Kale grows beautifully in pots and it has the kind of leaves that grow back when you cut them making it the perfect plant to keep on a window sill or a fire escape in order to grow your own kale chips. Kale is hardy. It prefers cold weather but it can adapt to heat (although if it gets too hot the leaves can get bitter).
How do you grow kale plants, you ask? It’s easy!
Buy some kale seeds (we like curly kale for kale chips because it gets crunchier, but here’s our guide to all the varieties of kale). Find a pot that is at least 6 inches across and 8 inches deep and fill it with potting soil. You can make your own potting soil, but you can save time and buy it too. Plant 2 -3 seeds in the center of the pot, about 1/2 inch deep. Keep the soil moist and as the seedlings grow, pull out the weaker ones, leaving one strong plant. You can read more detailed information about growing plants from seed here.
All you need to know about keeping a kale plant in your apartment is this:
- It needs a bit of light.
- If you forget to water it, the leaves will get bitter.
- Don’t pick all the leaves at once.
- Never pick the leaves right in the center or you will kill the plant. Instead harvest the outer leaves.
- Twist the leaves off gently, or snip them with scissors.
