How to grow kale in a raised bed

Kale is about as hardy and nutritious as veg gets, and it actually sweetens after a touch of cold. One planting can feed you right through the cooler months.

Quick facts

• Position: full sun to part shade
• Spacing: 40–50 cm apart
• Tub depth: our 35 cm depth
• Time to harvest: 8–10 weeks, then pick for months

When to plant: Kale loves the cool — plant from late summer through autumn and winter for the best, sweetest leaves. Our free planting calendar shows the right months for your postcode.

Growing them in a raised bed: Plant into rich mix and pick the lower leaves as it grows. Like all brassicas, it's a magnet for cabbage-white caterpillars, so insect netting over the bed saves a lot of grief.

Watering and feeding: Keep moisture steady and feed for lush, dark leaves. Water the soil in the morning.

Common pests: keep an eye out for caterpillars, aphids, whiteflies and stink bugs. Most are easily managed — see our safe pest guide.

Common diseases: the main ones are downy mildew and leaf spot. Good airflow, morning watering and steady moisture prevent most.

Companion plants: Aromatic herbs and beans are good companions; keep kale away from strawberries. See our companion planting guide.

Harvest and storage: Pick the lower, outer leaves and let the plant grow on from the top — it'll keep producing for months. Young leaves are best raw, older ones cooked.

Plan your patch: our free planting calendar shows what to plant now where you live. Ready to grow? Browse our raised garden beds or build your own with the garden bed builder.

Image: Sun Jiao (Interaccoonale), CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.