Vegetable:
Kale
1. When – Kale is a hardy, cold-tolerant green. Plant as early as 1 month before your last frost date in spring, and around 6 weeks before your first frost date in fall.
2. Where – Kale can be grown in partial shade, but does enjoy a few hours of full sun a day if possible. Feel free to plant near other large plants that may partially shade out the kale.
3. How – Plant seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch into the surface of the soil, around 18 inches to 2 feet apart. Maintain moist soil throughout the germination process.
4. Harvesting – First and foremost, always pick the outermost leaves first. These are the ones that have been growing the longest and are the largest. Pull down and out from the base of the leaf and they will pop off. Do not harvest too many leaves at once or the plant will have a hard time continuing to produce.
5. Tips – Try to avoid planting kale near other members of the brassica family (cabbage, cauliflower, mustard, etc.). This will assist in keeping pests at bay, as once pests find one member of the brassica family, they will infect all others nearby that they find as well.
Type:
Biennial (harvested during the first year)
Time to harvest:
60-70 days
Plant Origin:
Europe and Asia Minor around 4,000 years ago
How to Cultivate 