Red Russian Kale

Planting:
Plant as soon as the ground can be worked, very frost tolerant. Sow 1⁄4-1⁄2 inches deep, 1 inch apart in rows 18-30 inches apart. Thin seedlings to 8-12 inches apart. Kale germinates easily in cool or warm soil temperatures with even moisture.

Growing:
Choose an area with full sun and soil pH of 6.0-7.0. Enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure. Flavour is improved if the plants grow quickly. Kale benefits from additional feedings of liquid fertilizer during the growing season.

Harvesting:
Leaves can be used at any time for salads or as garnishes. Leaves are cropped, leaving the bud to grow new leaves, or the entire plant is harvested at one cutting. For a fall crop, wait until the plants are touched by a frost to sweeten the taste.

Companions:

Bush bean, beet, celery, cucumber, lettuce, onion, potato.

Growing Microgreens:
Sow seeds in a shallow tray of potting mix and cover lightly. About 8 to 9 grams of seed should be enough for an 11 inch x 21 inch tray. Keep the soil moist but not wet. Seedlings should be grown in full light to keep them from stretching.

Harvest:
Once seedlings have 1 –2 true leaves they are ready for harvest. This can range from 10-20 days depending on the growing conditions and the type of micro green. To harvest cut the seedlings off just above ground level with a sharp knife or scissors. The plants will not regrow, so discard the left over soil and start a new batch.

Pests:
Damping off can be a problem with microgreens. Be sure and use fresh potting mix with each batch, do not over water and allow air to circulate around the seedlings.