Kale in May: monthly care

Kale thrives in full sun or partial shade and prefers loam or clay soil that holds moisture well but doesn't become waterlogged. Before planting, prepare the soil by digging in plenty of well-rotted compost or manure; brassicas are hungry feeders and benefit from fertile ground. The soil should be firm rather than fluffy—tread it down gently after digging to give the plants a stable base. Sow kale outdoors from May through July for harvests from autumn through winter. You can sow directly into the ground or start in modules or a seedbed for transplanting later. If sowing direct, place seeds 1–2 cm deep in rows 40 cm apart, then thin seedlings to 40 cm spacing once they have a few true leaves. For transplants, sow in modules and move young plants to their final positions when they're around 10–15 cm tall, spacing them 40 cm apart in all directions. Plant firmly, burying the stem up to the first set of true leaves to encourage a strong root system. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots. If your garden is exposed or windy, consider staking taller varieties later in the season to prevent them toppling over in winter gales. Apply a mulch of compost around the base of each plant a few weeks after planting to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Protect young plants from pigeons and cabbage white butterflies with netting or fleece from the outset—brassicas are magnets for these pests.