Kale

Start seeds indoors 5 to 7 weeks before the average last frost date. Transplant outside in the vegetable garden from 2 weeks before to the week of the last expected frost date. Plant this cool season vegetable where it receives full sunshine to partial shade. Soil temperature must be 40 degrees or higher for good germination. Sow seeds ½ inch deep.

Plants grow best when the soil temperature averages between 60 and 65 degrees. Kale does poorly in heat. Space plants 12 to 15 inches apart in rows 18 inches to 24 inches apart. In beds, plant kale 15 to 18 inches apart in all directions. Make several succession plantings 2 to 3 weeks apart to prolong the harvest in spring or fall. Late Harvesting Kale Kale matures from 55 to 65 days from planting seed. Kale can be left in the ground, ready for harvesting as needed, throughout the early winter and sometimes even longer. (Approximately 8,000 to 10,000 seeds per oz.)