Kale is the easiest of the Brassica family to grow (as well as one of the most nutritious and productive) and is extremely productive for the work it requires.

Water Needs

Moderate

Kale must have plenty of water for maximum productivity and best quality.

Fertilizer Needs

Heavy

Low nitrogen. Moderate potassium. Moderate phosphorous.

Kale has similar nutritional requirements as cabbage, in that it needs a significant amount of phosphorus and potassium but not a lot of nitrogen.

Early varieties require a higher soil fertility than mid or late-season varieties.

Watering, regularly

Water, 1 quart(s), regularly, 2 times a week
Keep the plants well supplied with water for maximum production and best quality. Watering also depends on your local weather; don't water if it's raining, or water more frequently if it's dry. Just be sure to keep soil moist for the best crop. The best way to know how much moisture is in your soil is to feel 2" below the soil line. If it's dry, water.

Watering, regularly

Water, 0.5 gallon(s) per plant, regularly, 2 times a week

Kale has large leaves and can lose a lot of water in warm weather. Keep the plants well supplied with water for maximum production and best quality.

Watering also depends on your local weather; don't water if it's raining, or water more frequently if it's dry. Just be sure to keep soil moist for the best crop. The best way to know how much moisture is in your soil is to feel 2" below the soil line. If it's dry, water.

Weeding, regularly

regularly, every 3 weeks

Kale is pretty independent once established, so you only really need worry about weeds while it is young.

Side Dressing, after transplanting

Compost tea, 5 gallon(s) per 100 sq. ft., after transplanting, 1 month

Feed the plants with compost tea or liquid kelp, starting as soon as they have recovered from transplanting and every month thereafter. This is especially important if you are harvesting regularly.

Thinning, after sowing

after sowing, every 3 weeks

Start harvest thinnings when all the seedlings have emerged, and gradually thin them to the recommended spacing (check your variety for this spacing).

Side Dressing, to cool soil

Mulch, 2 inch(es), to cool soil, 1 time

Use a mulch in summer to suppress weeds, keep the soil cool and conserve soil moisture. 

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