How to Grow Kale for Beginners
If you’re wondering how to grow kale for beginners, this guide has you covered with everything you need to get started. From planting seeds to harvesting fresh, leafy greens, you’ll find all the steps for mastering Gardening 101. Plus, with just a little care, kale can thrive almost anywhere, making it perfect for new gardeners.
I’ll be honest, kale isn’t exactly my favorite, but I do love eating healthy. And you can’t deny how healthy kale is. It’s packed with vitamins A, C, and K, plus calcium, fiber, and antioxidants. It helps boost your immune system, keeps your heart happy, and even supports strong bones. The best part? It’s super low in calories but still fills you up. That’s why, like it or not, kale has earned its place in our backyard garden.
Things to Know About Kale
A lot of kale growing guides will tell you it’s a cold weather crop that tastes best after a frost because colder temps give it a better flavor. And while that’s true, you can actually grow kale in just about any season and most climates. It’s an easy-to-grow veggie, so it’s perfect for beginner gardeners.
Even if you have a smaller garden, kale’s still a great choice because it grows well in raised beds and in containers such as grow bags, which is my favorite way to grow. The flavor and growing time will vary depending on the season, the weather, and your soil conditions.
Kale is a tough crop that adapts well to different conditions, tolerating temperatures as low as 20°F. On the flip side, however, it is not as tolerant of the heat. When temps climb above 80°F, it can get bitter and tough.
Types of Kale
There are 5 main types of kale to choose from based on the type of leaf, and each has its own unique vibe:
- Plain leaved – This one keeps it simple with smooth, broad leaves that are easy to work with in the kitchen.
- Rape Kale – Known for its tender leaves, it’s a classic option that many gardeners swear by.
- Curly leaved (Scots Kale) – These crinkly, frilly leaves are not just pretty but also pack a great crunch.
- Cavolo nero (black cabbage, Tuscan Cabbage, or Kale) – This one’s a culinary favorite with dark, almost velvety leaves bursting with flavor.
- Leaf and spear – A cool hybrid combining the best of both curly and plain leaved varieties for a unique look and taste.
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And if you’re ready to pick a variety for your garden, here are some popular ones to explore:
- Winterbor (60-65 days, hybrid) – Super hardy and ideal for those colder months.
- Blue Armor (45-70 days, hybrid) – A reliable grower that’s a great option for beginners.
- Blue Curled Scotch (65 days) – A tried-and-true classic with a deep green color and appealing texture.
- Dwarf Blue Curled and Dwarf Blue Scotch (55 days) – Perfect for small spaces or container gardening.
- Dwarf Green Curled (60 days) – Compact, hardy, and loaded with beautiful curly leaves.
- Dwarf Siberian (65 days) – Stays sweet and tender, even in colder weather.
- Greenpeace (65 days) – A robust, no-fuss variety with great resilience.
- Red Russian (40-55 days) – Colorful and fast-growing with a slightly sweeter taste.
- Squire (60 days) – A standout for its uniform growth and rich green hue.
How Much to Plant
It really depends on how much kale your family eats and how often you want it on the menu. If you’re planning to enjoy it regularly in salads, smoothies, or side dishes, aim for about 3 to 5 plants per person in your household. This should give you a steady supply of fresh leaves without overwhelming you. And the best part? Kale keeps on growing when you harvest it properly, so you’ll have plenty to enjoy all season long.
Seeds or Plants
Deciding between seeds and starter plants for kale depends on your needs and timeline, and honestly, both options are great.
Growing from Seeds: If you choose seeds, plant them about 1/4 inch deep and keep the soil nice and moist. It takes a little longer for them to grow, but it’s super affordable and ideal if you want a lot of kale.
Growing from Plants: If you’re after a faster harvest, starter plants are the way to go. Just pop them into well-prepped soil, water them thoroughly, and they’ll take off in no time.
What You Need to Grow Kale
Here’s a quick list to help you decide if kale is right for your garden lineup.
- Location – Pick a spot with plenty of airflow to help prevent pests and keep those leaves nice and healthy.
- When to Plant – Kale grows best in cooler weather, so you will want to plant it in early spring, or you can plant it in late summer for a fall harvest.
- Sun – Even though kale hates heat, it loves sunlight. Aim for 6 to 8 hours a day, but it can handle a bit of shade, too.
- Soil – Kale isn’t too picky but does best in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Adding compost helps it flourish.
How to Grow Kale for Beginners
Kale gets even tastier after a frost, so planting in cooler weather is ideal. That said, you can grow it year-round if the temperatures are just right. If you’re in a warmer area where summers bring the heat, focus on planting in the fall, winter, or early spring. However, if your climate sits below 80°F most of the time, you’re in luck—you can plant kale all year and enjoy a steady harvest.
Most kale varieties are ready to harvest in 50 to 65 days, so as long as you don’t face a heatwave, you’re good to go anytime.
#1. Temperature
Kale is a cool-weather champion, doing well in temps as low as 20°F. The colder weather not only helps it flourish but also brings out a sweeter, more robust flavor in the leaves. Frost isn’t a problem for kale—in fact, it actually enhances its taste. But don’t worry if you’re in a warmer area; kale is surprisingly resilient and can handle temperatures up to 80°F. Just keep in mind, if it stays too hot for too long, the leaves can get a bit tougher and develop a slightly bitter edge.
#2. Sun
This plant is a sun lover, and it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, though 8 hours will give you the best, fullest leaves. If it gets less than 6 hours, your plant might stay smaller, but the leaves will still taste great.
