Is kale difficult to grow?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.Kale is one of the easiest vegetables for a beginner to grow. It tolerates poor soil and erratic watering better than most vegetables, and the plants rapidly recover from slight neglect. You will feel encouraged when you see how little attention these hardy greens require.
Soil Flexibility
- Thrives in pH 6.0-7.5 without strict amendments
- Grows in clay, sandy, or loamy soils equally well
- Tolerates low-fertility conditions better than lettuce
Climate Resilience
- Withstands temperature swings between 20-85°F (-7-29°C)
- Survives light frosts without protection
- Recovers quickly from drought stress after watering
Space Efficiency
- Produces abundant harvests in containers as small as 8 inches (20 cm) deep
- Thrives in vertical gardens and small beds
- Yields 1 lb (0.45 kg) per square foot with minimal care
Kale is notable for its resistance to pests. It has 30 to 40 percent fewer pests than cabbage, which means it is less likely to get infested with worms. However, aphids are still a problem, but they can be easily managed with water sprays. My first kale crop, grown in soil near pest-damaged broccoli, turned out healthy.
Harvesting continuously makes it easier to maintain the garden. You can grow plants for months using the Cut-and-Come-Again method. After each cutting, plants will regrow leaves, so you don't need to reseed. This gardening reliability allows you to gain confidence and experience more rapidly than growing a single harvest vegetable.
Is it hard to grow kale? Growing kale is easy for anyone and forgiving due to the following reasons: It tolerates various conditions in soil. It can withstand light frost and swings in temperature. It is less prone than other brassicas to pests or insects. It does not require a large amount of space.
Read the full article: How to Grow Kale: Ultimate Guide for Home Gardeners
