kale

Best Planting Times for Kale in Vermont

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

Planting Conditions

Vermont has a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers, falling within USDA Hardiness Zones 3b to 5a. These cooler temperatures are ideal for growing kale, particularly during the spring and fall seasons.

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 Vermont’s Largest Cities

CityAverage Last Frost Date
BurlingtonMay 10
South BurlingtonMay 10
RutlandMay 20
BarreMay 15
MontpelierMay 15
WinooskiMay 10
St. AlbansMay 10
NewportMay 25
Essex JunctionMay 10
ColchesterMay 10

Average First Frost Dates for Vermont’s Largest Cities

CityAverage First Frost Date
BurlingtonOctober 5
South BurlingtonOctober 5
RutlandOctober 1
BarreOctober 1
MontpelierOctober 1
WinooskiOctober 5
St. AlbansOctober 5
NewportSeptember 25
Essex JunctionOctober 5
ColchesterOctober 5

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 Utah:

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

Starting Kale Indoors

In areas like Burlington (Zone 5a), start kale seeds indoors from March 15 to April 15. This timing ensures that seedlings are ready for outdoor transplanting from mid-May to mid-June, after the last frost.

Transplanting Kale Seedlings

Transplant seedlings outdoors from May 15 to June 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 maintain evenly moist soil. Vermont’s cool, sometimes wet summers may reduce the need for frequent watering, but regular monitoring is essential.
  • 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. Vermont’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, particularly in Vermont’s cooler fall climate.
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