How to Plant and Care for August Kale in Your Garden

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August is a great time to plant kale in your garden, especially if you want a fresh supply of this nutritious leafy green throughout the cooler months. Proper planting and care are essential to ensure healthy growth and a bountiful harvest. This guide will walk you through the steps to successfully grow August kale.

Choosing the Right Kale Varieties for August Planting

There are many varieties of kale suitable for late summer planting, including:

  • Curly kale (e.g., Winterbor, Dwarf Blue Curled)
  • Lacinato or dinosaur kale
  • Red Russian kale

Select varieties that are heat-tolerant and suited for your climate to maximize growth and flavor.

Preparing the Soil

Kale thrives in well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Before planting, prepare your garden bed by:

  • Removing weeds and debris
  • Amending soil with compost or aged manure
  • Ensuring pH levels are between 6.0 and 7.5

Planting Kale in August

In most regions, August is ideal for direct sowing or transplanting young kale plants. Follow these steps:

  • For direct sowing, plant seeds ½ inch deep and 12-18 inches apart.
  • If transplanting seedlings, space plants 12-18 inches apart.
  • Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.

Caring for Your Kale Plants

Proper care will ensure your kale remains healthy and productive throughout the growing season. Key care tips include:

  • Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during dry spells.
  • Mulching: Apply mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  • Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to promote vigorous growth.
  • Pest control: Watch for aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles, and manage pests promptly.
  • Protection from extreme heat: Provide shade during the hottest part of the day if temperatures soar.

Harvesting August Kale

Kale leaves can be harvested once they reach a desirable size, typically 55-75 days after planting. Follow these tips:

  • Pick outer leaves first to encourage continuous growth.
  • Use sharp scissors or pruning shears to harvest leaves cleanly.
  • Avoid harvesting more than one-third of the plant at a time.

Extending the Growing Season

To extend your kale harvest into cooler months, consider:

  • Using row covers or cold frames to protect plants from frost.
  • Planting successive crops every few weeks for continuous harvests.
  • Applying mulch to insulate roots during colder weather.

With proper planning and care, August is an excellent time to grow kale, providing fresh greens well into the fall and winter. Happy gardening!