Joyce J
11 August 2022
In this article, I will take you through everything you need to know to grow Kale in your Perth backyard.
(Whilst most of this guide suits anywhere in Australia, check local conditions for growing months if you live outside Perth.)
Get your children involved. Not only is it educational learning where their food comes from, studies have shown that children are more likely to eat what they have helped grow.
When should you plant Kale?
The best months to plant Kale in Perth are Aug-May. You can plant using Seed or Transplant, ideally when the soil temperature is around 10-20 degrees celcius and the air is around 5-25 degree celcius.
Seeds or Transplant? Seed or Transplant
Ideal air temp: 5-25c
Ideal soil temp: 10-20c
Can Kale grow in pots?
Yes, they can grow in pots. Be mindful of the size they grow to.
The great thing about planting Kale in pots is that you can move them around easily, should they need more or less sun, or are getting attacked by pests. In some cases, you can even grow Kale indoors, as long as the position can get enough sun.
How much sun should Kale get?
You will discover that Kale thrives on Full sun or part shade.
Some gardens get more shade than others, and your direction north etc varies. Try the ideal position first, and if the Kale isn’t growing well enough, maybe try a more or less sunnier spot.
There can be no other occupation like gardening in which, if you were to creep up behind someone at their work, you would find them smiling.
Mirabel Osler
How often should you water Kale?
Kale really enjoys when it gets Regular watering.
They prefer soil that is Well-drained.
When can you harvest?
Being a 4 To 6 Weeks vegetable, the ideal time to harvest your Kale crop is around Apr-Sept. Play it by ear though, and just see how your plant(s) do this season.
Growing Kale in rows
If you are getting serious with your vegetable garden, you may wish to grow Kale in rows. You’ll need to allow around 60-70 centimetres between rows, and 45-60 centimetres between each seedling or seed.
Space between rows: 60-70 cm
Space between seedlings: 45-60 cm
Keep the seeds!
Did you know that you can keep Kale seeds for up to 4 years, and use them to grow more next season?
To forget how to dig the earth and to tend the soil is to forget ourselves.
Mahatma Gandhi
Enjoy delicious Kale in your Perth garden
You can save so much money by growing Kale in your own backyard.
Make a habit of calmly watering your plants, or quietly toiling the soil. Gardening can be a very personal and uplifting experience in your own life.
Now get out there and get your hands dirty and enjoy the process of growing your own vegetables.
