Maybe you are currently thinking of more plants to add to your already beautiful garden. You are done with the beautifying ones that added color to it — Fuchsia, Zinnia, Sunflower, Canna, etc. And now you are contemplating whether you should add another one to your roster. How about something with lots of health benefits and a hint of earthiness? Something that aids in digestion and can be eaten raw or cooked? If these suggestions sound good to you, you have come to the right place. We might just have an answer for you, and that is kale. Kale, or leaf cabbage, is a cabbage relative known for their edible leaves. It’s a superfood that comes in shades of purple and green, and has been around since time immemorial. Sounds good? Now, you might be wondering how to plant kale. Here are some of the easiest ways any plantsman would dig:
Preparing the Planting Site
- Kale needs a spot where it can be exposed to at least 6 hours of sunlight.
- Grab a soil test kit from your local garden store and do a soil test. The ideal pH level for the soil ranges from 6.5 to 6.8 in order to avoid diseases.
- Based on the results of the soil test, you will need to add nitrogen-rich compost or blood meal into your soil.
- Kale prefers a well-drained and well-enriched soil to produce tender leaves. Add fertilizer when planting.
How to Plant Kale
- When planting seeds directly into the ground, sow ¼ to ½ inch deep into a well-drained soil. Wait for 2 weeks before thinning the seedlings to make an 8 to 12 inches space between them.
- The more common way is to set out plants. Plant them at the same depth they were growing in the container and space them 18 to 24 inches apart.
- Water them well after planting.
Wasn’t that short and easy? Indeed, kale is a superfood that’s also super easy to grow! When learning how to plant kale, just observe the three super easy to follow steps above, and you will be on your way to enjoying this versatile kitchen staple that’s suitable to plant for beginners and for seasoned vegetable plotters alike. Different methods of planting it are also available for gardeners to choose from. Here are some you might want to try:
Growing Kale in Pots
- When growing in a container, choose large pots with ample room for the roots to grow and for filling it with compost. A pot that is 12 inches in diameter and 12 inches deep is ideal to be a growing site.
- It is also important to ensure that the pot has adequate drainage material — coffee filters, paper towels, and mesh window screening are some examples of materials which can provide suitable drainage. Put a material of your choice at the bottom of the pot before putting on the soil. They all allow water to freely seep out of the pot, and they prevent the roots from rotting.
- Space the plants a bit closer than you would when planting them in the ground, 4 to 10 inches apart.
- Place your container in an area that receives 6 hours of sunlight each day.
- Water them as necessary in order to keep the top inches of the soil moist, but be careful not to overwater.
Growing Kale Indoors
- For germination, use a seed tray that has drainage holes on the bottom. Put 3-4 inches of soil-less growing mix for each seed container. Spray a bit of water to each container as well in order to moisten the mix.
- Place 2-3 kale seeds in each container. Cover the seeds with 1.3 cm growing mix and spray it with water again if it still feels dry.
- Seal your seed tray and put it in a warm area in order to allow seeds to germinate. You can cover the seed tray with a plastic bag to achieve this or place it somewhere that’s consistently warm, like the top of your fridge.
- Check the seeds regularly over the next 4 weeks. Make sure that the seeds do not dry out and that the growing medium is still moist. Water as needed to maintain moisture. Seedlings should emerge 4 weeks after planting the seeds.
What Not to Plant With Kale
Kale (Brassica oleracea) is a member of the cabbage family. Ironically, you cannot plant it alongside its relatives. It is not recommended to plant kale with other brassicas including broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, and Swiss chard as they can be victims to the same pests and diseases. Some companion plants that would enrich and protect kale if planted together with them are:
- Catnip – an addiction to cats, they can attract insect predators inside your garden, protecting kale and other flowers and vegetables from pests.
- Buckwheat – they smother weeds to help your kale grow in ideal conditions. It also adds moisture to the soil by increasing its nitrogen content.
- Marigolds – attract hoverflies that eat aphids, preventing them to damage your kale.
- Dill – more than just a pickling ingredient, dill attracts helpful insects that prey on pests.
Learning how to plant kale is an easy and enjoyable feat that you can achieve in no time. Available alternatives such as growing kale in pots and growing kale indoors make it easier as you have more options to go by, depending on what works better for you. To be soulmates with this super veggie, you just need to have the dedication and an occasional reminder of what not to plant with kale. Grow one or two this year and see for yourself the numerous benefits it can offer. It is high in nutrients and has very low calories. What’s more is that it contains substances which help protect us against cancer, some of which are sulforaphane and indole-3-carbinol. Words just cannot express how amazing this plant is. How about a catchphrase to always remind you that this superfood is super worth it? Say it with me: ALL HAIL KALE!
