Kale

Companion planting is a powerful way to boost your kale’s health, flavor, and yield by growing it alongside beneficial neighbors. With over three decades of gardening experience in both Iowa’s vegetable-rich soils and California’s Mediterranean climate, I’ve seen firsthand which plants thrive together—and which can cause problems. Here’s a practical guide to the best companions…

Kale is a nutrient-hungry leafy green that thrives when fertilized properly. From years of gardening both in Iowa’s rich soils and California’s varied terrain, I’ve learned that feeding kale the right nutrients at the right time makes a huge difference in leaf size, texture, and flavor. This guide will walk you through how to fertilize…

Watering kale correctly is essential for growing lush, tender leaves packed with flavor and nutrients. From my 30+ years of experience gardening in California’s Sonoma Valley and previously in Iowa’s more humid climate, I’ve learned that while kale is relatively drought-tolerant compared to other greens, consistent moisture is key to avoiding bitterness and stress. In…

Kale is often thought of as a cool-season crop, but with the right strategies, you can grow tender, flavorful leaves in summer, even in warm climates. When I moved from the cold winters of Iowa to the hot, dry summers of California’s Sonoma Valley, I had to completely rethink how I grew kale to avoid…

Kale is one of the hardiest leafy greens you can grow. It not only tolerates frost—it actually improves in flavor after a cold snap. When I lived and gardened in Iowa, where winters could plunge below zero, I learned that kale can survive and even thrive through cold months with the right variety selection, planting…

Kale is one of the most versatile and rewarding greens to grow in the home garden. It thrives in cool weather, tolerates light frosts, and can be harvested for months. Over my 30+ years of gardening in California’s Sonoma Valley, I’ve learned that planting time is key to success—especially if you want a continuous harvest…