Best Planting Times for Kale in New Mexico
| Planting Method | Activity | Recommended Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Planting | Indoor Seed Starting | February 15 – March 15 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 15 – April 15 | |
| Fall Planting | Direct Sow Outdoors | August 1 – September 1 |
Planting Conditions
New Mexico has a diverse climate, with arid desert regions and cooler mountainous areas, falling within USDA Hardiness Zones 4b to 8b. The state’s varying temperatures and dry conditions require careful planning for growing cool-season crops like kale.
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 New Mexico’s Largest Cities
| City | Average Last Frost Date |
|---|---|
| Albuquerque | April 20 |
| Las Cruces | April 10 |
| Rio Rancho | April 20 |
| Santa Fe | May 5 |
| Roswell | April 15 |
| Farmington | April 25 |
| Clovis | April 20 |
| Hobbs | April 15 |
| Alamogordo | April 10 |
| Carlsbad | April 15 |
Average First Frost Dates for New Mexico’s Largest Cities
| City | Average First Frost Date |
|---|---|
| Albuquerque | October 25 |
| Las Cruces | November 5 |
| Rio Rancho | October 25 |
| Santa Fe | October 10 |
| Roswell | October 20 |
| Farmington | October 15 |
| Clovis | October 20 |
| Hobbs | October 20 |
| Alamogordo | November 1 |
| Carlsbad | October 20 |
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 Albuquerque (Zone 7a), start kale seeds indoors from February 15 to March 15. This timing ensures that seedlings are ready for outdoor transplanting from mid-March to mid-April, before the heat of summer arrives.
Transplanting Kale Seedlings
Transplant seedlings outdoors from March 15 to April 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.
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.
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.
Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Watering
- Water deeply and consistently to keep the soil evenly moist. New Mexico’s dry climate requires regular watering, especially in the hotter, arid regions.
- Water at the base of the plants to prevent wetting the foliage, which helps reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Irrigation Tips
Water management is important . Using a simple oscillating sprinkler in the early morning ensures water reaches the roots without evaporating too quickly. This method is great for home gardens. One option toconsider is the Eden Oscillating Sprinkler, priced at $17.94. It features 6 precision nozzles, a leak-proof connector, and a quick-connect mechanism to easily attach it to your garden hose.
Check the latest price on Amazon
Using Mulch
Mulch protects the soil by regulating temperature and retaining moisture. Organic mulch like straw or compost insulates the soil and keeps roots warmer, which is especially important in spring and fall.
Mulch also helps retain moisture by reducing evaporation, which means less time watering and less stress on plants. It is especially helpful in raised beds and containers where soil dries out faster. Additionally, mulch controls weeds, stopping them from competing with your vegetables for nutrients.
The Sun Joe CJ603E Wood Chipper is an affordable and effective option for creating mulch from branches up to 1.7 inches thick. It’s available for $199. Check the latest price on Amazon.
Fertilizing
- Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and again when the leaves begin to develop. Adding compost to the soil before planting improves fertility and moisture retention in New Mexico’s typically sandy or rocky soils.
Fertilezer
10-10-10 fertilizer is a balanced fertilizer containing equal parts nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Each nutrient plays a crucial role in plant growth: nitrogen promotes leafy growth, phosphorus supports root development and flowering, and potassium enhances overall plant health and resilience.
Check latest prices for the Triple 10 fertilizer on Amazon
Pest and Disease Management:
- Monitor for common pests like aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage worms. The dry climate can reduce some fungal diseases, but vigilance is still necessary.
- Use organic or integrated pest management strategies to protect your plants from pests and diseases.
Harvesting
- Harvest kale leaves when they are large enough to eat but still tender. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and can extend the harvesting season, particularly in New Mexico’s mild fall and winter climates.
I'm passionate about cultivating greens in all forms: from kitchen garden to fruit and berry trees. I am also enthusiastic
about creating high-quality soil by utilizing household compost. View Author page
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