When to Plant Kale in West Virginia

Best Planting Times for Kale in West Virginia

Planting Method	Activity	Recommended Dates
Outdoor Planting	Indoor Seed Starting	March 15 – April 15
	Transplant Outdoors	April 15 – May 1
Greenhouse Planting	Year-round	Adjust planting based on temperature control in the greenhouse

Planting Conditions

West Virginia’s climate varies from mild summers to cold winters, with USDA Hardiness Zones ranging from 5a to 7a. This provides both challenges and opportunities for cultivating kale.

---

City	Average Last Frost Date
Charleston	April 15
Huntington	April 21
Morgantown	April 20
Parkersburg	April 23
Weirton	April 19
Wheeling	April 25
Fairmont	April 24
Clarksburg	April 22

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon

Greenhouse Growing

In West Virginia, where weather can fluctuate, a greenhouse provides a stable environment for optimal development. Greenhouses extend the growing season, protect plants from harsh weather, and allow for better climate control, which can greatly benefit kale cultivation.

Consider investing in a 10×12 FT Greenhouse priced at $1,199 to ensure your kale thrives in a controlled environment.


Check the latest price on Amazon.

Fertilizer

For optimal kale growth in West Virginia, supplementing with fertilizer can ensure abundant and healthy harvests. Quality fertilizer helps replenish nutrients in the soil and promotes vigorous plant growth.

Check out Fertilizer on Amazon

---

Plant kale outdoors in West Virginia approximately 1-2 weeks after the last spring frost date to ensure healthy growth.

Average Last Frost Dates for West Virginia’s Major Cities

Disclaimer: Frost dates are average estimates, and actual conditions may vary. It is recommended to monitor local forecasts and adapt planting decisions accordingly.

Other planting guides for West Virginia:

Kale Planting in West Virginia

Broccoli Planting in West Virginia

Pumpkin Planting in West Virginia

Any questions on growing crops in West Virginia? Visit our forum to discuss: Gardening Forum.

When to Plant Kale in West Virginia

In West Virginia, which typically falls within USDA Hardiness Zones 5b to 7a, the best time to start kale seeds indoors is between late February and mid-March. This timing allows the seedlings to mature adequately before being transplanted outdoors.

Transplanting Kale Seedlings

Transplant kale seedlings outdoors from mid-April to early May. Ensure that the soil temperature has reached at least 45°F. It’s best to space the seedlings 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 18-24 inches apart to allow for proper growth.

General Care and Maintenance

Watering

• Provide deep and consistent watering, particularly during dry spells. Maintaining evenly moist soil is crucial for kale’s development in West Virginia’s variable climate.
• Water at the base of the plants to promote strong root growth and to avoid wetting the leaves, which can encourage leaf diseases.

Fertilizing

• Use a balanced fertilizer during planting and again when the plants start to develop their leaves. Adding compost before planting will boost soil fertility.

Pest and Disease Management

• Keep an eye out for common pests such as aphids and cabbage worms. Regular monitoring is vital, especially in the warmer months.
• Utilize organic pest management strategies to protect kale crops from infestations while keeping them healthy.

Harvesting

• Harvest kale leaves as soon as they reach a desirable size, usually around 6-8 inches. Picking the outer leaves encourages further growth from the center.

The importance of good soil

Before starting to grow it is important to take a step back and find the condition of the soil in your garden,The optimal soil is a blend that includes the mineral-rich dirt along with organicrich organic matter that plants need to thrive.

In my garden I try to compost as mutch as possible, so I can mix in the nutrient ritch compost in my soil. I use both hot composting of food scraps and cold composting of all organic garden “waste”..
If you dont have the time or space for composting, it is possible to get compost ready to use in garden centers and Community Composting.
You can read more on Community Composting here: https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/community-composting

If you are uncertain of the quality of your soil, you can get easy to use soil tests at amazon for 17 dollars. Check latest prices here: Soil testing kit.

Also remember to check out how much sunlight your growing area gets, and that the rain drains well. If you treat your soil well and plan you crops according to your climate you will succeed with any plant you want.

The satisfaction when you harvest your own produce is well worth the time you put in 🙂