How to Grow Kale at Home

Kale is one of the easiest leafy green vegetables to grow. Moreover, it has been getting a lot of attention in recent years.

Kale is widely considered a nutritious vegetable due to its many health benefits [1]. Not to mention, it is delicious and easy to prepare.

Read on to learn how to grow kale from seeds or seedlings.

Growing Kale

Since you’re reading this article, you likely want to know how to plant your own kale so you always have a consistent supply. Fortunately, it is pretty easy to cultivate.

Prepare the Growing Space

You’ll need a little bit of space in a garden bed or somewhere in your backyard.

If you don’t have yard space, a sturdy container at least 12 inches wide will work well. Plan your planting schedule so the crop matures before the intense summer heat.

Also, identify where you will plant it. At the very least, kale grows best in full sun, though partial shade can help protect plants in hotter climates.

You could also consider planting some good kale companion plants nearby. However, avoid overcrowding kale near plants with very different growing needs or heavy nutrient demands, such as tomatoes.

Most mature kale plants grow about 1 to 2 feet tall and wide, depending on the variety. Therefore, make sure you plant it in a location with enough space for mature plants.

The Planting Process

Kale works great for fall and winter harvests.

For a fall harvest, start seeds indoors about 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting outdoors. You can also sow them directly in the garden 6 to 8 weeks before your first expected fall frost.

Transplant seedlings outdoors once they are hardened off and large enough to handle. Kale tolerates light frost and grows best in cool weather.

Also, seedlings should have 3 to 4 true leaves before transplanting.

Most kale varieties are ready to harvest in about 50 to 75 days, though baby leaves can be picked much earlier.

Kale does not enjoy the heat. Therefore, it is best to avoid planting the seeds or seedlings in the heat of summer.

Watering and Fertilizing

Ensure the plants are well-watered and the soil remains evenly moist by providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week.

Covering the ground with mulch can also help retain water and maintain a healthy root temperature.

Additionally, fertilize the soil every 2 weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer if you’re growing in a container.

Kale especially benefits from nitrogen-rich fertilizer, which encourages healthy leafy growth.

Harvesting

You will know that it is time to harvest when the leaves are about the size of an average adult’s hand.

To harvest kale so it keeps growing, simply pick the leaves straight off the stem, starting at the outer leaves and working inward.

However, leave a few of the smaller inner leaves so the plant can continue producing new leaves over the following weeks. Also, while harvesting, remove any dead or bug-eaten leaves and toss them in your compost.

Health Benefits of Kale

• Like many leafy green vegetables, kale is low in calories and fat but rich in fiber, iron, vitamin K, and other vitamins and minerals [2].
• Kale also contains iron, which helps support healthy blood cells.
• It contains antioxidants and plant compounds that may help support overall health.
• Kale contains omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants that may help support a healthy inflammatory response.
• Kale is also rich in vitamins A and C. Vitamin A helps protect your eyesight and contributes to healthy skin. Plus, vitamin C supports skin health and helps support the immune system.
• Additionally, kale contains a surprisingly high amount of calcium for a leafy green [3].

However, like all things, too much of a good thing is not a good thing. Although kale is indeed a superfood with many health benefits, that doesn’t mean it provides all the nutrients the body needs.

Also, it definitely doesn’t mean you should start a kale-only cleanse. Make sure you implement it into a well-rounded, balanced diet.

Takeaway

Clearly, kale is a versatile and nutritious vegetable. It’s easy to grow, offers tremendous health benefits, and you can eat it in a variety of ways.