How to Keep Kale from Wilting in the Garden | Gadener's Path

Kale’s nutritional benefits are well-known, and the leafy green has become a favorite with restaurant chefs and home cooks alike.

Perhaps you love this veggie so much you’ve added it to your garden.

But, oh no! You’re seeing that some of the leaves of your kale plants (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) are wilting!

We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.

What’s causing this and how do you fix it? Read on to learn more!

First and foremost, it’s important to recognize that kale is a cool-weather crop, and its planting should be timed accordingly. It doesn’t like temperatures much above 70°F.

If you’ve planted your fall crop a bit early and Mother Nature has sprung a warm spell on you, you may see a bit of deflation in the heat of the day, but the kale should perk up again as the day cools.

However, if you plant this veggie in May in Texas, for example, you’re going to see some seriously wilting leaves.

Depending on your local climate, of course, you can maybe get crops in both spring and fall. Pay attention to the time-to-harvest information indicated on the back of your seed packet or on the plant pick if you’ve purchased transplants. Map out your schedule for succession planting accordingly.

Give your kale plants a solid foundation by preparing an optimal growing environment. This plant appreciates well-drained soil that’s rich in organic matter.

Amend your soil with compost before you plant, and then apply a balanced fertilizer once or twice during the growing season, according to package instructions, to ensure your plants are well-fed.

If you’re planting a spring crop, you may