Are you dreaming of a lush, leafy kale garden, but all you've got is a windowsill or a pea-sized balcony? Kale is ready to thrive even in the most challenging urban environments - it’s tough, resilient, and oh-so-eager to thrive, even in the harshest of conditions. Let's dive into growing kale in NYC. Your taste buds (and your waistline) will thank you.
Kale needs 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. Partial shade in hotter climates. Indoors: Ideal for pots; provide bright light or use grow lights for 12-14 hours daily.
Keep soil evenly moist, watering regularly. Indoors, air can dry soil quickly; outdoors, water regularly, especially in full sun conditions. Mulching helps retain moisture.
Kale is a cool weather crop and favors 20-75°F, ideally 60-70°F. Plant outdoors in March-May and August-September in NYC zone 7b. Indoors, keep at 60-70°F year-round.
Indoors: 8-10" wide, 8" deep, 2 gallons; Outdoors: 12-14" wide, 12-14" deep, 5 gallons
Kale loves nutrient-rich potting mix with compost like garden compost or kitchen scraps. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Apply balanced or high-nitrogen fertilizer 16-16-16 or 20-10-10 every 3-4 weeks. Organic options: fish emulsion, blood meal. Regular feeding promotes healthy leaves.
Kale is ready for harvest 50-70 days after planting, or when the leaves are 4-6 inches long. Regularly harvest outer leaves to encourage continuous production.
Harvest outer kale leaves regularly to encourage new growth. Consistent harvesting keeps the plant healthy and productive.
Yellow Leaves: Ensure good drainage, moderate watering. Pests (Aphids): Spray with soapy water or neem oil. Slow Growth: Use balanced fertilizer. Wilting: Water consistently, avoid waterlogging. Diseases (Black Rot): Improve air circulation, use fungicide.
There are around 10-15 varieties of arugula gardeners commonly grow. One of the perks of growing arugula at home is the opportunity to experiment with different varieties that you won't find at the grocery store.
Do you have any questions or requests? I'm here to help!