How to Harvest Kale So It Keeps Growing All Season
How to Harvest Kale So It Keeps Growing?
To harvest kale so it keeps growing, follow these tips:
1.
Harvest the kale leaves when they are about the size of your palm.
This size ensures that the plant can continue to grow and produce more leaves.
2.
Use pruning shears to cut the leaves along the base near the stem.
Avoid cutting the root of the plant, as it will keep producing leaves.
3.
Start by picking the largest and oldest leaves found at the base of the plant.
This encourages new leaf growth.
4.
Avoid picking the terminal bud, which is located at the top of the plant.
By leaving it intact, you promote continuous new leaf growth.
5.
Aim to pick about one fistful of leaves per harvest.
This way, you don’t deplete the plant too much.
6.
Yellow or spotted leaves should be removed immediately to maintain the health of the plant.
7.
Shielding the kale plants from harsh weather conditions, such as frost, can prolong the harvest period.
To store harvested kale leaves for maximum freshness:
1.
Wash the leaves with cold water and remove any debris.
2.
Remove the stems unless you plan to eat them.
3.
Pat the leaves dry with a paper towel and let them air-dry for about 10 minutes.
4.
Place the kale leaves in a resealable plastic bag along with a paper towel.
5.
Squeeze out as much air as possible from the bag and store it in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator.
Remember to enjoy the harvested kale within two weeks and dispose of any wilted or yellow leaves to maintain the best quality.
Key Points:
- Harvest kale leaves when they are about the size of your palm
- Use pruning shears to cut the leaves along the base near the stem
- Start by picking the largest and oldest leaves found at the base of the plant
- Avoid picking the terminal bud located at the top of the plant
- Aim to pick about one fistful of leaves per harvest
- Remove yellow or spotted leaves immediately for plant health
Did You Know?
1. Did you know that kale is actually a member of the cabbage family? It belongs to the Brassica oleracea species, which includes other leafy vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.
2. Kale is an incredibly versatile crop. While most people are familiar with the curly green variety, there are also different types such as Lacinato (also known as dinosaur kale) and Red Russian, each with its own unique taste and texture.
3. Kale is a cool-season crop, meaning it thrives in colder weather. It can withstand frost and even tastes better after being exposed to a bit of cold. This is why kale is often considered a staple in fall and winter gardens.
4. To keep kale growing for an extended period, a technique called “cut and come again” harvesting can be used. Rather than uprooting the entire plant, you can simply trim off the outer leaves of the plant from the bottom, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing.
5. While kale is highly nutritious and often praised for its health benefits, it’s interesting to note that its popularity skyrocketed in the early 2000s. This was largely due to its inclusion in the diet plans of various celebrities and its reputation as a “superfood.”
Kale: A Nutritious And Easy-To-Grow Superfood
Kale, a leafy green vegetable, has become extremely popular due to its numerous health benefits. It is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals such as calcium and iron. This nutritious superfood is also easy to grow in gardens.
Compared to annual plants, kale has a longer lifespan as it is biennial. With proper care, it can provide a continuous harvest for up to two years. Kale comes in various varieties, including dinosaur kale and curly kale, each offering its own unique flavor and texture.
Harvesting Kale For Continued Growth
Harvesting kale leaves is crucial for maintaining the plant’s health and promoting continuous growth. When done correctly, it not only provides fresh leaves for consumption but also stimulates the growth of new leaves. By adhering to a few simple techniques, you can ensure that your kale keeps growing throughout the season.
To start, it is essential to harvest kale leaves when they are about the size of your palm. Leaves of this size are young and tender, ensuring a delicious and enjoyable eating experience. By using pruning shears, carefully cut the leaves along the base near the stem. Avoid cutting the root as it will continue to produce leaves.
When harvesting kale, it is recommended to begin with the largest and oldest leaves found at the base of the plant. This allows the younger leaves at the top to mature further. Avoid picking the terminal bud, which is the central growing point of the plant. By leaving the terminal bud intact, you encourage the continuous production of new leaves, ensuring a sustained harvest throughout the season. Aim to pick approximately one fistful of leaves per harvest to allow the plant enough time to replenish.
Tips For Successful Kale Harvesting
Harvesting kale requires a few simple techniques to ensure the best results. Waiting until after the first frost can enhance the flavor of kale, making it taste sweeter. However, if you plan to consume kale immediately, there is no need to wait for frost.
While harvesting, it is crucial to remove any yellow or spotted leaves promptly. These leaves can be an indication of disease or pests and should not be consumed. By removing these leaves, you can prevent the spread of potential issues to the rest of the plant.
