Can kale be grown indoors?

Growing kale indoors provides us with access to delicious greens, regardless of the conditions outside (or whatever might prevent us from growing them). With a proper setup in place, growing our own seedlings indoors can mimic the ideal conditions typically found outdoors. You need adequate lighting, appropriate containers, and set temperatures. Success lies in the attention given to these critical factors throughout the growth cycle.

The way you place lights is a critical aspect of growth. Be sure to keep the lamps at a consistent distance from the tops of the plants. To ensure even light distribution, I recommend rotating your containers a quarter turn each day. I typically use adjustable LED panels that can be raised as the plants grow, keeping them from becoming spindly.

Soil: Your garden center will carry special soil mixes for containers. Be sure to get one that drains well, look on the back for something like 30 percent perlite content. For every gallon of this mix, add a tablespoon (15 mL) of dolomite lime (to guard against acidity). Water when the top inch (2.5 cm) becomes dry, probably every 3 days.

Harvest "baby leaves" at 3-4 inches (7.6-10 cm) tall, encouraging continual growth. Trim the outermost leaves with scissors, leaving the central growth points to shoot up again. It should yield three to five harvests from each before needing to be disposed of and started over again. We will need to replenish the nutrient solution after the second harvest.

Yes, kale can be grown indoors if the growing conditions are right. Get containers at least 12 inches deep with drainage holes. Provide 14 to 16 hours of daily light in grow lights. Keep at a temperature of 65-75°F (18-24°C). Your baby kale leaves should be ready to harvest in 4 weeks.

Read the full article: How to Grow Kale: Ultimate Guide for Home Gardeners