Important Things You Need to Know About How to Harvest Kale
Whether you are a first-timer or a pro, there are some important things you need to know about how to harvest kale. This article will help you avoid some common mistakes and will give you some great tips on how to keep your garden looking great and full of delicious kale.
Picking The Largest And Oldest Leaves
Among the many garden vegetables, kale is one of the most popular. The curly blue-green leaves are rich in beta-carotene and vitamin C. Kale is also easy to grow and has a long harvesting window. Plants can be started in mid-summer and harvested in early fall. You can also grow kale indoors under a cover.
For an abundant harvest, you’ll want to pick the largest and oldest leaves of kale. To achieve this feat, you’ll need to follow the three steps below.
The first step in picking the largest and oldest leaves of kale is to make sure the plant has enough room for new growth. The best way to do this is to plant multiple kale plants so you can ensure an abundant harvest.
Avoid Picking Terminal Bud
During the kale harvesting season, you’ll want to do things right. Avoiding the terminal bud will go a long way toward ensuring a tasty harvest. This biennial plant requires two-thirds of its leaves to make it through the photosynthesis process. Leaving a few of the bigger leaves on the plant will help it continue to produce well into the winter months. Mulching with salt hay will help protect it from the ravages of aphids and other pests.
The best time to harvest kale is about 70 days after planting. The plant should be about 8 to 10 inches tall. You can mulch the plant with a variety of materials to prevent it from drying out. You may also want to add a layer of straw on top to help retain moisture.
Watering Regularly
Whether you are growing kale for the first time or you’re an experienced gardener, watering regularly when harvesting kale is essential for a bountiful harvest. Besides providing the nutrients needed for the plant to grow, watering will also ensure the leaves stay clean and fresh.
Kale plants prefer well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. They also benefit from a balanced fertilizer. The pH range of 6.5 to 6.8 is ideal. It’s best to use an organic fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
For optimal results, grow kale in a spot with full sunlight. If your climate doesn’t allow for this, you can plant it in a spot that receives partial shade. In this case, the leaves will not be as leafy. However, it will still produce a tasty harvest.
Harvesting Before Frost
Having kale before frost is a good idea because it allows for an extended crop. If the kale is planted in the fall, it can continue to produce leaves throughout the winter. The leaves are sweeter after a light frost.
Kale is a member of the cabbage family. It is a cool-season vegetable that grows best in the spring and fall. It is a good source of vitamin A and iron. It is also high in carbohydrates. It can be used in salads, cooked and uncooked. It is considered one of the healthiest vegetables.
Kale should be planted six to eight weeks before the expected date of the first fall frost. Some varieties are more frost-resistant than others. The plant should be planted in a well-drained, fertile soil. It can also be planted in the early spring.
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