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You can plant kale anytime from early spring to early summer. If you plant kale late in the summer you can harvest it from fall until the ground freezes in winter. Plant the seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep into well-drained, light soil. After about 2 weeks, thin the seedlings so that they are spaced 8 to 12 inches apart.
What month do you plant kale?
Soil, Planting, and Care. Set out plants in spring 3 to 5 weeks before the last frost; in late summer, you can begin planting kale 6 to 8 weeks before the first frost for fall and winter harvests, and continue planting throughout the fall in zones 8, 9, and 10.
How do you grow kale in Ohio?
Quick Guide to Growing Kale Plant kale 3 to 5 weeks before the last frost. 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.
Does kale come back every year?
Does kale come back every year? Although kale is normally grown as an annual plant, it is actually a biennial, which means it has a two-year life cycle. In its first growing season, your kale plant will produce lots of leafy green foliage.
What can I plant in Ohio right now?
Mid to Late May: Plant warm-weather vegetables (e.g., tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, eggplant, melons, and pumpkins). Seeds such as carrots, lettuce, corn, beans, etc. can be sown this month. Annual flowers, herbs & tender bulbs are ready to be planted now.
Can I plant kale in May?
When to Sow in the Spring and Fall Kale is a cool weather crop, so it grows best in the spring and fall and in locations where it can receive plenty of sunlight. You can continue to sow seeds until the end of May.
When can I plant kale outside?
Kale is best sown from late spring to early summer, which makes it the perfect choice to follow on from earlier crops such as garlic, broad beans, or early salads.
How long does it take to grow kale?
Starting Kale Seeds Direct seeds will mature in 55 to 75 days, while transplants will speed up the process, ready for harvest in about 30 to 40 days. Plant your crop again in the fall, six to eight weeks before the first expected frost — you can keep harvesting even after snowfall.
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.
What does kale look like when ready?
You’ll know when it’s ready when it’s about 12 inches tall and the leaves are the size of your hand or bigger. Leaves that are the size of your palm are younger and more tender whereas the bigger leaves will be older and a bit tougher.
Who shouldnt eat kale?
But in some cases, eating kale might not be as healthy as you think. For example, it can interact with thyroid function if it’s eaten in very high amounts. It contains something called progoitrin, which can interfere with thyroid hormone synthesis and essentially block the iodine your thyroid needs to function.
How do you winterize kale?
Winterizing Kale After my spring harvest was no longer edible, I cut the kale at the base of the plant, leaving about 3 inches of stalk coming out of the soil. This was done in the warm late summer months. If your kale continues to grow that is fine, you will still produce the second vegetable real soon.
Should I let my kale flower?
Should you cut the flowers off kale? Once your kale plant is flowering, cutting off the flowers will not stop the process of bolting. Your plant is at the end of its life cycle and focusing its energy on producing seeds for the next generation of plants.
When should you plant vegetables in Ohio?
Here’s when to start, what to grow and how to succeed in producing a bounty of food. Ohioans enjoy a reasonably long vegetable-gardening season, starting as early as March and stretching on through late November.
When should you plant tomatoes in Ohio?
Tomatoes are warm-season plants and should be planted only after danger of frost has passed unless you are prepared to protect them in the event of a frost. Typically, that date for central Ohio is May 20.
What gardening zone is Ohio?
Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture unveiled an updated version of its plant hardiness zone map that puts most of Ohio in Zone 6A. The zone designation means that on average, the temperature during the winter dips as low as minus 5 to minus 10 Fahrenheit.
When should I start planting in Ohio?
Ohioans enjoy a reasonably long vegetable-gardening season, starting as early as March and stretching on through late November. But success has as much to do with when you plant as it does what you plant.