{"id":456,"date":"2023-02-14T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-02-14T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/?p=456"},"modified":"2023-06-27T11:42:29","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T18:42:29","slug":"how-to-grow-kale","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-kale\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Grow Kale &#8211; A Beginner&#8217;s Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-layzr=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/How-to-Grow-Kale.png\" alt=\"kale plant growing in garden\" title=\"\"><br \/>\nKale, which are known botanically as Brassica Oleracea, are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing kale as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-kale\/#Best_Time_to_Plant_Kale\" title=\"Best Time to Plant Kale\">Best Time to Plant Kale<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-kale\/#How_to_Plant_Kale_the_Right_Way\" title=\"How to Plant Kale the Right Way\">How to Plant Kale the Right Way<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-kale\/#How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Kale\" title=\"How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Kale\">How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Kale<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-kale\/#How_Much_to_Water_Kale\" title=\"How Much to Water Kale\">How Much to Water Kale<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-kale\/#How_Long_Does_it_Take_Kale_to_Germinate_and_Grow\" title=\"How Long Does it Take Kale to Germinate and Grow?\">How Long Does it Take Kale to Germinate and Grow?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-kale\/#When_to_Harvest_Kale\" title=\"When to Harvest Kale\">When to Harvest Kale<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-kale\/#What_Can_Kale_Be_Used_For\" title=\"What Can Kale Be Used For?\">What Can Kale Be Used For?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-kale\/#Can_Kale_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\" title=\"Can Kale Grow in Pots and Containers?\">Can Kale Grow in Pots and Containers?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/how-to-grow-kale\/#Are_Kale_Safe_for_Bees\" title=\"Are Kale Safe for Bees?\">Are Kale Safe for Bees?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Best_Time_to_Plant_Kale\"><\/span>Best Time to Plant Kale<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the kale seeds 3 to 5 weeks before the last frost. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather.<\/p>\n<p>To check when kale are most likely to thrive in your area, see the <a href=\"https:\/\/planthardiness.ars.usda.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map<\/a>. If you live outside the US, do a quick search for &#8216;plant hardiness zone + [city]&#8217;.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Plant_Kale_the_Right_Way\"><\/span>How to Plant Kale the Right Way<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>There are a number of things to consider that will help you avoid some of the common mistakes of growing kale in your home garden. <\/p>\n<p>Often overlooked, your soil can have a huge impact on how well your kale grow. Generally, your soil should be loamy, well-drained soil with high organic matter. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.esf.edu\/pubprog\/brochure\/soilph\/soilph.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Soil PH levels<\/a> should be around 6.0 to 7.5.<\/p>\n<p>2&#8243; apart in rows. 18&#8243; apart in rows. The seeds should be sowed at a depth of about \u00a0.25-.5&#8243;. For each plant, be sure to sow at least a few seeds to ensure that at least one of them will germinate.<\/p>\n<p>Begin thinning your kale seedlings when plants are about 3&#8243; tall, thin to 12&#8243; apart.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_Sunlight_is_Needed_to_Grow_Kale\"><\/span>How Much Sunlight is Needed to Grow Kale<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Much_to_Water_Kale\"><\/span>How Much to Water Kale<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Does_it_Take_Kale_to_Germinate_and_Grow\"><\/span>How Long Does it Take Kale to Germinate and Grow?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_to_Harvest_Kale\"><\/span>When to Harvest Kale<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The best time to harvest your kale is when the leaves are about the size of your hand.<\/p>\n<p>Kale can grow up to about 1\u00962 ft. tall.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Can_Kale_Be_Used_For\"><\/span>What Can Kale Be Used For?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong>Food Use:<\/strong> Bake this kale variety to make delicious kale chips.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Flavor Profile:<\/strong> Sweet and mild taste.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_Kale_Grow_in_Pots_and_Containers\"><\/span>Can Kale Grow in Pots and Containers?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, you will ideally need a  12&#8243;+ containerfor each plant. This can help control weeds and keep your plant from growing out of control.<\/p>\n<p>It also gives you the flexibility to move your kale around if you need to adjust sunlight or bring it indoors to avoid harsh weather conditions.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Are_Kale_Safe_for_Bees\"><\/span>Are Kale Safe for Bees?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Yes, kale are safe for bees. <\/p>\n<p>According to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/usa\/sustainable-agriculture\/save-the-bees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">GreenPeace.org<\/a>, bees pollinate human food crops that make up about 90% of the world&#8217;s nutrition.<\/p>\n<p>Given their importance in our ecosystem and food supply, I feel it is important to note that growing kale is bee-friendly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Kale, which are known botanically as Brassica Oleracea, are a type of vegetable that can easily be grown at home. Continue reading to learn the basics of growing kale as well as common mistakes to avoid along the way. Best Time to Plant Kale This will depend largely on your local climate, but as a rule of thumb, begin to plant the kale seeds 3 to 5 weeks before the last frost. This is the best time to ensure that the seedlings survive the weather. To check when kale are most likely to thrive in your area, see the USDA <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":386,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,232],"tags":[22,46],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/456"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=456"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/456\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":839,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/456\/revisions\/839"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/386"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=456"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=456"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardeningeats.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=456"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}