What is the best time to plant kale?

Planting kale at the right time ensures it grows healthy and abundant at harvest. This cool-season crop grows best within a specific temperature range. Avoid extremes of hot weather to achieve optimal production. It all depends on when you're growing and where you live. I've grown kale for more than ten years, and if I've learned one thing, it's timing.

Spring planting begins 4-6 weeks before last frost when soil temperatures reach 40°F (4°C). Cold-tolerant varieties, such as 'Winterbor', do well. Soil preparation is key; I work compost into my beds before seeding, and protect them under row covers against unplanned drops in temperature.

Avoid planting in hot weather (above, say, 80°F); this can lead to bitterness and bolting. Don't plant in the South when, as often, the hot sun is out; late fall or winter is the only safe time. I employ shade cloth for the babies in hot climates. Sufficient provision is requisite to defeat insect and fungoid foes for the whole season.

Soil temperature gives you a head start. I insert a digital probe thermometer into the ground at a depth of 4 inches. Cold soil significantly slows down germination. Warm soils over 75°F (24°C), and your seeds are not very viable. You need some decent weather to get your planting calendar right. Record your findings year after year, and you'll improve.

This goes hand in glove with planting decisions. Spring-planted kale matures in 55 to 75 days. Fall crops benefit from frost, sweetening them. I pick off the leaves, week by week, using the cut-and-come-again method. Timing it right, and you can pick this for months. Get started planning your next planting today.

Read the full article: When to Plant Kale: Expert Timing Guide