Growing kale in zone 9

With its deep green leaves and striking leaves, kale is not only a flavorful addition to your kitchen but also a powerhouse of nutrients.

It has a slightly bitter flavor that adds depth to salads, soups, and smoothies.

I grow my kale in a climate comparable to USDA hardiness zone 6. So far, I have successfully grown it year-round, enjoying the juicy, fresh leaves during cooler months, which enhances their sweetness.

I often harvest the outer leaves while leaving the inner ones to keep growing, ensuring a continuous supply throughout the season.

My plan for next year is to experiment with different kale varieties to see which ones thrive best in my garden setting.

You can use this easy tool I have made to find your USDA hardiness zone and Typical last frost dates based on the zip code where you live:


Planting

Kale thrives when planted in an area that receives full sun, although it can tolerate partial shade. This biennial species grows well in cooler conditions and can withstand light frosts, enhancing its flavor and nutrient profile.

Soil Preparation

This leafy green can grow in a variety of soil types, but it performs best in nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Kale prefers a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. It’s vital to avoid compacted or poorly draining soils, as this can hamper plant growth.

To boost the fertility and drainage of your planting area, consider mixing compost into your soil. I typically use a blend of 50% compost and 50% garden soil to create the ideal growing environment. I haven’t used fertilizers and have had great success!

The Importance of Good Soil

Before starting to grow, it’s essential to assess the condition of the soil in your garden. The best soil is a blend of mineral-rich dirt and organic matter. In my garden, I compost as much as possible to enrich the soil with nutrients. I use both hot composting for food scraps and cold composting for organic garden waste.

If you don’t have the time or space to compost, you can purchase compost from garden centers or use community composting programs. Learn more about community composting here: Learn more about community composting here.

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Hot Composting bin

One insulated compost bin designed for cold regions is the Exaco Aerobin 400. It holds 113 gallons and doesn’t need turning thanks to its patented “lung” system. Plus, the built-in reservoir collects compost tea, which can be used as fertilizer.

Aerobin Compost Bin

The Exaco Aerobin 400 is available for $343.79. Check the latest price on Amazon.

Where I live I get a large tax refund every year for composting may own organic waste. Due to this saving I was able to break even on the cost at only two year use. I recommend you to check with your local government if you can receive any tax refund.

How to grow

If you opt to start from seeds, sow them indoors about 4-6 weeks before the last frost date to achieve the best results.

The seeds are small and can be tricky to handle. What works best for me is to sprinkle them in a seed tray and then transplant them into individual pots once they have germinated.

To get successful germination, keep the soil moisture without making it soggy using a spray bottle. Once your seedlings grow strong, it’s time to transplant them outdoors.

kale

Make sure to space each plant about 12-18 inches apart in well-draining soil with ample sunlight. This is good for promoted growth and maximized leaf harvest.

Kale is a biennial plant that can be harvested continuously as the outer leaves mature. The leaves are packed with nutrients when picked at their peak health.

I sourced my best seeds from a local community garden exchange, ensuring they are organic and adapted to my climate.

I use raised beds to cultivate my kale efficiently, adjusting my growing conditions accordingly. During winter, the plants can survive outside if they’re well mulched, but it can also be beneficial to grow them in fabric pots.

Watering and Feeding

To keep your kale thriving, make sure it gets enough water during its growing period. The leaves can wilt rapidly without moisture, but be cautious of overwatering to prevent root rot. You can occasionally use a balanced fertilizer to promote growth, particularly during the early stages if you don’t have a good soil.

You can continuously harvest leaves once strong enough, allowing for a steady supply while encouraging further growth.

Care and Maintenance

  1. Keep the soil consistently moist without allowing it to become waterlogged.
  2. Protect your plants from harsh weather by providing adequate cover during frost.
  3. Regularly check for pests, like aphids or cabbage worms.
  4. Harvest leaves regularly to encourage new growth and prevent the plant from flowering to early.

Harvesting

The optimal time to harvest kale is when the leaves are young and tender, typically about 3-4 inches long. You can either pick outer leaves as needed or harvest the entire plant when it reaches maturity.

Whether sautéed, blended in smoothies, or enjoyed raw in salads, fresh kale is an excellent addition to various dishes.

One my favoritte ways to use it is to make kale-chips and kale spice. I use the airfryer in 15 minutes on medium heat with chopped kale and a small amount of oil and salt.

Kale spice

The Spice is made by crushing leftovers of the chips and conserved it in a air tight jar. This way I can store the kale for months and spinkel it on my food when I want.

BeeJay
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