If you find any munching on the leaves, pick them by hand and drown them in a bucket of soapy water. Set up beer traps to keep them away from your kale. Slugs can sometimes find their way into the greenhouse.Hose down the plants to dislodge these pests, then spray the plants with a mild insecticidal soap solution. Aphids and whiteflies can also target your kale crop.Check your plants regularly and pick off any caterpillars by hand, disposing of them in a bucket of soapy water. Cabbage white butterflies are the main kale pest.Still, here are the main pests and diseases to be aware of: It’s unlikely that your kale plants will suffer from severe pest problems, especially in the protective environment of a greenhouse. Common issues with growing kale in a greenhouse Repeat applications according to the instructions on the manufacturer’s label. Use an organic fertilizer that’s rich in nitrogen, such as compost tea or liquid seaweed. You can fertilize kale once monthly after the seeds germinate or after you’ve transplanted the seedlings. This way, your crops won’t need any additional feeding for the first 3-4 weeks.
For best results, amend the soil with organic matter before sowing or transplanting. Kale is a heavy feeder that needs lots of nitrogen to sustain its fast, bushy growth. This crop is not pretentious about the soil pH, and as long as you’re within the 6.0 to 7.5 range, your plants will be fine. Plant kale in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. To prevent bolting, avoid planting kale in the greenhouse between late spring and late summer, or try to keep your greenhouse cool. It can struggle to grow in temperatures above 75☏ and will bolt or flower if exposed to temperatures above 80☏ for several days in a row. On the flip side, kale is quite heat-sensitive. In fact, exposure to a light frost can result in sweeter-tasting kale. Once established, kale is frost-hardy and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20☏, making it an excellent crop to grow in winter. To encourage seed germination, plant kale seeds when the soil temperature is above 45☏. The ideal temperature range for growing kale is between 60☏ and 75☏.
KALE SEEDLINGS FALLING OVER HOW TO
Learn how to supplement with grow lights here! Temperature Kale can also tolerate 4 to 6 hours of direct sun per day (partial shade), but it will be slower to grow. If you have a freestanding greenhouse, with no trees or nearby structures to block the sun, you’ll have no problems growing this crop. That means at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Make sure to check out our complete list of easy-to-grow greenhouse plants here! Buying seedlings is expensive, though you can certainly go that way if you choose. Not only does this allow you to control the growing conditions, but it also ends up saving you money. Growing kale in the greenhouse starts with picking the right variety for your climate and needs.Īs with most leafy greens, it’s best to start your own plants from seed.
Best temp to grow: 60-75☏ (can tolerate frost down to 20☏, frost will improve the taste).Additionally, avoid plants that attract pests to your kale plants such as tomatoes.Quick overview of growing kale in a greenhouse Strawberries will hinder the growth of kale and other brassicas when closely planted. Other plants that are helpful to kale include beets, celery, cucumbers, spinach, and potatoes.ĭo not plant kale next to other brassicas like cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, and mustards as they will compete for the same nutrients. Beans and peas are “nitrogen fixers” which help kale plants to develop big healthy leaves by adding nitrogen back to the soil however, beans also attract certain kale pests and should be companion planted with kale sparingly. Companions like cilantro, dill, and buckwheat help to attract bugs that eat aphids and other pests. The best companion plants for kale are plants that will repel kale pests, attract predators that eat kale pests, plants that add nitrogen to the soil, and plants that act as cover crops to help keep the soil moist.Ĭompanion plants that help to repel kale pests include herbs, onions and alliums, nasturtiums, and marigolds. While kale doesn’t necessarily need companion plants to thrive, there are definitely some plants that help kale more than others.
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