Best Planting Times for Kale in Nebraska
Planting Method | Activity | Recommended Dates |
---|---|---|
Outdoor Planting | Indoor Seed Starting | March 15 – April 15 |
Transplant Outdoors | April 15 – May 15 | |
Fall Planting | Direct Sow Outdoors | July 15 – August 15 |
Planting Conditions
Nebraska experiences a continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters, falling within USDA Hardiness Zones 4b to 5b. The state’s climate is ideal for cool-season crops like kale, especially during the spring and fall.
Plant kale outdoors approximately 4-6 weeks before the last frost in spring, and 6-8 weeks before the first frost in fall.
Average Last Frost Dates for Nebraska’s Largest Cities
City | Average Last Frost Date |
---|---|
Omaha | April 28 |
Lincoln | April 25 |
Bellevue | April 28 |
Grand Island | May 1 |
Kearney | May 5 |
Fremont | April 27 |
Hastings | May 1 |
Norfolk | April 29 |
North Platte | May 5 |
Columbus | April 30 |
Average First Frost Dates for Nebraska’s Largest Cities
City | Average First Frost Date |
---|---|
Omaha | October 10 |
Lincoln | October 8 |
Bellevue | October 10 |
Grand Island | October 5 |
Kearney | October 8 |
Fremont | October 9 |
Hastings | October 5 |
Norfolk | October 7 |
North Platte | October 5 |
Columbus | October 7 |
Please note: These dates are averages and can vary from year to year. It’s always a good idea to monitor local weather forecasts and consider your specific location and microclimate when planning your gardening activities.
Starting Kale Indoors
In areas like Omaha (Zone 5b), start kale seeds indoors from March 15 to April 15. This timing ensures that seedlings are ready for outdoor transplanting from mid-April to mid-May, after the last frost.
Transplanting Kale Seedlings
Transplant seedlings outdoors from April 15 to May 15, ensuring soil temperatures are consistently above 45°F. Space seedlings 12-18 inches apart in rows at least 18 inches apart to allow for good air circulation and sunlight exposure.
General Care and Maintenance
Watering:
- Water deeply and consistently to keep the soil evenly moist. Nebraska’s warm summers can dry out the soil quickly, so regular watering is essential.
- Water at the base of the plants to prevent wetting the foliage, which helps reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Fertilizing:
- Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and again when the leaves begin to develop. Adding compost to the soil before planting can improve fertility and soil structure.
Pest and Disease Management:
- Monitor for common pests like aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage worms. The climate can also encourage fungal diseases, so vigilance is necessary.
- Use organic or integrated pest management strategies to protect your plants from pests and diseases.
Harvesting Kale:
- Harvest kale leaves when they are large enough to eat but still tender. Regular harvesting encourages new growth and extends the harvesting season, particularly in Nebraska’s favorable growing conditions.
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