To promote a longer harvest period, consider shielding kale plants from inclement weather. Excessive heat or heavy rainfall can damage the leaves, inhibiting growth. Using garden fabric or row covers can provide protection and extend the harvest period.
Promoting Kale Growth: When And How To Harvest
Knowing when and how to properly harvest kale is crucial for promoting its growth. As mentioned earlier, harvesting should begin when the leaves are approximately the size of your palm. This ensures that the leaves are young and tender, providing the best flavor and texture.
To harvest kale, use clean pruning shears to cut the leaves along the base near the stem. It is important to avoid cutting the root of the plant, as it will continue to produce leaves for a sustained harvest. By starting with the largest and oldest leaves found at the base of the plant and avoiding picking the terminal bud, you encourage continuous new leaf growth and prolong the harvest period.
Extending The Harvest Period: Weather Shielding And Proper Storage
To extend the harvest period for kale and ensure its quality, there are two key factors to consider: weather shielding and proper storage. Here are some tips to help you achieve that:
- Weather Shielding:
- Consider using garden fabric or row covers to protect kale plants from unfavorable weather conditions.
- These protective measures create a barrier against excessive heat, heavy rainfall, or frost damage.
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By shielding the plants, you can ensure their health and productivity for a longer period.
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Proper Storage:
- After harvesting, wash the kale leaves with cold water to remove any debris.
- If you don’t plan on using the stems, it is recommended to remove them.
- Pat the leaves dry with a paper towel and let them air-dry for about 10 minutes.
- To store the leaves, place them in a resealable plastic bag along with a paper towel.
- Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing the bag.
- Store the bag in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator to maintain a cooler temperature and preserve the freshness of the kale.
- It’s important to enjoy the kale within two weeks and discard any wilted or yellow leaves to prevent spoilage from spreading to the rest.
Remember, by following these techniques for weather shielding and proper storage, you can enjoy fresh and nutritious kale for an extended period.
Enjoy Fresh And Nutritious Kale: Storing And Disposing Of Leaves
By following proper harvesting techniques and storing the leaves correctly, you can enjoy the fresh and nutritious taste of kale for an extended period. Use the harvested leaves in a variety of dishes, such as salads, soups, or sautés, to maximize their nutritional benefits.
When storing kale, remember to:
- Wash the leaves with cold water and remove any debris.
- If not planning to eat the stems, remove them from the leaves.
- Pat dry the leaves with a paper towel and allow them to air-dry for about 10 minutes.
- Place the leaves in a resealable plastic bag.
- Add a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
- Remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it.
- Store the bag in the vegetable drawer of the refrigerator to maintain an optimal temperature for freshness.
It is important to consume the harvested kale within two weeks to ensure the best taste and nutritional value. Any wilted or yellow leaves should be disposed of promptly to prevent the spread of spoilage to the remaining leaves.
“Enjoy the delicious taste and health benefits of kale throughout the season by following these harvesting, storage, and disposal guidelines.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will kale keep growing?
Kale, being a biennial plant, has a lifespan of two years. In its first year, it focuses on leaf production, while in the second year, it transitions to flowering and seed formation. After the seeds mature, the kale plant completes its life cycle and eventually dies. Therefore, the growth of kale will typically last for up to two years before its natural cycle comes to an end.
When should kale be harvested?
Kale should be harvested when the plant reaches a height of around 12 inches and the outer leaves have grown to approximately the length of your hand. At this stage, the kale leaves are at their prime for harvesting, offering optimal flavor and texture. Harvesting kale at this size ensures that the greens are tender and not too mature, providing a delightful addition to your culinary endeavors.
How long does kale last once picked?
Once kale is picked, its lifespan can vary depending on how it is stored. In the refrigerator, whole kale leaves can maintain their freshness for about a week, while cut kale leaves typically remain good for three to five days. However, if you choose to freeze kale, it can be preserved for up to a year, extending its shelf life significantly. Freezing kale is an excellent option for those looking to enjoy this nutritious vegetable over a longer period, providing convenient access to its myriad health benefits.
What helps kale grow?
To ensure optimal growth, kale benefits from a combination of sunlight and nutrient-rich soil. It thrives in a sunny location that receives ample direct sunlight throughout the day. Additionally, fertile and well-drained soil is essential for the successful growth of kale. Prior to planting, it is crucial to incorporate a generous amount of organic matter and a complete fertilizer into the soil to provide the necessary nutrients for the plant. For the ideal spacing, seedlings should be thinned or transplanted around 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 2 feet apart. By following these guidelines, kale can flourish and yield a bountiful harvest.