Best Planting Times for Kale in Washington
Planting Method | Activity | Recommended Dates |
---|---|---|
Outdoor Planting | Indoor Seed Starting | February 15 – March 15 |
Transplant Outdoors | March 15 – April 15 | |
Fall Planting | Direct Sow Outdoors | July 15 – August 15 |
Planting Conditions
Washington has a diverse climate, with the western part of the state experiencing a maritime climate and the eastern part having a more continental climate, falling within USDA Hardiness Zones 6a to 9a. These conditions are favorable for growing cool-season crops like kale, especially in 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 Washington’s Largest Cities
City | Average Last Frost Date |
---|---|
Seattle | April 15 |
Spokane | May 1 |
Tacoma | April 20 |
Vancouver | April 10 |
Bellevue | April 15 |
Kent | April 15 |
Everett | April 20 |
Renton | April 15 |
Spokane Valley | May 1 |
Federal Way | April 15 |
Average First Frost Dates for Washington’s Largest Cities
City | Average First Frost Date |
---|---|
Seattle | November 1 |
Spokane | October 10 |
Tacoma | October 25 |
Vancouver | October 20 |
Bellevue | November 1 |
Kent | November 1 |
Everett | October 25 |
Renton | November 1 |
Spokane Valley | October 10 |
Federal Way | November 1 |
Please note: These dates are averages and can vary from year to year.
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Useful Tools for Starting Kale Indoors
Using the right tools can save you time and increase your success rate.
Seeds
Quality seeds lead to better germination and healthier plants. Starting with high-quality seeds gives your kale the best chance to thrive from the very beginning.
Browse Kale Seeds on Amazon
Planting Trays
Planting trays help you organize your seedlings and ensure they have enough space to grow before you transplant them outdoors. This makes the process more efficient and increases the chances of strong, healthy plants.
Find Planting Trays on Amazon
Grow Lights
Grow lights are essential if you don’t have enough natural sunlight. They provide your seedlings with the light they need to grow strong and healthy, even in less-than-ideal conditions.
Check out Grow Lights on Amazon
Seed Starting Soil
Using light, fine soil specifically designed for seed starting helps young roots establish quickly and promotes healthy growth. It’s an easy way to give your seedlings the best start possible.
Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon
Garden Tools and Fertilizer
Garden Trowel
A garden trowel is a handy tool that makes transplanting your seedlings easier and more precise, ensuring that each plant is placed at the right depth without damaging the roots.
Shop Garden Trowels on Amazon
Soil and Fertilizer
Fertilizer is essential for enhancing growth, especially if your soil is nutrient-poor. By enriching the soil, you give your kale plants the nutrients they need to grow robust and produce a bountiful harvest.
Explore Fertilizer on Amazon
Other planting guides for Washington:
Any questions on growing kale? Visit our forum to discuss: Growing Kale
Starting Kale Indoors
In areas like Seattle (Zone 8b), start kale seeds indoors from February 15 to March 15. This timing ensures that seedlings are ready for outdoor transplanting from mid-March to mid-April, after the last frost.
Transplanting Kale Seedlings
Transplant seedlings outdoors from March 15 to April 15, ensuring soil temperatures are consistently above 45°F. Space plants 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 maintain evenly moist soil. Washington’s varied climate means that regular watering is essential, particularly during drier periods.
- Water at the base of the plants to keep foliage dry and reduce the risk of diseases.
Fertilizing:
- Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and again when the leaves begin to develop. Adding compost before planting helps improve soil fertility and structure.
Pest and Disease Management:
- Watch out for common pests like aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage worms. Washington’s humid climate in some regions can also encourage fungal diseases, so regular monitoring is important.
- Use organic or integrated pest management practices to keep your kale plants healthy.
Harvesting Kale:
- Pick the leaves when they’re large enough to eat but still tender. Regular harvesting promotes new growth and can extend the harvesting season, especially in Washington’s varied climate.
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