Kale

Kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica)

Kale is a rugged, highly nutritious leafy green belonging to the cabbage family. Known as a “superfood,” it is packed with Vitamins A, C, and K, as well as antioxidants. Unlike many other greens, kale is incredibly cold-hardy; its flavor actually improves and becomes sweeter after a touch of frost, making it a star of the autumn and winter garden.

Companion Planting:

Kale grows well near onions, potatoes, and aromatic herbs like dill or rosemary, which can help mask its scent from pests. It also pairs well with beets and chard. Avoid planting it near strawberries or tall climbing beans, which can compete for nutrients or shade the kale too much.

Care Tips:

• Planting: Sow in early spring or late summer. It prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade, which keeps the leaves from becoming too tough in the heat.

• Watering: Provide consistent, even moisture. Mulching helps keep the roots cool and the soil damp.

• Support: Generally, kale does not need support, though some very tall “tree kale” varieties might need a stake in windy coastal areas.

• Harvesting: Harvest the outer leaves first, allowing the center to continue growing. This “cut-and-come-again” method provides a harvest for many months.