kale

Best Planting Times for Kale in Nebraska

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingMarch 15 – April 15
Transplant OutdoorsApril 15 – May 15
Fall PlantingDirect Sow OutdoorsJuly 15 – August 15

Planting Conditions

Nebraska experiences a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters, falling within USDA Hardiness Zones 4b to 5b. The state’s climate is ideal for cool-season crops like kale, especially during 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 Nebraska’s Largest Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
OmahaApril 28
LincolnApril 25
BellevueApril 28
Grand IslandMay 1
KearneyMay 5
FremontApril 27
HastingsMay 1
NorfolkApril 29
North PlatteMay 5
ColumbusApril 30

Average First Frost Dates for Nebraska’s Largest Cities

CityAverage First Frost Date
OmahaOctober 10
LincolnOctober 8
BellevueOctober 10
Grand IslandOctober 5
KearneyOctober 8
FremontOctober 9
HastingsOctober 5
NorfolkOctober 7
North PlatteOctober 5
ColumbusOctober 7

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 Omaha (Zone 5b), start kale seeds indoors from March 15 to April 15. This timing ensures that seedlings are ready for outdoor transplanting 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 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 keep the soil evenly moist. Nebraska’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 soil structure.

Pest and Disease Management:

  • Monitor for common pests like aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage worms. The 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 Nebraska’s favorable growing conditions.
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