· By Maggie Morton
How to Grow Kale: The Complete Guide
At Edggies, we love kale. It’s nutritious, versatile, and surprisingly easy to grow! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting started, this guide will help you grow your own kale from seed to harvest. Let’s dig in!
Planting, Growing, and Harvesting Kale
About Kale
Kale is a hardy, leafy green that’s part of the cabbage family. It thrives in cool weather and is packed with nutrients like vitamins A and C, making it a favorite for salads, smoothies, and even baked chips. Plus, it looks great in your garden with its curly or flat leaves in shades of green and purple.
Planting
When to Plant Kale
- Spring Planting: Start 3–5 weeks before your last frost date.
- Fall Planting: Plant 6–8 weeks before your first frost. Cooler weather makes the leaves sweeter.
How to Plant Kale
- Choose Your Spot: Kale loves full sun but tolerates partial shade.
- Prep the Soil: Mix in compost or a high-nitrogen fertilizer.
- Plant Seeds or Starts: Sow seeds ½ inch deep, 18–24 inches apart, or transplant young plants at the same depth they grew in their nursery pots.
- Water Well: Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Growing
Once planted, kale grows fast! Water consistently (1–1.5 inches per week), add mulch to retain moisture, and watch for pests like aphids or cabbage worms. Kale thrives in cool temperatures, and a light frost makes its leaves even sweeter.
Types of Kale
Not all kale is created equal! Here are a few varieties to try:
- Curly Kale: Traditional and hardy (this is what our edggies are made out of!)
- Lacinato (Dinosaur Kale): Flat, dark leaves with a nutty flavor.
- Red Russian: Beautiful purple-veined leaves, perfect for salads.
Harvesting
Kale is ready when the leaves are about the size of your hand. Start with the lower leaves, leaving the top growth intact for continuous harvesting. If frost is on the way, don’t worry—it’ll just make your kale sweeter.
How to Store Kale
After harvesting, store kale in a loose plastic bag in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about a week.
Kale Care FAQs
Should I harvest leaves when they are young or wait until they grow larger?
Young leaves are tender and great for salads, while larger leaves are better for cooking.
How long can I harvest kale?
With proper care, kale can produce for months—sometimes all winter in mild climates.
Is there anything I can do to help kale leaves stay sweet?
Yes! Cool weather and consistent watering keep kale sweet and crisp.
What if my kale looks sparse after picking?
Ensure it’s getting enough water and nutrients, and avoid overharvesting.
Why Edggies Loves Kale 🌱
At Edggies, we turn nutrient-rich vegetables like kale into convenient, flavor neutral sprinkles that can be added to any dish. Whether you're a busy professional or a kale-growing enthusiast, we make eating healthy effortless.
FAQs About Edggies
What are edggies?
edggies are dehydrated veggie sprinkles designed to make adding nutrients to your meals easy and fun.
Can I taste the kale in Edggies?
Our sprinkles are flavor neutral, so you get the benefits of kale without the strong flavor.
Where can I buy Edggies?
Head here to learn more about our kale edggies and sign up for updates below.
Ready to grow kale or try Edggies for yourself? Let us know in the comments below!