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Space kale 18 to 24 inches apart in an area with full sun and well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.5 to 6.8. Improve native soil by mixing in several inches of aged compost or other rich organic matter. Kale is a fast grower, so keep the soil moist by giving it 1 to 1.5 inches of water each week.
Can I plant kale close together?
Kale Lettuce Spacing When sowing seeds in the garden, you want to plant them close together in rows. Plant seeds just under the soil surface at a depth of 1/4 to 1/2 inch, advises Cornell University. Space seeds 1 inch apart and space each row 18 to 30 inches apart.
How many kale plants should I plant?
Planting a vegetable garden for a family Crop (number of plants per ft. of row) Number of plants per person Kale (10/10 ft. of row) 2-7 plants Leaf lettuce (Thin to 3 plants/ft. of row) 24 plants Melon (1 plant/6 ft. of row) 1-2 plants Onion (4 sets/ft. of row) 12-20 sets.
Does kale regrow after cutting?
When kale is harvested properly, it works as a cut and come again vegetable that quickly grows back to regenerate its leaves for multiple harvests. For your kale to grow back, harvest the oldest leaves first—those on the outside of the plant at the bottom.
What can you not plant with kale?
Avoid planting kale with other brassicas (like broccoli, kohlrabi, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and Swiss chard), as they can fall prey to the same pests and diseases.
How big should kale seedlings be before transplanting?
The general rule of thumb is that when a seedling has three to four true leaves, it’s large enough to plant out in the garden (after it has been hardened off). When you plant a seed, the first leaves to emerge are the cotyledons. These leaves will look different from leaves that will grow later.
How far apart do you plant?
Spacing Different Types of Plants. The general rule of thumb is to space plants according to their expected width at maturity. For example, a tree that is expected to grow 40 feet wide would be planted 40 feet from the next tree of the same variety.
What can I plant near kale?
Kale is buddy-buddy with beets, celery, cucumbers, herbs, onions, spinach, chard, and potatoes. It isn’t happy growing next to beans, strawberries, or tomatoes. Keep soil moist to encourage consistent growth.
How far apart should Rows be in a garden?
The ideal spacing between the rows in your garden provides ample room for your plants to grow and for you to work in. In most cases it is a good idea to leave at least 18 to 36 inches of space between each row of plants.
How do you pick kale so it keeps growing?
How to Harvest Kale Kale is ready to harvest when the leaves are about the size of your hand. Pick about one fistful of leaves per harvest. Avoid picking the terminal bud (found at the top center of the plant) because this will help to keep the plant productive. Kale will continue growing until it’s 20°F.
Does kale come back every year?
Kale is a biennial that many people grow as an annual, advises Cornell University. Some varieties of kale are perennial plants that come back year after year.
Should I let my kale flower?
Those tiny flower buds that appear on your kale plants at the end of the season don’t necessarily mean the end of your crop. In fact, just the opposite: the florets are a bonus harvest you can eat, and they turn even sweeter if you’ve had frost. Pick a handful next time and try them raw or cooked!.
How big should seedlings be before thinning?
Seedlings should have at least two pairs of true leaves and be about 3 to 4 inches (8-10 cm.) tall before thinning. Evening hours are a good time to thin seedlings as the cooler temps and darker conditions make it easier for the remaining seedlings to bounce back from any stress they may have received.
How do I keep aphids off my kale?
Controlling Aphids on Kale Clip off badly infested kale leaves and immediately dispose of them in an active compost pile. Without a live plant host, they will soon perish. Follow up with a botanical spray (like those described below), insecticidal soap, or a light horticultural oil.
Can basil and kale be planted together?
Companion planting kale will repel some of the common pests that affect the plants. However, for some reason, kale does not enjoy the companionship of basil. The kale will do well with potatoes but will not get along well tomatoes. Additionally,kale will not do well with strawberries.
Does kale like full sun?
One of the most nutritious shade loving vegetables around, kale thrives in just a few hours of sunlight per day. Kale is also extremely cold tolerant, making it a great crop for fall harvests. Another shade tolerant root crop, beets produce small – but delicious and tender – roots in the shade.
How deep do you transplant kale?
Sow 3-4 seeds 5mm (¼”) deep in each spot you where a plant is to grow. Thin to the strongest plant. Space 45-60cm (18-24″) apart in rows 75-90cm (30-36″) apart.
When should you repot kale?
Kale Planting Calendar. 6-4 weeks before the last frost in spring: start seed indoors for transplant out later. 4-2 weeks before the last frost in spring: transplant seedlings into the garden.
When should I Harden kale?
Start hardening off and transplanting your seedlings a week or two before the last frost date. When you plant kale for a springtime harvest, the goal is to have the kale ready for picking before the weather in your area gets too hot.
