Kale Choumellier

1. Seedling Preparation

• Start with healthy kale seedlings.
• Seedlings should be 4-6 weeks old, with strong stems and several true leaves.

2. Optimal Transplanting Time

• Kale can be transplanted in early spring for a summer harvest or in late summer for a fall and winter harvest.
• It’s a cold-tolerant crop, making it suitable for cooler climates and seasons.

3. Soil Preparation

• Kale prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5.
• Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.

4. Transplanting

• Space the kale plants about 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart in rows that are 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart.
• Plant the seedlings at the same depth they were in their containers.
• Water the plants well after transplanting.

5. Watering and Care

• Keep the soil consistently moist. Kale requires regular watering, especially during dry spells.
• Mulch around the plants to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth.

6. Fertilization

• Apply a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer a few weeks after transplanting.
• Kale benefits from additional nitrogen, so a nitrogen-rich fertilizer can be applied mid-season.

7. Pest and Disease Management

• Monitor for pests like aphids and cabbage loopers.
• Use organic or chemical controls as necessary and practice crop rotation to prevent disease.

8. Harvesting

• Harvest kale leaves when they are about the size of your hand, picking the outer leaves first.
• Kale can be harvested continuously as it grows back after picking.

9. Post-Harvest Care

• After the main harvest season, clean up any leftover plant material to prevent disease and pest buildup.