doing so will reduce the risk of infestations.
Step 5. Harvest the cabbages about 70-95 days after planting and 55-75 days after transplanting them into the garden
Plants should be at least 20cm tall before harvesting leaves. Remember that growing times are different for each variety, so make sure you are well informed about the right time to harvest.
- Collect the outer leaves first if you are only harvesting the individual leaves.
- If you are harvesting the whole plant, cut the stem about 5cm above the ground with a clean cut. This way the plant will be able to continue producing leaves.
- Don't leave leaves on plants for too long when they are ready to harvest. Doing so would result in more bitter and more resistant leaves.
Advice
- Black cabbage is quite resistant to fungal and bacterial diseases.
- You can eat black cabbage raw, steamed, braised, boiled, stir-fried, baked, or fried.
- Kale can be stored for about three weeks in the refrigerator.
Warnings
- Cabbage pests include cabbage worms, aphids, and snails.
- Don't plant kale near beans, strawberries, or tomatoes.
