Want to grow your own kale?
It’s easier than you think!
Start with seeds and watch your garden thrive. Check out these 8 simple tactics to grow kale from seed.
Ready to get planting?
Let’s go!
Gather Your Supplies
First things first, you need to make sure you’ve got all your supplies ready. Grab some kale seeds, potting soil, seed trays or small pots, and labels.
A watering can or spray bottle will also come in handy. Trust me, you don’t want to be halfway into this and realize you forgot the soil!
Prep Your Soil
Next, fill your seed trays or small pots with your potting soil. You want to make sure the soil is nice and moist, but not soaked.
Think of it like a wrung-out sponge. Give it a good stir and you’re set.
And remember, happy soil means happy kale!
Sow the Seeds
Time to plant those seeds! Make a small hole about 1/4 inch deep in each pot or compartment of your seed tray.
Drop a seed in each hole and cover it lightly with soil. Don’t forget to label your pots so you know what’s what later on.
Water and Wait
Give your seeds a light watering. It’s best to use a spray bottle for this part to avoid drowning them.
Now, place your pots in a sunny spot and keep the soil moist. Patience is key here; kale usually takes about 5 to 10 days to germinate.
Thin Them Out
Once your seedlings have sprouted and grown a couple of inches, it’s time to thin them out. You don’t want them too crowded.
Pick the strongest-looking seedlings and remove the rest. This will give the remaining plants more room to grow big and strong.
Transplanting
After your kale has grown a few inches tall, you can move them to a bigger pot or directly into your garden. Make sure to give each plant enough space—about 12-18 inches apart.
This is when your kale plants move from their cozy starter pots to their permanent home.
Regular Care
To keep your kale thriving, make sure it gets plenty of sunlight, and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Watch for pests like aphids and caterpillars—they love kale as much as you do!
Keep up with regular watering and your kale will be ready for harvesting in about 55-75 days.
Harvest Time
When the leaves are about the size of your hand, it’s time to start picking! Just snap off the outer leaves, letting the inner ones continue to grow.
This way, your kale plant keeps producing, and you get fresh, home-grown kale for weeks! Enjoy your harvest!