Kale is best grown on well-drained, medium or heavy loam, which was well manured for a previous crop.

A plot which has produced early potatoes or peas and has been cleared by planting out time is ideal.

Do not dig the plot, just dress the surface with a general purpose fertilizer, at a rate of 60gm (2oz) per sq.m.

Week 18; Sow seeds outdoors in a seed / nursery bed.

Thin the seedlings as they grow, to give them enough room to form sturdy, healthy young plants.

alternatively; sow in boxes/trays and place in a cold frame to germinate and prick out into 3” pots when large enough to handle. Continue to grow on in coldframe until planting out time.

Week 27; Transplant 600mm (24”) apart each way.

Week 48: > Harvest the leaves from the center of the plant first to allow the side-growths to produce tender shoots well into April.