Kale is not only extremely delicious, but also extremely healthy and a real eye-catcher in the garden. In addition, it proves to be pleasantly "low-maintenance" compared to other types of cabbage, making it suitable even for completely inexperienced cabbage-growing novices.
Kale tastes best after it's been frosted
Cultivation & Harvest
Kale is a so-called winter cabbage that can even survive frost and snow without damage. In fact, it should only be harvested after the first frost, as this is the only way it can fully develop its taste. As a result, kale turns out to be the perfect follow-on seed for early potatoes and other crops that are harvested from late June to early August.
Since kale has a similarly high nutrient requirement as almost all other types of cabbage, the bed should be prepared with compost and organic fertilizer at the latest in the event of subsequent sowing. If necessary, well-rotted manure, horn shavings (€32.93) and castor meal or dried cattle manure (€18.80) can also be added. However, it is important to note that fertilizer can directly affect the taste and smell of kale, so under no circumstances should raw manure be used as fertilizer. It is also advisable to put some algae lime in the planting hole directly when planting, which prevents the so-called clubroot.
The sowing itself should be done from May to June either in a cold frame, in a greenhouse or indoors on the windowsill. Alternatively, young plants can of course also be purchased from specialist retailers. From June, the young plants may be transplanted to the actual bed. It is important that a minimum distance of 40 x 50 cm is maintained when planting. Because although the young plants may still appear very dainty, it must be remembered that the mature plants with their sprawling shoots will be of considerable size. With regard to the location of the bed, it should also be noted that, unlike other types of cabbage, it can also be in partial shade. This applies at least if the kale is not planted in a mixed culture with particularly "sun-loving" plants.
Suitable plants for mixed cultures
- Celery and tomato plants, which, thanks to their intense smell, deter cabbage white moths and other pests.
- Herbs (such as coriander, cumin, and chamomile) that enhance the flavor of the kale.
- peas
- leek
- potatoes
- spinach and salads
- other types of cabbage
tips and tricks
If you want to grow the kale yourself in the garden, you should protect the young plants from the so-called cabbage white with a garden net, especially during the month of May. It is also advisable to sprinkle the plants with rock dust or wood ash to protect them from lice. Another tip is to only harvest the green leaves at the beginning of the harvest season and only harvest the cabbage heart at the end. It is also advisable to leave the trunk of the plant standing so that new sprouts can form on it next spring.