Best Planting Times for Kale in Wisconsin
Planting Method | Activity | Recommended Dates |
---|---|---|
Outdoor Planting | Indoor Seed Starting | March 15 – April 15 |
Transplant Outdoors | May 1 – June 1 | |
Fall Planting | Direct Sow Outdoors | July 15 – August 15 |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 Wisconsin:
Any questions on growing kale? Visit our forum to discuss: Growing Kale
Planting Conditions
Wisconsin experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by cold winters and warm summers, with USDA Hardiness Zones ranging from 3b to 5b. These conditions are favorable for growing cool-season crops like kale, particularly 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 Wisconsin’s Largest Cities
City | Average Last Frost Date |
---|---|
Milwaukee | May 1 |
Madison | May 10 |
Green Bay | May 15 |
Kenosha | May 1 |
Racine | May 1 |
Appleton | May 15 |
Waukesha | May 10 |
Eau Claire | May 20 |
Oshkosh | May 15 |
Janesville | May 10 |
Average First Frost Dates for Wisconsin’s Largest Cities
City | Average First Frost Date |
---|---|
Milwaukee | October 15 |
Madison | October 10 |
Green Bay | October 5 |
Kenosha | October 15 |
Racine | October 15 |
Appleton | October 5 |
Waukesha | October 10 |
Eau Claire | October 1 |
Oshkosh | October 5 |
Janesville | October 10 |
Please note: These dates are averages and can vary from year to year.
Starting Kale Indoors
In areas like Milwaukee (Zone 5b), start kale seeds indoors from March 15 to April 15. This timing ensures that seedlings are ready for outdoor transplanting from early May to early June, after the last frost.
Transplanting Kale Seedlings
Transplant seedlings outdoors from May 1 to June 1, 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. Wisconsin’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 moisture retention.
Pest and Disease Management:
- Monitor for common pests like aphids, flea beetles, and cabbage worms. The cooler, humid 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 Wisconsin’s cooler fall climate.
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