How to Grow Bug-Free Kale

Kale (Brassica oleracea var acephala) is a type of cabbage that is high in vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, calcium and iron and is high in fiber. It grows best in cool temperatures in an area that receives full sunlight. Kale is used in a variety of dishes around the world and is best stored frozen. As with growing any vegetable, you need to protect kale from bugs and other pests to ensure a healthy crop.

Garden flat or flower pot
Potting soil
10-10-10 fertilizer
Compost or topsoil
Mechanical tiller
8-8-4 fertilizer
Row covers

Instructions

- 1
  Fill a garden flat or flowerpot with potting soil.
- 2
  Plant the seeds about 1/2-inch beneath the surface. Add a 10-10-10 starter fertilizer to the soil, following the instructions on the package regarding the amount of fertilizer to use. This number indicates the ratio of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium in the fertilizer. Water the soil until it's damp.
- 3
  Move the seeds to a cool area. Water the plants to keep the soil damp.
- 4
  Prepare the soil outside for the kale. Apply 3 inches of compost or topsoil to the ground in a well-lit area; mix it into the soil with a mechanical tiller.
- 5
  Transplant the seedlings from the flowerpot or garden flat into the ground. Plant the seedlings 8 to 12 inches apart from each other.
- 6
  Water the plants to keep the soil damp; apply a 8-8-4 fertilizer to the soil, following package directions for use.
- 7
  Protect the kale from bugs by picking bugs off the plants when you see them and installing row covers over the kale. This is a system of metal frames installed into the ground over the kale and covered with plastic or mesh.

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