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Kale
The toughest crop on the plot — picks right through frost and snow when nothing else does.
Easy
Brassica
12–16 weeks to first pick
0 growers follow
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Kale seeds
£1.99 in the shop
Calendar
Sow
April – June
Plant out
Plant out firmly in July at 45cm spacing
Harvest
October – April
Conditions
Sun
Full sun to part shade
Water
Water well after transplanting
Soil
Firm, fertile, limed if acidic
Spacing
45cm apart
Containers
Dwarf varieties in large pots
Indoors
Start in modules to beat slugs
Care and harvest
Feeding
Nitrogen-rich feed in autumn
Pruning
Pick from the bottom, leave the crown growing
Harvesting
Take a few leaves per plant — sweeter after frost
Storage
Fridge for a week, or blanch and freeze
Good companions: Nasturtium, Mint, Dill