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Love kale but short on space?
No problem!
You can grow kale right in a pot. Here are 8 easy tactics to help you succeed. Get ready for fresh, homegrown kale.
Let’s get started!
Select a Wide and Deep Pot
To grow healthy kale, you need a pot that’s at least 12 inches deep and wide enough to allow the roots to spread. Think of the pot as the home for your plant.
The more space it has, the happier and bigger your kale will be. Also, make sure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom.
This helps prevent water from getting stuck, which can be a real bummer for the roots.
Pick the Right Soil
Kale loves rich, well-draining soil. Go for a good-quality potting mix that’s rich in organic matter.
You can even mix in some compost to give your kale a nutrient boost. Avoid using garden soil as it might be too heavy and could lead to poor drainage.
Your aim is to offer a cozy, nutrient-packed home for your kale to thrive in.
Plant Your Kale Seeds or Seedlings
You can either start with seeds or seedlings. If you’re using seeds, plant them about a quarter-inch deep and keep the soil moist until they sprout.
If you’re using seedlings, plant them at the same depth they were growing in their previous container. Make sure to give each plant enough space to grow, about 12 to 18 inches apart.
Provide Enough Sunlight
Kale is a sun lover, so place your pot where it can get at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. If you’re growing kale indoors, consider placing the pot near a south-facing window or use a grow light.
Without enough sunlight, your kale might become leggy and less productive.
Water Consistently
Water your kale regularly but be careful not to overwater. Kale likes its soil to be moist but not waterlogged.
A good rule of thumb is to water when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Make sure that the water drains out well to avoid root rot.
Consistent watering helps your kale grow strong and tasty leaves.
Feed Your Kale
Kale is a heavy feeder, so it’s a good idea to give it some extra nutrients. You can use a balanced liquid fertilizer every few weeks to keep your plant happy.
Alternatively, you can add slow-release pellets when you first plant it. Feeding your kale ensures it gets all the nutrients it needs to grow lush and green.
Harvest Regularly
Once your kale is about 8-10 inches tall, you can start harvesting. Pick the outer leaves first, leaving the inner leaves to continue growing.
Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more leaves. Plus, there’s nothing like enjoying fresh kale right off the plant.
Just be sure to leave at least 4-5 leaves so your plant can keep growing and producing more.
Watch Out for Pests
Keep an eye out for pests like aphids, cabbage worms, and slugs. If you notice any, you can remove them by hand or use an organic pesticide.
Another trick is to plant some companion plants like marigolds or garlic to help deter pests. A healthy and pest-free plant will keep producing delicious kale leaves for you to enjoy.