![]() In the Middle Ages, kale was widely grown throughout Europe and was considered a vital food source during times of famine. It was a staple crop in ancient Greece and Rome and was valued for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Its origins can be traced back to the eastern Mediterranean and Asia Minor, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. Kale has a rich history dating back to ancient times. Decades of selective breeding led to the variations in plant appearance and flavor profile, giving us a wide variety of healthy cruciferous vegetables to enjoy. In fact, kale, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, collards, and other leafy green vegetables all originated from the same plant centuries ago. Kale ( Brassica oleracea) is a member of the cabbage family and is closely related to other leafy green brassica vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. So, if you’re ready to start your own kale garden, read on! About Kale ![]() In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of growing kale, from selecting the right variety to harvesting your crops. So whether you’re a fan of kale salads, smoothies, or kale chips, growing your own kale at home can be a rewarding and cost-effective way to enjoy this superfood. Kale is a leafy green vegetable that has gained a lot of popularity in recent years thanks to its high nutritional value and versatility in cooking. Learn how to grow kale from seed to harvest, including soil preparation, planting, and maintenance tips. ![]() In zones 7-10, kale will produce new leaves all winter long.Kale is an easy-to-grow, cold-hardy leafy green that can be planted in spring or fall. Take as many leaves as you like, as long as you leave at least four leaves at the top of the plant (the crown). To harvest, pick the oldest, lowest leaves first. You can also treat it as a ‘cut and come again’ crop, where you harvest the tender young top leaves for salads, leaving the stem to overwinter and produce side shoots of bigger leaves for cooking. Monty Don agrees, saying, 'The more you pick it the more fresh leaves come.'Īmy Enfield adds, 'Kale leaves have their best flavor when they’re “kissed” by a light frost, making fall harvests sweeter than spring harvests. However, if you’re growing kale for its harvest of leaves it’s more likely that you’ll replace it every year and it will be more successful that way. ![]() Most kales are biennials, meaning they will take around two years from seedling before they eventually bolt and produce flowers and seeds. See: How to grow spinach – in pots, indoors or in raised beds Does kale come back every year? The soil should be kept consistently moist which usually means providing plants with 1-1.5 inches of water each week (water whenever the top inch of soil is dry to the touch), mulching around the plants with finely ground leaves, weed-free hay, straw, pine needles, or finely growing bark will help keep the soil cool and moist.'Ī regular watering routine will help to prevent the leaves from wilting in warm, dry weather. Adding well rotted manure to the earth before planting will get your kale off to a good start, and you can top up with an all purpose liquid plant food to give it an occasional boost.Īmy Enfield, horticulturalist for Bonnie Plants, says: 'Kale is a fairly fast growing plant. If you're transplanting seedlings into your vegetable plot, allow at least 12 inches (30cm) between each plant, and 18 inches (45cm) between rows as they grow into quite sizeable plants. It’s a tolerant plant that can survive cold temperatures and shady conditions – just three hours of sunshine is enough although it grows well in full sun to light shade in a well-drained soil.
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