kale

Best Planting Times for Kale in Oregon

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingFebruary 15 – March 15
Transplant OutdoorsMarch 15 – April 15
Fall PlantingDirect Sow OutdoorsJuly 15 – August 15

Planting Conditions

Oregon’s climate is diverse, ranging from a coastal maritime climate in the west to a more continental climate in the east, with USDA Hardiness Zones ranging from 4b to 9a. These conditions are favorable for growing cool-season crops like kale, especially 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 Oregon’s Largest Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
PortlandApril 10
SalemApril 15
EugeneApril 20
GreshamApril 12
HillsboroApril 15
BeavertonApril 12
BendMay 15
MedfordApril 20
SpringfieldApril 18
CorvallisApril 17

Average First Frost Dates for Oregon’s Largest Cities

CityAverage First Frost Date
PortlandOctober 25
SalemOctober 20
EugeneOctober 15
GreshamOctober 25
HillsboroOctober 20
BeavertonOctober 25
BendSeptember 25
MedfordOctober 15
SpringfieldOctober 18
CorvallisOctober 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 when planning your gardening activities.

Starting Kale Indoors

In areas like Portland (Zone 8b), start kale seeds indoors from February 15 to March 15. This ensures seedlings are ready for transplanting outdoors from mid-March to mid-April, after the last frost.

Transplanting Kale Seedlings

Transplant seedlings outdoors from March 15 to April 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 warmer days in Oregon.
  • 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. Oregon’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 Oregon’s mild climate.
BeeJay
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