kale

Best Planting Times for Kale in North Dakota

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingApril 1 – May 1
Transplant OutdoorsMay 15 – June 15
Fall PlantingDirect Sow OutdoorsJuly 15 – August 15

Planting Conditions

North Dakota has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers, falling within USDA Hardiness Zones 3a to 4b. These cooler temperatures are ideal for growing kale, particularly during the spring and fall seasons.

Plant kale outdoors approximately 4-6 weeks before the last frost in spring, and 6-8 weeks before the first frost in fall.

Average Last Frost Dates for North Dakota’s Largest Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
FargoMay 10
BismarckMay 15
Grand ForksMay 10
MinotMay 15
West FargoMay 10
WillistonMay 20
DickinsonMay 15
MandanMay 15
JamestownMay 12
WahpetonMay 10

Average First Frost Dates for North Dakota’s Largest Cities

CityAverage First Frost Date
FargoSeptember 25
BismarckSeptember 20
Grand ForksSeptember 25
MinotSeptember 20
West FargoSeptember 25
WillistonSeptember 15
DickinsonSeptember 20
MandanSeptember 20
JamestownSeptember 22
WahpetonSeptember 25

Please note: These dates are averages and can vary from year to year. It’s always a good idea to monitor local weather forecasts and consider your specific location and microclimate when planning your gardening activities.

Starting Kale Indoors

In areas like Fargo (Zone 4a), start kale seeds indoors from April 1 to May 1. This timing ensures that seedlings are ready for outdoor transplanting from mid-May to mid-June, after the last frost.

Transplanting Kale Seedlings

Transplant seedlings outdoors from May 15 to June 15, ensuring soil temperatures are consistently above 45°F. Space seedlings 12-18 inches apart in rows at least 18 inches apart to allow for good air circulation and sunlight exposure.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering:

  • Water deeply and consistently to maintain evenly moist soil. North Dakota’s warm summers can dry out the soil quickly, so regular watering is essential.
  • Water at the base of the plants to prevent wetting the foliage, which helps reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing:

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and again when the leaves begin to develop. Adding compost to the soil before planting can improve fertility and moisture retention.

Pest and Disease Management:

  • Monitor for common pests like aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage worms. The cooler, humid climate can also encourage fungal diseases, so vigilance is necessary.
  • Use organic or integrated pest management strategies to protect your plants from pests and diseases.

Harvesting Kale:

  • Harvest kale leaves when they are large enough to eat but still tender. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and extends the harvesting season, particularly in North Dakota’s cooler fall climate.
BeeJay
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