Helpful hints for building coops

[jvls1942]

thanks, I did some reading about kale. I used to raise cabbage, it sounds like the same pests.
my GS made a sausage type stew with kale and potatoes.. It was very delicious.
I will try some in containers. I will have a nice fertile spot for some after I dig the garlic.. A friend told me that hers wintered over. That was in Zone 6. I am border Zone 5 and 4..
......jiminwisc........

 

[CapricornFarm]

Never grew kale, but I Bet my chickens would like it.
That's fun with the wine, helps with aches and pains.

 

[3KillerBs]

A friend told me that hers wintered over. That was in Zone 6. I am border Zone 5 and 4.

Here on the border of zone 7b and 8a (literally -- within a quarter mile north of my property), it's one of our winter crops. I *might* put some in for baby greens if I have the space, but it won't be as sweet and good if it matures in hot weather and doesn't get touched by frost.

I've got a space that I have peas in right now and plan to put beans in over the summer so that it will be nice and fertile for the collards, kale, etc. this fall.

 

[jvls1942]

Yeah, the wine was something I could do to pass the time.. I can't drink much of it. The alcohol is too high and it gives me reflux.
.....jiminwisc......

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Here on the border of zone 7b and 8a (literally -- within a quarter mile north of my property), it's one of our winter crops. I *might* put some in for baby greens if I have the space, but it won't be as sweet and good if it matures in hot weather and doesn't get touched by frost.

I've got a space that I have peas in right now and plan to put beans in over the summer so that it will be nice and fertile for the collards, kale, etc. this fall.

Also an "8a" (though close to 8b). Love Kale, in the winter. In the summer, assuming it grows at all and doesn't become dried paper, its tough and bitter. Still useable, as a wrap. Stuff it with meat, rice, cheese, roll moderately tight, put in a casserole with a tomato based sauce. Bake till softened and the stuffing sets.

A number of cultural variations, which range from "sweet and sour" thru roasted tomato savory with added acid brightness, to peppery heat, and back again. All kinds of differing spice mixes inside, as well.

/edit and now I miss that none of my kale grew this winter. Tried a "rainbow" mix, pre-fertilized, but we had weird weather (again), and I wasn't focused on the raised beds

 

[Molpet]

thanks, I did some reading about kale. I used to raise cabbage, it sounds like the same pests.
my GS made a sausage type stew with kale and potatoes.. It was very delicious.
I will try some in containers. I will have a nice fertile spot for some after I dig the garlic.. A friend told me that hers wintered over. That was in Zone 6. I am border Zone 5 and 4..
......jiminwisc........

Zone 5 and kale usually overwinter. But it trys to bolt. Flower buds look and taste like little broccoli.
Deer ate mine this winter for the first time. Also ate the blue spruce they never bothered before either.

 

[Sally PB]

Zone 5 and kale usually overwinter. But it trys to bolt. Flower buds look and taste like little broccoli.

Interesting! I'm in zone 5. I never thought to try it. What do you do to overwinter? Mulch? cold frame?

 

[Molpet]

Interesting! I'm in zone 5. I never thought to try it. What do you do to overwinter? Mulch? cold frame?

I Ignore. Usually there's enough snow to insulate. If the top dies comes back from roots. I'm hoping mine the deer ate comes back, but they dug and removed the snow cover.

 

[Sally PB]

@Molpet, Thanks for the info. I will be planting my kale this spring with a plan to leave it there next winter, and see what happens.

Cool. Another garden adventure.

 

[Molpet]

@Molpet, Thanks for the info. I will be planting my kale this spring with a plan to leave it there next winter, and see what happens.

Cool. Another garden adventure.

The curly kale seems to be the hardiest. The straight dinosaur and the Russian kale doesn't do as well for me.