Can I plant kale in September?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.If you plant your kale in September, you can look forward to some fabulous fall harvests. The cool autumn air makes everything taste great, and pests are less of a problem. You need to work according to your first frost date and count back from it, 6-8 weeks or so, depending on your climate, until you germinate the seed. That is when the hard freezes arrive.
Variety Selection
- Choose cold-tolerant types like Winterbor or Red Russian
- Opt for dwarf varieties in short-season zones
- Avoid heat-sensitive summer varieties
Soil Preparation
- Amend with 2 inches (5 cm) compost before sowing
- Ensure pH 6.5-6.8 using lime if needed
- Create raised beds for improved drainage
Weather Protection
- Install row covers when nights dip below 35°F (2°C)
- Apply 4 inches (10 cm) straw mulch after germination
- Use cloches for unexpected early freezes
For quick establishment, shoestring beans are best direct-seeded in September. Plant the seeds ½ inch (1.3 cm) apart in rows 18 inches (45 cm) wide, and water them with 1 cup (240 mL) of water every three days. Use shade cloth if procedures are especially hot above 75°F (24°C).
Frost protection is needed as soon as the nights start to become chilly. Cover floating row covers when temperatures drop to within 32°F (0°C) of freezing. In my Zone 5 garden, when covered, my September plantings hurry, and I can harvest until early December, when the snows come. Without them, they stop when the temperature reaches 20°F (-7°C) underground.
Can I plant kale in September? September planting is great for fall harvesting in most climates. Kale loves the cool weather and is frost-hardy. For zones 5-8, direct sow them in the garden 6-8 weeks before the first frost, ensuring strong, healthy plants for the winter harvest.
Read the full article: How to Grow Kale: Ultimate Guide for Home Gardeners
