kale

Best Planting Times for Kale in Ohio

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingMarch 15 – April 15
Transplant OutdoorsApril 15 – May 15
Fall PlantingDirect Sow OutdoorsAugust 1 – September 1

Planting Conditions

Ohio has a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers, falling within USDA Hardiness Zones 5b to 6b. These conditions are favorable for growing cool-season crops like kale, particularly in the spring and fall.

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 Ohio’s Largest Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
ColumbusApril 20
ClevelandMay 5
CincinnatiApril 15
ToledoMay 1
AkronMay 5
DaytonApril 25
ParmaMay 5
CantonMay 5
YoungstownMay 10
LorainMay 5

Average First Frost Dates for Ohio’s Largest Cities

CityAverage First Frost Date
ColumbusOctober 15
ClevelandOctober 20
CincinnatiOctober 10
ToledoOctober 15
AkronOctober 20
DaytonOctober 15
ParmaOctober 20
CantonOctober 20
YoungstownOctober 15
LorainOctober 20

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

Starting Kale Indoors

In areas like Columbus (Zone 6a), start kale seeds indoors from March 15 to April 15. This ensures seedlings are ready for transplanting outdoors from mid-April to mid-May, after the last frost.

Transplanting Kale Seedlings

Transplant seedlings outdoors from April 15 to May 15, ensuring soil temperatures are consistently above 45°F. Space plants 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:

  • Keep the soil evenly moist with regular deep watering, especially during warm summer days in Ohio.
  • Water at the base of the plants to keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of diseases.

Fertilizing:

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

Pest and Disease Management:

  • Watch out for common pests like aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage worms. Ohio’s humid climate can also encourage fungal diseases, so regular monitoring is important.
  • Use organic or integrated pest management practices to keep your kale plants healthy.

Harvesting Kale:

  • Pick the leaves when they’re large enough to eat but still tender. Regular harvesting promotes new growth and can extend the harvesting season, especially in Ohio’s favorable growing conditions.
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