Kale has become a popular superfood, loved for its nutritional benefits and versatility in the kitchen. If you reside in New Hampshire and are looking to grow your own kale, you’re in luck! This leafy green thrives in cooler climates, making it an excellent choice for New England gardens. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about growing kale in New Hampshire, including the best varieties, planting techniques, care requirements, and pest management.
Before you start planting, it’s essential to choose the right variety of kale for your garden. The most common types are:
Lacinato (Dinosaur) Kale: This variety has dark green, crinkled leaves and a slightly sweeter flavor. It’s perfect for salads and cooking.
Curly Kale: This is the most familiar type found in grocery stores. Its ruffled leaves can be green or purple and are great for adding texture to meals.
Red Russian Kale: With its tender leaves and striking purple stems, this variety is not only beautiful but also delicious. It’s excellent in salads or sautéed.
Each of these varieties grows well in New Hampshire’s climate, so consider what flavor and texture you prefer when making your selection.
Timing is crucial when growing kale. In New Hampshire, you can plant kale twice during the growing season:
Spring Planting: Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost date (typically around mid-April). Transplant seedlings outdoors between mid-April and early May.
Fall Planting: For a fall crop, sow seeds directly into the garden from late July through early August. This takes advantage of the cooler weather and can produce sweeter leaves as temperatures drop.
Kale prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Here’s how to prepare your garden bed:
Choose a Location: Pick a spot that receives full sun (six hours a day) but can tolerate partial shade, especially during hotter months.
Soil Testing: Conduct a soil test to determine pH and nutrient levels. Kale thrives in slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 – 7.0). Amend the soil as needed with lime or sulfur based on test results.
Tilling: Till the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches to break up compacted ground and incorporate organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure.
Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (straw or shredded leaves) to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Once your garden bed is ready, it’s time to sow your seeds:
Direct Seeding: If planting directly outdoors, create shallow furrows about ½ inch deep, spacing seeds approximately 18 inches apart.
Transplanting Seedlings: If you started indoors, harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over several days before transplanting them into the garden.
Spacing: Regardless of planting method, space rows about 24 inches apart to allow for air circulation as plants mature.
Watering: Immediately after planting, thoroughly water the area to help settle the soil around the seeds or seedlings.
Once planted, regular care will ensure healthy growth:
Kale needs consistent moisture but should not be waterlogged. Aim for about 1 inch of water per week; adjust based on rainfall conditions. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to minimize water on foliage and prevent disease.
Kale is a heavy feeder; therefore, applying fertilizer is crucial:
Initial Fertilization: Incorporate a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) into the soil at planting time.
Side Dressing: About four weeks after transplanting or direct seeding, side-dress with additional nitrogen-rich fertilizer (such as blood meal or fish emulsion) to promote leafy growth.
Weeds compete for nutrients and water; thus, regular weeding is necessary:
Hand-pull weeds around your kale plants; be careful not to disturb their roots.
Use mulch as mentioned earlier to suppress weed growth.
Kale can attract several pests that could threaten its growth:
Aphids: Small insects that suck the sap from leaves. Control them with insecticidal soap or by using beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Cabbage Worms: These caterpillars can cause significant damage by eating holes in leaves. Hand-picking is effective; consider using row covers to protect young plants.
Flea Beetles: Tiny jumping beetles that create small holes in leaves. They thrive in warm conditions—row covers can also deter them.
Consider using natural pest deterrents such as neem oil or homemade garlic sprays for mild infestations instead of chemical pesticides.
Kale is quite forgiving when it comes to harvesting; you can start picking leaves once they reach about six inches tall:
Select Leaves: Harvest outer leaves first while allowing inner leaves to continue growing.
Timing: The best time to harvest is in the morning when temperatures are cooler and plants retain moisture.
Cutting Technique: Use sharp scissors or pruners and cut at the base of each leaf without harming surrounding foliage.
Kale often tastes sweeter after a frost; therefore, harvesting after cold snaps can enhance flavor!
Store fresh kale by rinsing it gently under cool water and patting it dry:
Place unwashed kale in a plastic bag with some air holes and store it in the refrigerator’s vegetable drawer where it will stay fresh for up to five days.
For longer-lasting storage, consider blanching and freezing kale for use throughout winter.
Growing kale in New Hampshire can be a rewarding experience that provides nutritious greens throughout the gardening season and beyond. By selecting appropriate varieties, timing your plantings wisely, providing proper care, managing pests effectively, and harvesting correctly, you’ll have an abundant supply of kale right from your backyard! Whether you enjoy it fresh in salads or cooked into hearty dishes, homegrown kale adds freshness and flavor to your meals while promoting health benefits that will keep you feeling energized year-round!