Did you know that a kale plant can grow for 2 years and become as tall as you? It’s true! With strategic harvesting and care, the kale you plant this fall will feed your family for seasons to come. Learn more about kale maintenance, harvesting, preparation, and recipes that include kale in this month’s Garden-to-Kitchen blog.
Maintenance Tips:
- Water Regularly: Although fairly drought tolerant, 1-1.5 inches of water each week will help kale leaves grow quickly, which improves flavor. When watering, aim water towards the roots.
- Add Extra Mulch: 2-3 inches of mulch will help retain moisture and keep this cool season crop from getting overheated if temperatures rise above 75°F. The mulch will also help keep the roots warm during frigid winter days.
- Fertilize: If your kale is growing poorly or turning yellow, you may have a nutrient problem. Consider side-dressing with a high-nitrogen fertilizer.
*Side-dressing means to place a line of fertilizer about 4 inches from the stem on both sides of the plant.
Harvesting Tips:
Harvesting is one of the most important and easiest parts of kale maintenance. Don’t stop harvesting! It’s fun to continue to pick for desired tastes and textures.
- Mature leaves are ready to harvest when they are about the size of your hand.
- Pick the larger outer leaves to keep the plant producing. Cutting the top off the plant will slow growth considerably.
- Take no more than 1/3 of the leaves at a time.
- Pick younger leaves (1-3 inches long) for a softer texture that’s great in salads.
- Wait for the first freeze or colder temperatures for a sweeter tasting leaf.
- Harvesting is a great task for kids because the plant is tough, and the leaves tend to snap off easily if pulled in a downward direction.
- Keep harvesting those lower leaves! Over time, your kale plant may look something like an umbrella.
- Share extra harvest with friends, neighbors, chickens, or consider freezer storage.
To the Kitchen:
Kale is an excellent source of Vitamin C, as well as other vitamins and minerals, and a great leafy green for its versatility. Read below to learn about kale preparation and explore delicious kale recipes.
Preparation of younger leaves:
More tender and most appropriate for salads, such as the one featured below.
Try massaging leaves with oil or salad dressing. This breaks down tough cellulose for a softer mouth feel texture while eating.
Preparation of older leaves:
If you’re not picking kale leaves straight from your garden every other day (most of us aren’t), chances are you have access to older, tougher leaves, rather than the younger, more tender leaves.
These bigger leaves are still delicious and are best sauteed, steamed, or incorporated into a soup.
