Kale is a powerhouse plant to include in your survival garden. It's nutrient-dense, incredibly resilient, and can grow year-round in many climates. Kale is loaded with vitamins and minerals, making it a fantastic food source to have on hand in times of need. Here's everything you need to know about growing kale in your survival garden:
Why Kale is Essential for a Survival Garden
1. High in Nutrients:
Vitamins: Kale is packed with Vitamin K, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and folate. It’s also rich in antioxidants and fiber, making it beneficial for overall health, boosting immunity, and supporting bone health.
Minerals: Kale provides calcium, potassium, and iron, which are essential for maintaining healthy bones, muscles, and the cardiovascular system.
Chlorophyll: Rich in chlorophyll, kale is great for detoxing and has anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Hardy and Resilient:
Kale is a cold-tolerant plant, thriving in cooler temperatures and even surviving light frosts. Its ability to survive harsh conditions makes it perfect for survival gardening.
It can be grown in a variety of climates, and many varieties can survive through the winter in milder areas, providing fresh greens when other crops are dormant.
3. High in Protein and Fiber:
Kale is a good source of plant-based protein and fiber, making it a great addition to a survival diet. It’s especially valuable for vegetarians and vegans who need to find alternative sources of protein.
4. Long Harvesting Season:
Once established, kale can be continuously harvested over a long period, ensuring a steady supply of greens. You can harvest leaves as needed, and new ones will grow back.
5. Versatile Culinary Uses:
Kale can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to soups, smoothies, chips, and even as a garnish. Its flavor can be adjusted by cooking methods, and it pairs well with almost any meal.
Types of Kale to Grow
1. Curly Kale (e.g., Winterbor, Dwarf Blue Curled):
Why: This is the most common type of kale, known for its tightly curled leaves. It's great for use in salads and soups.
Best For: Cold climates, as it is more frost-tolerant. It also holds its texture when cooked.
2. Flat-Leaf Kale (e.g., Lacinato or Dinosaur Kale):
Why: Lacinato kale has dark blue-green, leathery leaves with a slightly sweeter taste than curly kale. It's perfect for stir-fries or smoothies.
Best For: Mild climates, as it thrives in moderate temperatures and holds up well in cooking.
3. Red Russian Kale:
Why: Red Russian kale has tender, purple-tinged leaves with a slightly milder flavor than curly kale.
Best For: Those who prefer a more delicate texture and flavor, and it’s perfect for fresh eating.
4. Scotch Kale:
Why: This kale has broader, more tender leaves and is a bit more tolerant of heat than curly varieties.
Best For: Warmer climates or gardeners looking for a more flexible growing variety.
Planting and Growing Kale
Where to Plant Kale
Location: Kale prefers full sun but can tolerate some partial shade, especially during the warmer months. If you live in a hot climate, planting it in areas with some afternoon shade will help prevent the plant from bolting (flowering prematurely).
Soil: Kale prefers well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.5).
Planting Kale
When to Plant:
Kale is a cool-season crop that grows best in temperatures between 55°F and 75°F (13°C to 24°C). In warmer climates, plant it in early spring or late summer for a fall harvest. In cold climates, it can be grown year-round or in the cooler months.
How to Plant:
Direct sow kale seeds into the soil 1/4 inch deep, spaced 12-18 inches apart in rows. If starting indoors, plant the seeds in small pots 4-6 weeks before the last expected frost, then transplant them into the garden once the seedlings are large enough and the outdoor temperature is right.
Caring for And Maintaining Kale
1. Watering:
Kale requires consistent moisture, so water it regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely between waterings.
Water at the base to prevent getting the leaves wet, which can lead to fungal diseases.
2. Fertilizing:
Kale is a heavy feeder. It benefits from compost or a balanced organic fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. A high-nitrogen fertilizer is ideal for promoting lush leaf growth.
3. Thinning:
Thin kale seedlings to 8-12 inches apart to allow them room to grow. Overcrowded plants may suffer from poor airflow, leading to disease or stunted growth.
4. Mulching:
Apply mulch around the base of the plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the soil temperature stable. This is especially helpful during hot summer months or in drought-prone areas.
Pest and Disease Management
Pests: Kale can attract pests like aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles. Use row covers, or manually remove pests if they appear. For organic control, use neem oil or insecticidal soap to deter pests.
Diseases: Kale is susceptible to fungal diseases like downy mildew, powdery mildew, and black rot. Avoid overhead watering, ensure good airflow, and rotate crops to prevent soil-borne diseases.
Harvesting Kale
When to Harvest:
Start harvesting kale when the leaves are large enough to eat, but still tender (around 4-6 inches long). Harvesting younger leaves ensures a milder taste.
For mature kale, wait until the leaves are fully developed, but pick them before they become too tough or fibrous.
How to Harvest:
You can pick individual outer leaves as needed. Always leave the inner, younger leaves intact to continue growing.
If harvesting the entire plant, cut the outer leaves 1-2 inches above the ground, and new leaves will continue to grow.
Storing Kale
Fresh Storage:
Kale is best eaten fresh, but it can last up to a week in the refrigerator when stored in a plastic bag or container with a damp paper towel to keep it crisp.
Freezing:
To freeze kale, blanch the leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then cool them in ice water. Dry the leaves thoroughly before freezing them in airtight containers or freezer bags.
Why Kale is Vital for a Survival Garden
1. Nutrient-Rich Superfood: Kale provides a high density of nutrients, especially vitamins and minerals, making it essential for long-term survival.
2. Cold Hardy: Kale can tolerate frost and colder temperatures, meaning it can provide fresh food in winter or the cooler months.
3. Sustained Harvests: Once planted, kale can be continuously harvested for months, offering a long-term food source.
4. Protein and Fiber: A valuable source of plant-based protein and fiber, kale is perfect for supplementing a protein-based diet in times of need.
5. Versatile Culinary Uses: Kale can be prepared in countless ways—fresh, cooked, in soups, salads, smoothies, or even as chips.
👉 Garden Tips
Succession Planting: Plant new kale seeds every few weeks to ensure a steady supply of fresh greens.
Companion Planting: Kale grows well with beans, peas, garlic, onions, and carrots. It can help shade the soil and reduce the need for constant watering, making it an excellent companion for many crops.
Kale is the ultimate survival crop—nutritious, hardy, and easy to grow. It provides essential vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber while being versatile enough to eat fresh, cooked, or stored.
Whether you're gardening in the cold or warm seasons, kale is a reliable, high-protein, high-calorie food that will keep you healthy and strong in times of need.
Add it to your survival garden and reap the benefits of this incredible green powerhouse!
