Kale Growing Guide Crop Rotation Group Brassicas (Cabbage family) ● Soil Good soil, firm, preferably with plenty of well rotted compost dug in. Position Full sun. Frost tolerant Yes. Feeding Not usually required. Companions Dill, Mint, Thyme, Chamomile, Catnip, Tansy, Buckwheat, Marigold and Nasturtium. Spacing Single Plants: 40cm (1' 3") each way (minimum) Rows: 35cm (1' 1") with 45cm (1' 5") row gap (minimum) Sow and Plant Sow in pots under cover for early sowings or during cold weather. Plant out when thumb sized. Can be direct sown as well. Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area. Notes Use fine mesh or exclusion netting over the warmer months to prevent butterflies laying eggs on the underside of leaves - caterpillars can destroy these plants. Protect against birds which can damage the young seedlings and overwintering crops. May need supportive stakes during the winter. Harvesting Harvest leaves gradually from the centre of each plant while they are still tender. New leaves will grow and harvesting can extend from late autumn/fall right through to the next spring. Planting and Harvesting Calendar < Back to All Plants Pests which Affect Kale Aphid, Cabbage Aphids (General) Cabbage Moth Cabbage White Butterfly Diamondback Moth Flea Beetle Slug Snail Plant Diseases which Affect Kale Brassica Alternaria Leaf Spot Brassica Black Rot Brassica Club Root Brassica Downy Mildew