Kale, a nutrient-rich leafy green, has gained popularity among health enthusiasts and gardeners alike. Known for its resilience and adaptability, kale thrives in various climates, including the challenging weather conditions of Minnesota. This article outlines the essential steps to successfully grow kale in the North Star State, from selecting the right varieties to harvesting your crop.
Minnesota experiences a humid continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. The growing seasons are relatively short, typically lasting from late April to early October. Given this climate, it’s crucial to choose kale varieties that can withstand both cooler temperatures and potential heat during the summer months.
Kale prefers cooler temperatures, ideally between 60°F and 65°F (15°C to 18°C). While it can tolerate colder conditions—down to 20°F (-6°C)—extreme heat can cause it to bolt (flower) prematurely, leading to a bitter taste. Therefore, understanding your local microclimates and planting timing is essential.
When growing kale in Minnesota, consider choosing varieties that are well-suited for the local climate. Some popular options include:
Winterbor: This variety features curly leaves and is known for its cold tolerance. It can be harvested throughout winter if properly covered.
Lacinato (Dinosaur Kale): With a unique texture and flavor, Lacinato is also quite hardy. It performs well in both cool and moderately warm temperatures.
Siberian Kale: A robust variety that thrives in cold conditions, Siberian kale is milder than some other types and can be harvested even after frost.
Red Russian: Known for its beautiful purple-veined leaves, Red Russian kale is tender and flavorful. It withstands colder weather but can also handle a bit of heat.
By selecting resilient varieties, you can ensure a productive harvest even in challenging conditions.
Kale requires full sun for optimal growth; however, it can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter summer months. Choose a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day while considering wind protection to prevent leaf damage.
Kale thrives in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Aim for a soil pH between 6.0 and 7.5. You can enhance soil quality by incorporating compost or aged manure before planting. Here’s how to prepare your garden bed:
Clear the Area: Remove weeds, rocks, and debris from your chosen plot.
Till the Soil: Loosen the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches using a garden fork or tiller.
Add Organic Matter: Mix in compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.
Test Soil pH: Consider using a home soil test kit to determine pH levels and amend accordingly.
In Minnesota, kale can be sown directly into the garden bed or started indoors before transplanting. For direct sowing, aim for mid-April to early May after the last frost date (typically around mid-May). For an earlier harvest, start seeds indoors about 4-6 weeks before the last frost date.
Prepare Seed Rows: Create shallow furrows spaced about 12-18 inches apart in your garden bed.
Sow Seeds: Plant seeds approximately 1/2 inch deep with about 2-3 inches between each seed.
Water Gently: After planting, water the area lightly to avoid displacing seeds.
Thin Seedlings: Once seedlings emerge and reach about 3 inches tall, thin them out so they are spaced roughly 12 inches apart for optimal growth.
Kale requires consistent moisture, especially during dry spells. Water your plants deeply once a week or more frequently during hot weather—aiming for about one inch of water per week including rainfall.
Kale benefits from additional nutrients during its growing season:
Fortunately, kale is relatively pest-resistant; however, keep an eye out for pests like aphids and cabbage worms:
Regularly monitoring your plants will help you catch pest issues early on before they become significant problems.
One of the best aspects of growing kale is its ability to continuously produce leaves throughout its growing season:
You can begin harvesting kale when leaves reach at least six inches long—generally about 55 days after planting if growing from seed. The younger leaves tend to be more tender and flavorful.
To harvest kale:
For winter harvesting, cover plants with row covers or straw mulch for insulation against severe cold—a technique that allows you to enjoy fresh greens even under snow!
Once harvested, it’s crucial to store kale properly to maintain its freshness:
Growing kale in Minnesota is an attainable goal for both novice and experienced gardeners alike. By understanding climate nuances, selecting appropriate varieties, preparing your garden bed properly, maintaining adequate care throughout the growing season, and knowing how to harvest effectively, you’ll enjoy bountiful yields of this nutritious superfood!
Whether cooked or raw in salads and smoothies, homegrown kale will not only enhance your meals but also encourage healthy eating habits—all while providing a sense of satisfaction from cultivating your food right from the garden!