How to Space and Thin Kale for Maximum Harvest

After more than 30 years of growing kale in everything from raised beds to large market garden rows, I’ve learned that proper spacing and thinning are just as important as good soil and variety choice. Give kale too little space and it competes for light, water, and nutrients—too much, and you waste valuable garden real estate. The sweet spot is finding the balance that produces healthy, high-yielding plants.

Table of Contents

Why Spacing Matters

Kale’s growth habit varies by variety—curly types tend to be more compact, while flat and Tuscan types can spread wider. Correct spacing helps:

Promote strong root and leaf development
Improve air circulation to reduce disease
Make harvesting easier
Maximize yield in a given area

From my experience: I once planted Tuscan kale too closely (8 inches apart) in a summer crop. Plants grew tall and spindly, leaves stayed small, and mildew moved in fast. After adjusting to 16 inches, the difference in leaf size and quality was dramatic.

Recommended Kale Spacing

For Baby Leaf Harvest

Sow seeds in bands or rows 2–4 inches apart.
Harvest entire plants or cut leaves when 4–6 inches tall.
Ideal for salads and quick regrowth.

For Mature Plants

Space plants 12–18 inches apart in rows 18–24 inches apart.
For larger-leaf varieties like Lacinato, go toward the wider end.
This spacing allows full leaf expansion and airflow.

How to Thin Kale Seedlings

Start Early: When seedlings are 2–3 inches tall, thin to the recommended final spacing.
Use Scissors: Snip extras at soil level to avoid disturbing roots.
Eat the Thinnings: Baby kale is delicious in salads or smoothies.
Reassess at 4 Weeks: If plants still look crowded, thin again lightly.

From my garden: I always thin twice—once early for root protection and again before rapid growth kicks in—to give plants room to thrive.

Pro Tips for Maximum Harvest

Stagger spacing: In small gardens, plant closer (10–12 inches) and harvest outer leaves more often.
Feed after thinning: A light dose of compost tea or organic fertilizer helps remaining plants recover and grow faster.
Mulch immediately: Keeps soil moist and suppresses weeds around spaced plants.

Final Thought: Kale rewards thoughtful spacing with lush, productive plants. By giving each plant enough room—and thinning without hesitation—you’ll see better yields, healthier leaves, and a longer harvest window. This method has kept my kitchen stocked with kale for decades, and it will do the same for you.