The past few days has me skipping around in a magical world of colorful leaves and pumpkin-spiced decafs.
I’m usually against the flavored guys because of all the garbage in there, but I couldn’t help myself. Plus, it was on “clearance” – which at Target means 15% off. Would someone tell them that this does not constitute clearance?
Anyways, Fall. I’m soaking it in. I’ve stopped often at the farmers market for fresh apples and to peruse their beautiful pumpkin displays.
That’s where I came across the kale plants. ‘Tis the season for kale. Gosh, I thought, I’d sure love to have kale on my back porch!
…but I know I shouldn’t.
My house seems to be where plants go to die.
Why do I have this black thumb instead of my Nannie’s talented green one?
But maybe, just maybe, kale could be different? Then I could make my favorite kale chips all the time!
Still, I can hear my poor basil plants screaming RUN to the unsuspecting kale.
So, I shouldn’t.
But I did.
I’ve also done a little research.
Kale likes space. 12-18 inches apart.
Harvest the larger leaves (stem and all). If you pick off the smaller leaves it will stunt the plant’s growth.
Get rid of yellow leaves as soon as they appear. It means you aren’t harvesting quickly enough.
Keep plants well-watered. Kale likes moist soil.
So, I’m going to give it a go.
I just don’t trust myself enough to plant them yet.
Are you planting any fall produce?
Ever grown kale?
Tips?
eal4c says
Tomatoes, basil, and peppers are annuals – they die at the end of the summer no matter what one does.
Brittany says
I wish I could use that as my excuse! Unfortunately my garden looked like that for most of summer! //hangs head in shame//
blackhuff says
That Pumpkin Pie Spice coffee, is also that made to our shelves here in South Africa recently. I did not buy it because it’s so expensive but now hearing that you tell us that it is delicious, I will buy one and taste it.
Your Kale plant looks very healthy. I’m sure you will harvest from it so much.
Brittney says
Haha, I’m the same way, I can’t keep plants alive either. My husband loves plants and continues to keep buying more, even though I’m terrible about remembering to water them and he constantly nags me about it when he’s on trips every week! Good luck- I have no advice for you, as I am sure my advice would kill your kale plant!
Abbie says
Hey lady! Love your blog. Would you be willing to do more daily posts on what you consume throughout the day? I would love to get a better feel for what you eat. I am always looking for ideas and striving to find balance! 😀
Adria @ A Spoonful of Healthy says
I too am trying to find balance as well and would be really interested!!
Paulina says
My mom planted a few kale plants in her garden years ago and the cool thing about them is that they seem to survive the winter. We get cold snowy winters here in the mitten and she swears she can still harvest some kale all winter long. So it must be a hardy plant, maybe it will do well on your porch. I am terrible at gardening, but my mom is pretty great. She saves her egg shells and coffee grounds and spreads them the garden as fertilizer, so you could look into that.
Paige @ Your Trainer Paige says
Sometimes ya just need a little flavored creamer, right? 🙂
Good luck with the kale! This will be one of the first veggies I try when I eventually start my own garden! But I, too, have a black thumb.
christina says
You’re growing kale! That’s so cool. How is that creamer already on sale? YIKES
KaraHadley says
Growing kale sounds awesome. I’ll have to keep my eye out for seedlings (because I think it’s too late for seeds). G’luck!
Lisa @ The Splattered Apron says
We’re growing kale, lettuce, broccoli and Brussels sprouts right now. Gathered our first lettuce harvest last night. Our kale is struggling but I’m hoping it will pull through.
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
Good luck! I’m with you, I have a total black thumb. It’s too bad really.
Erin says
Good luck! I am the kiss of death when it comes to plant life, so I’ve never tried anything more than herbs…which I killed, of course.
Lisa says
Your a brave lady for trying this out;) I too am a plant killer, but kale seems simple enough, right! That is pretty cool, I kind of want to try and see if I could make kale grow properly!
Roz@weightingfor50 says
I planted kale this summer, it started out strong, but withered away. I think I planted the seeds too close. Can’t wait to see how yours does Brittany!! Good luck!!
Stephanie @ Mr and Meatless says
I’ve never tried growing my own kale before but I’ve been making and eating kale chips like they’re going out of style lately! Good luck with the growing. I know what it feels like to have a black thumb. 🙁
Chantal says
I can’t grow things. I tried, I failed.
jodie says
I’ve grown kale! Pick from bottom up usually. Its a strong plant 🙂
thehealthyapron says
I love kale lately but I don’t have a garden. Hoping to get one set up next year…too much going on this year with the baby and all!
Spent a lot of time on your site last night, reading your post-baby body posts. You are SO encouraging! Makes me feel like I am right on track with 8 lbs to go and 12 weeks post-partum tomorrow!
Jessie says
I can’t grow anything. I just don’t only not have the patience, I forget all about them. Oh well haha.