Kale seedlings

polb

Hi, I sowed some Kale a couple of weeks ago and I now have some seedlings which to me look like they could do with being planted into either bigger pots or outside.

I had planned on planting them into a raised bed eventually) but I'm worried they'll not survive the move! They've been inside.

What would be the best thing to do?

Thanks!

Pete.8

Kale is pretty tough.
They certainly don't need any additional heat now and are best outside.
If thy're small, pot them on and leave them somewhere sheltered outside for a week, then if they're big enough you can plant them into your raised beds.
I just planted some of mine into raised beds about a week ago and am about to sow more for winter harvest.
Beware of slugs and cabbage white butterfly caterpillars when they go out - they enjoy kale too!

polb

Ok, I'll do that.. Should I just use normal compost? Do they like plenty of watering?

Thank you :-)

Pete.8

Ordinary muti-purpose compost is fine.
While they're in pots keep them just damp, once planted out ensure they don't wilt in the first couple of weeks then they'll be away and only need watering if it's very dry.
When you plant them out (mine were about 4" high), plant them a little bit deep and firm them in well (same with cabbage etc). Winds can rock the plant when they're bigger and break the tiny feeding roots.

polb

Thanks for the info, really helpful

tessagardenbarmy

Planted mine out this week. Put them through holes cut in weed suppressing membrane to see if that helps with slug issues then I make a compound of wire netting ' wall' and plastic netting over the top. My allotment has grazing deer(they jump the deer fence!), pigeons and pheasants all love nibbling. Add in cabbage whites! It's a wonder anything grows.