How to Grow Kale in Nebraska

Kale, a leafy green vegetable that has surged in popularity due to its impressive health benefits, is a fantastic crop for home gardens. Given Nebraska’s unique climate, growing kale can be both a rewarding and challenging endeavor. This article will guide you through the key steps to successfully cultivate kale in Nebraska, from selecting the right variety to harvesting your greens.

Understanding the Climate in Nebraska

Nebraska has a continental climate characterized by hot summers and cold winters. It experiences significant temperature fluctuations, which can impact growing seasons. Typically, the state has two main growing seasons: spring and fall. Kale thrives in cooler temperatures, making it an ideal candidate for early spring planting or late summer sowing for a fall harvest.

Ideal Temperature Ranges for Kale

Kale grows best when daytime temperatures range between 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C). It can withstand light frosts and may even taste sweeter after exposure to cold weather. However, extreme heat can cause the plant to bolt (flower), leading to a bitter taste.

Choosing the Right Kale Variety

Several kale varieties are well-suited for Nebraska’s climate. Here are some popular options:

1. Winterbor: This variety is known for its curly leaves and resilience to cold weather.
2. Lacinato (Dinosaur Kale): With its dark green, wrinkled leaves, Lacinato is both aesthetically pleasing and nutrient-rich.
3. Red Russian: This variety features tender, frilled leaves with a slightly sweet flavor that turns more pronounced after frost.
4. Siberian Kale: Known for its cold hardiness, Siberian kale can produce leafy greens late into the fall.

When selecting your seeds, consider your personal taste preferences as well as how each variety behaves in cooler temperatures.

Preparing Your Garden Bed

Location and Soil Preparation

Kale prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Choose a location in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.

1. Soil Type: Kale thrives in well-drained, loamy soil rich in organic matter. A pH level between 6.0 and 7.5 is ideal.
2. Soil Amendment: Before planting kale, enrich the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure. This will improve soil structure and provide essential nutrients.

Conduct a soil test if you’re unsure about nutrient levels or pH balance; local agricultural extensions often offer these tests at minimal cost.

Preparing the Bed

1. Tilling: Turn the soil with a garden tiller or fork to a depth of at least 12 inches.
2. Raking: Smooth out the surface with a rake to create an even planting area.
3. Spacing: Plan for adequate spacing between plants; kale should be spaced about 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 18-24 inches apart.

Planting Kale Seeds

Timing Your Planting

In Nebraska, you can start sowing kale seeds directly into the garden:

• Early Spring: Plant seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date or sow them directly outdoors as soon as the soil can be worked (usually late March to early April).
• Late Summer/Fall: For a fall harvest, plant seeds in mid-July to early August.

Sowing Seeds

Follow these steps when planting:

1. Depth: Sow seeds about ½ inch deep.
2. Watering: Gently water the area after planting to help settle the soil around the seeds.
3. Thinning: Once seedlings have reached about 2-3 inches tall, thin them to allow one strong plant per designated space.

Caring for Your Kale Plants

Watering Practices

Kale requires consistent moisture for optimal growth but does not like “wet feet.” Aim for about an inch of water per week, either via rainfall or supplemental watering. Mulching around your plants can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Fertilizing

Kale is a heavy feeder; applying fertilizer can be beneficial:

1. Type of Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) or one higher in nitrogen (such as fish emulsion) during mid-growth stage.
2. Application Frequency: Side-dress with fertilizer every few weeks throughout the growing season based on plant growth.

Pest Control and Disease Management

Kale can attract pests like aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles. Implement these strategies:

• Companion Planting: Grow herbs like dill or marigold nearby to deter pests.
• Physical Barriers: Use row covers during early growth stages to protect young plants from insects.
• Natural Remedies: Introduce beneficial insects such as ladybugs or use insecticidal soap if pest populations become unmanageable.

Common diseases include downy mildew and black leg disease; ensure good air circulation around plants and avoid overwatering to mitigate these risks.

Harvesting Your Kale

When to Harvest

Kale leaves are ready for harvest when they are about 6-8 inches long, typically around 55-75 days after planting depending on variety and growing conditions.

How to Harvest

1. Method: Use scissors or garden shears to cut outer leaves first; this promotes continued growth from the inner leaves.
2. Timing: Harvest in the morning when leaves are crisp and full of moisture for best flavor.
3. Frost Benefits: If possible, wait until after the first frost for an even sweeter taste.

Storing Your Kale

After harvesting, proper storage will maintain freshness:

1. Refrigeration: Store kale in perforated plastic bags in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator.
2. Use Quickly: Fresh kale is best used within 5-7 days but can last longer if kept dry and cool.

Conclusion

Growing kale in Nebraska can be an enjoyable experience that rewards you with nutritious greens throughout different seasons of the year. By understanding local climate conditions, selecting appropriate varieties, and following effective cultivation practices, you can enjoy bountiful harvests right from your backyard garden. With patience and care, your kale plants will thrive amidst Nebraska’s unique weather patterns—bringing health benefits straight from farm-to-table!