#3. Soil
Kale does best in loamy, well-draining, and moist soil, but make sure it’s not soggy. Unlike some veggies, kale prefers soil that isn’t heavy on nitrogen and has a slightly acidic pH between 5.5 and 6.8.
If your soil is too acidic, sprinkle in some wood ash to balance it out. While kale can still grow in sandy or clay-heavy soil, those conditions might dull its flavor a bit.
#4. Water
Given how fast kale grows, keeping the soil moist is key. Aim to give it 1 to 1.5 inches of water a week. Be sure to let the surface of the soil dry out slightly before watering again.
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#5. Fertilizing
Before you plant, mix some organic fertilizer into the soil. Depending on how strong it is, you might need to cover the soil and give it a week or two to settle before planting. If you’re using seasoned compost, you can start planting the very next day. To keep your kale thriving, feed it regularly with a continuous-release fertilizer as it grows.
How to Plant Kale
When planting, remember to pick a spot in full sun, especially during cooler seasons when days are shorter. If you’re planting in a warmer climate, go for an area with partial shade to avoid too much heat, which can affect the taste.
Seeds
Plant seeds about ½ inch deep in pots with a mix of soil and compost. Keep the soil moist, letting the top layer dry out slightly between waterings.
Seedlings
Plant seeds directly in your garden as soon as the soil can be worked. Place them 3–4 seeds every 12–18 inches, then thin out to one plant per spot when they sprout.
For both seeds and seedlings, space them 12–18 inches apart, with rows spaced 18–36 inches. If planting seedlings, make sure they aren’t buried deeper than their first leaves. Start a few extras just in case—not every seed or plant will thrive.
What Diseases and Pests to Watch For
While kale is pretty resilient, there are a few pests you’ll want to watch out for. Here’s a quick rundown:
- Cutworms – These sneaky caterpillars hide in the soil and chew through young stems at ground level.
- Cabbage Loopers – These green inchworms munch on the leaves, leaving holes behind.
- Cabbageworms – Small but destructive, they’ll happily devour your kale from the inside out.
- Harlequin Bugs – These colorful pests usually target older plants and can drain the sap, leaving damage behind.
- Grasshoppers – These jumpy critters love to nibble on leaves, especially in hot and dry weather.
- Cabbage Aphids – Tiny and tough to spot, they gather in clusters and suck out nutrients, weakening the plant.
The good news is kale resists diseases pretty well. Keep your plants strong by feeding them the nutrients they need and removing any old or damaged leaves.
To fend off pests, you can place row covers or tulle (wedding netting) over young seedlings. Cooler weather also naturally decreases pest activity, so fall planting has its perks. If pests get out of hand, try insecticidal soap or simply remove and discard heavily infested leaves.
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How to Harvest Kale
Kale is ready to harvest about 70–95 days after planting seeds, or 55–75 days after transplanting seedlings, depending on the variety you chose.
You don’t have to harvest the whole plant at once. If you prefer, just snip off individual leaves when the plant is around 8–10 inches tall. Always start with the outer leaves and work your way in.
For a full harvest, cut the stem about 2 inches above the soil. The plant will grow new leaves in 1–2 weeks, so you’ll get more out of it.
Make sure to pick leaves before they get old and tough. If your kale is growing faster than you can eat it, pull off any yellowing or browning leaves and toss them into the compost. This helps keep pests away and lets the plant focus its energy on healthier growth.
How to Store Kale
To keep kale fresh, store it in the fridge for about a week. The trick is to keep it slightly damp in an unsealed bag in the crisper drawer. Since kale doesn’t stay fresh for too long, it’s a smart idea to only harvest what you need. Just pick the outer leaves and leave the rest on the plant for later.
Growing Tips for Kale
- Companion Planting: Kale thrives when planted near beets, celery, herbs, onions, and potatoes. Avoid pairing it with strawberries, tomatoes, or beans.
- Weather Effects: Hot weather can make kale tough and bitter. It’s still nutritious and works in most dishes, but not as enjoyable raw.
- Mulching: Adding mulch around your kale helps the soil stay moist, keeps some pests away, and adds nutrients to the soil.
- Watering: Kale loves moist soil. Regular watering keeps the leaves sweet and crisp.
- Compost: Side dress plants with compost every 6–8 weeks during the growing season to encourage steady production.
- Protect Leaves: If dirt is clinging to leaves and causing rot, add mulch, straw, or grass around the base once the plant is at least 6 inches tall.
- Year-Round Growth: For year-round kale, try an indoor hydroponic or water-based growing system.
- Harvesting: Pick lower, outer leaves when they’re the right size and color, leaving at least four at the top to keep the plant growing.
- Frost’s Magic: Kale tastes best after a light frost.
- Winter Survival: Kale can handle cold winters with extra protection like thick mulch, row covers, or tunnels.
- Stems Are Edible: Don’t waste the stems! Cook them to make them tender and enjoy alongside the leaves.
Kale is one of those foods that can be enjoyed in many different ways. You can add it raw to salads or use it as a bed for vegan or vegetarian dishes. It is also good in smoothies or omelets for breakfast. Finally, kale can be steamed, boiled, or baked and added to many amazing dinner dishes.
Kale is a very easy plant to grow, making it a perfect crop for beginner gardeners. And since it grows well in the ground, in raised beds, in containers, and in indoor hydroponic gardens, if you enjoy eating it, there’s really no reason not to grow it.
You can grow it through several seasons and harvest just what you need, allowing the remaining plants to continue growing. This makes it easy to harvest and enjoy anytime you want. And since it’s full of healthy nutrients, it’s a great addition to your dinner table.
More Greens to grow”
Don’t stop at kale! Keep that garden growing with more greens that are easy especially with our how to grow guides:
