Growing kale in zone 9

Best Planting Times for Kale in Connecticut

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingSeed Directly in GardenMarch 15 – April 15
Transplant OutdoorsApril 15 – May 1
Greenhouse PlantingIndoor Seed StartingYear-round

Planting Conditions

Connecticut has a temperate climate suitable for growing kale. The state falls within USDA Hardiness Zones 6a to 7b, offering ideal conditions during the spring and fall for this nutritious leafy green.

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Useful Tools for Starting Kale Indoors

Using the right tools can save you time and increase your success rate.

Planting Trays

Planting trays help you organize your seedlings and ensure they have enough space to grow before you transplant them outdoors. This makes the process more efficient and increases the chances of strong, healthy plants.
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Grow Lights

Grow lights are essential if you don’t have enough natural sunlight. They provide your seedlings with the light they need to grow strong and healthy, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Grow Lights Image
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Seed Starting Soil

Using light, fine soil specifically designed for seed starting helps young roots establish quickly and promotes healthy growth. It’s an easy way to give your seedlings the best start possible.
Seed Starting Soil Image
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Greenhouse Growing

In Connecticut’s climate, a greenhouse provides a protective environment for kale during colder seasons. It allows you to extend the growing season, protects your plants from harsh weather, and ensures optimal growth conditions year-round.

Consider investing in a 10×12 FT Greenhouse priced at $1,199 to ensure your kale thrives in a controlled environment.
Greenhouse Image 1
Greenhouse Image 2
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Fertilizer

For optimal kale growth in Connecticut, supplementing with fertilizer can ensure abundant and healthy harvests. Quality fertilizer helps replenish nutrients in the soil and promotes vigorous plant growth.
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Plant kale outdoors in Connecticut approximately 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost date in spring for a successful harvest.

Average Last Frost Dates for Connecticut’s Major Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
HartfordMay 8
BridgeportMay 15
New HavenMay 10
StamfordMay 15
WaterburyMay 10

Disclaimer: Frost dates are average estimates, and actual conditions may vary. It is recommended to monitor local forecasts and adapt planting decisions accordingly.

Other planting guides for Connecticut:

Broccoli Planting in Connecticut

Pumpkin Planting in Connecticut

Any questions on growing cucumbers? Visit our forum to discuss: Growing Cucumbers Forum.

When to Plant Kale in Connecticut

In Connecticut (Zone 6a), you can start indoor kale seed starting from late February to early March. This timing allows for the transplantation of healthy seedlings outdoors by mid-April, once the soil temperature begins to warm and frost risks diminish.

Transplanting Kale Seedlings

Transplant kale seedlings outdoors from mid-April to early May. Ensure that the soil temperature is at least 50°F for optimal growth. Space the seedlings 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 24-36 inches apart to allow for sufficient air circulation and development.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

  • Provide consistent and deep watering to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during warm periods. Kale prefers moisture, particularly during its early growth stages.
  • Water at the base of the plants to keep plant foliage dry, reducing the chances of fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

  • Apply a balanced fertilizer at the time of planting, and consider a side dressing of compost or organic fertilizer once the plants are established to promote vigorous growth.

Pest and Disease Management

  • Regularly check for pests such as aphids, cabbage worms, and slugs. While Connecticut has varied humidity levels, keeping an eye out for these pests is critical.
  • Utilize organic or integrated pest management strategies to keep your kale healthy and mitigate pest issues effectively.

Harvesting

  • Harvest kale leaves when they reach a desired size, typically when they are four to six inches long. Regularly harvesting promotes new growth and prolongs the harvest season.

The importance of good soil

Before starting to grow it is important to take a step back and find the condition of the soil in your garden,The optimal soil is a blend that includes the mineral-rich dirt along with organicrich organic matter that plants need to thrive.


In my garden I try to compost as mutch as possible, so I can mix in the nutrient ritch compost in my soil. I use both hot composting of food scraps and cold composting of all organic garden “waste”..
If you dont have the time or space for composting, it is possible to get compost ready to use in garden centers and Community Composting.
You can read more on Community Composting here: https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/community-composting

If you are uncertain of the quality of your soil, you can get easy to use soil tests at amazon for 17 dollars. Check latest prices here: Soil testing kit.

Also remember to check out how much sunlight your growing area gets, and that the rain drains well. If you treat your soil well and plan you crops according to your climate you will succeed with any plant you want.

The satisfaction when you harvest your own produce is well worth the time you put in 🙂

BeeJay
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