ECOLOGICAL REQUIREMENTS
Kale is a cool season crop and does well at temperatures between 5-21 degrees centigrade. It has a wide ecological adaptability but prefers well drained fertile soil high in organic matter and an optimal PH of 6.0-7.5.
- Kale can tolerate slightly alkaline soil and frost.
- It requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily and prefers plentiful, consistent moisture.
- Some varieties can tolerate drought
GROWING KALE
Procedure
- Plough the land 2-3weeks in advance at a depth of at least 8inches.
- After ploughing, harrow the field.
- Prepare raised beds. These are recommended for proper drainage and root establishment. The beds should be 15cm high, 1metre wide and about 100metres long.
- Incorporate soil with manure and DAP. These should be mixed with HUMIPOWER in order to help improve on nutrient uptake, stimulate root development among other benefits.
- Water the beds, unless the soil is wet enough.
- Plant the seedlings in the beds. This should be done at the same depth they were previously growing at while in the nursery.
NB: -For a continuous growth cycle, outer and older leaves should be removed.
When harvesting kale leaves for eating, one should pick the bright green and fresh leaves, not the yellow ones. This is because; the yellow ones have an undesired taste.
