Kale
Brassica oleracea Acephala Group · Easy
One of the hardiest leafy crops, with regular picking possible through winter and into spring.
Sow
Sow from March to June.
Plant
Transplant from late spring to midsummer.
Harvest
Autumn through spring; baby leaves can be earlier.
Practical growing notes
Give kale the right space.
- Plant spacing
- About 45–60 cm for mature plants; closer for baby leaves.
- Light
- Full sun or light partial shade.
- Containers
- Compact varieties suit large pots.
Why grow it?
Reliable winter greenery and a long picking period.
Watch for
Net against pigeons and caterpillars; rotate away from other brassicas.
Keep the bed moving
What can follow kale?
A succession-friendly salad crop, especially useful as loose-leaf or cut-and-come-again types.
beet familyChardA robust cut-and-come-again leaf crop that can bridge summer, autumn and the following spring.
beet familySpinachA quick cool-season leaf crop for spring and autumn, with repeat pickings from small sowings.
onion familyGarlicA low-maintenance overwintering crop planted as named, disease-free cloves.