Planting guide · zone 5b
When to plant kale in zone 5b
In zone 5b, the average last spring frost is May 8 and the first fall frost is Oct 8. Here is kale's whole year, counted from those dates.
Feb 27Start seeds indoorsSpring
Apr 3Transplant into the gardenSpring
Jul 5Start seeds indoorsFall
Aug 2Transplant into the gardenFall
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Soil & site
Rich soil with plenty of nitrogen — compost generously at planting. pH 6.0–7.0.
Seedling care
Ready to transplant at 4–6 weeks with 4 true leaves. Harden off over 5–7 days, and bury the stem to the first leaves.
Growing notes
The workhorse green. Watch for cabbage worms early; row cover at transplant stops the moths entirely.
Harvest
Pick lower leaves and let the crown keep producing. Flavor sweetens dramatically after hard frost.