How to grow kale successfully in different climates?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Successfully growing kale depends on your climate's climate quirks. Whether you are in USDA zones 3-10, there are easy adjustments you can make to ensure this leafy green flourishes. Kale leaves become sweeter after frost, and where summer heat is a consideration, you can use shade cloth (even a white beach towel) and mulching material. I've successfully grown kale in both Minnesota winters and Arizona summers- kale is one of the more forgiving greens!
Cold Climates (Zones 3-5)
- Plant 6 weeks before first frost for fall harvests
- Use row covers when temps drop below 20°F
- Harvest outer leaves before heavy snow
Hot Climates (Zones 8-10)
- Opt for heat-tolerant varieties like Red Ursa
- Water at root level to avoid leaf scorch
- Provide afternoon shade with 40% cloth
Soil preparation varies widely. My Tennessee garden had clay soil, even after adding 3 inches of compost, it drained terribly. In Florida, we had sandy soil and needed peat moss added to retain moisture. Test pH every year because kale does not like anything below 6.0, which can also lock out nitrogen even in well-fed beds.
Pests also adapt to regions. Cabbage worms plague northern gardens, and I spray with Bt every 5 days to battle them. In the south, growers must deal with swarms of aphids; I spray neem oil on them early in the morning, which disturbs their cycle while not harming ladybugs. Always check under the leaves weekly for pest presence.
Read the full article: How to Grow Kale: Complete Planting and Harvesting Guide
