kale

Best Planting Times for Kale in Tennessee

Planting MethodActivityRecommended Dates
Outdoor PlantingIndoor Seed StartingFebruary 15 – March 15
Transplant OutdoorsMarch 15 – April 15
Fall PlantingDirect Sow OutdoorsAugust 1 – September 1

Planting Conditions

Tennessee has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters, falling within USDA Hardiness Zones 6a to 8a. These conditions are ideal 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 Tennessee’s Largest Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
NashvilleApril 10
MemphisApril 5
KnoxvilleApril 15
ChattanoogaApril 10
ClarksvilleApril 10
MurfreesboroApril 10
FranklinApril 10
JacksonApril 5
Johnson CityApril 20
BartlettApril 5

Average First Frost Dates for Tennessee’s Largest Cities

CityAverage First Frost Date
NashvilleOctober 25
MemphisOctober 30
KnoxvilleOctober 20
ChattanoogaOctober 25
ClarksvilleOctober 25
MurfreesboroOctober 25
FranklinOctober 25
JacksonOctober 30
Johnson CityOctober 15
BartlettOctober 30

Please note: These dates are averages and can vary from year to year.

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Useful Tools for Starting Kale Indoors

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

Seeds

Quality seeds lead to better germination and healthier plants. Starting with high-quality seeds gives your kale the best chance to thrive from the very beginning.
Seeds Image
Browse Kale Seeds on Amazon

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.
Planting Trays Image
Find Planting Trays on Amazon

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
Check out Grow Lights on Amazon

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
Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon

Garden Tools and Fertilizer

Garden Trowel

A garden trowel is a handy tool that makes transplanting your seedlings easier and more precise, ensuring that each plant is placed at the right depth without damaging the roots.
Garden Trowel Image
Shop Garden Trowels on Amazon

Soil and Fertilizer

Fertilizer is essential for enhancing growth, especially if your soil is nutrient-poor. By enriching the soil, you give your kale plants the nutrients they need to grow robust and produce a bountiful harvest.
Fertilizer Image
Explore Fertilizer on Amazon

Other planting guides for Tennessee:

Any questions on growing kale? Visit our forum to discuss: Growing Kale

Starting Kale Indoors

In areas like Nashville (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, 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 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. Tennessee’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 moisture retention.

Pest and Disease Management:

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