Getting Started with Kale

Watch this beginner-friendly guide to understand the basics of growing kale, from seed to harvest.

Quick Start Timeline

Start Indoors

Feb 17 – Mar 2

Sow seeds in trays or small pots indoors.

Transplant Outside

Mar 30 – Apr 13

Harden off seedlings before planting outdoors.

Direct Sow

Late Jul – Aug

For fall crop with sweet, frost-kissed leaves.

Harrisburg, PA Growing Notes

Frost-tolerant Sweeter after frost May bolt in heat Zones 6b-7a

Seasonal Tips

  • Spring crop: Plant early; harvest before peak summer heat
  • Fall crop: Plant late July–August for extended harvest
  • Winter: Kale survives light frosts; flavor improves with cold
  • Summer: Provide afternoon shade to prevent bolting

Choose Your Kale Varieties

For best results, combine different types of kale:

Blue Curled Scotch Winterbor Lacinato (Dinosaur) Redbor Baby-leaf Mix

Tip: Curly types excel in cold weather and soups; Lacinato shines in sautés and chips; baby-leaf mixes give fast salads.

Prepare Your Garden Bed

  1. Choose location: Full sun to light shade (4–6 hours minimum)
  2. Loosen soil: Work top 8–10 inches; remove rocks and clumps
  3. Add organic matter: Mix in 2-3 inches of compost
  4. Spacing: 12–18 inches between plants, 18–24 inches between rows

Care & Maintenance

Watering

  • Goal: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
  • Frequency: Deep watering 1–2 times per week
  • Hot weather: Increase frequency to prevent wilting

Feeding

  • Mix compost into soil at planting time
  • Side-dress with compost or organic fertilizer mid-season
  • Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers which can attract pests

Mulching

  • Apply 2-3 inches of straw or shredded leaves
  • Helps retain moisture and suppress weeds
  • Keeps soil temperature consistent

Pest Prevention Strategies

Simple habits that stop 80% of pest problems:

  • Use floating row covers early in the season
  • Inspect leaf undersides weekly for eggs and larvae
  • Keep garden clean of plant debris
  • Encourage beneficial insects (ladybugs, lacewings)
  • Practice crop rotation yearly

In Harrisburg, cabbage worms and flea beetles are most common. Fall kale usually has fewer pest issues.

Harvesting Kale

Timing

  • Baby leaves: 20–30 days after planting
  • Full-size leaves: 50–65 days after planting

Cut-and-Come-Again Method

  • Always harvest outer, lower leaves first
  • Leave central growing tip intact
  • Harvest every 7–10 days during peak growth
  • Use sharp scissors or knife to avoid damage

A spring planting in Harrisburg can be harvested from late May through late fall, especially with a fall crop planted in late summer.