When your kale plants start to go to seed, it’s important to take action to ensure the best harvest and to prevent the plants from becoming too woody and bitter. Here’s what you can do with kale that is going to seed:
1. Harvest the leaves: Before the plants fully go to seed, you can continue to harvest the leaves for fresh eating. Pick the outer leaves first, starting from the bottom of the plant, to encourage new growth and prolong the harvest. These leaves can be used in salads, sautés, or as a nutritious addition to smoothies.
2. Save seeds for future planting: If you want to have kale plants in the next growing season, you can save the seeds from the plants that are going to seed. Allow the plants to fully flower and produce seed pods. The pods will turn brown and dry out when they are ready to be harvested. Cut the stalks close to the ground, invert the stems with heads, and place them in a large paper bag. Tie off the opening with garden twine to secure the seeds. Hang the bags in a cool, dry location out of the wind for a couple of weeks to allow the seeds to fully dry. Once dry, remove the seeds from the pods and store them in a sealed container for future planting.
3. Encourage beneficial insects: Kale plants that are going to seed produce flowers that attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies. This can be beneficial for your overall garden ecosystem. If you have other plants nearby that require pollination, the presence of these beneficial insects can help increase fruit and vegetable production.
4. Compost the plants: After you have harvested the leaves and saved the seeds, you can choose to compost the remaining plant material. Chop the plants into smaller pieces to speed up the decomposition process. Kale plants are rich in nutrients and will contribute to the overall quality of your compost. However, be cautious if the plants have disease or pest issues, as it’s best to dispose of them in a way that prevents the spread of any problems.
5. Rotate crops: If you notice that your kale plants are consistently going to seed too early in the growing season, it might be a sign that they need to be rotated to a different location in your garden. Crop rotation can help prevent pests and diseases specific to kale from building up in the soil. Plan to plant kale in a different spot next year to ensure healthier and more productive plants.
When your kale plants start to go to seed, you can continue to harvest the leaves, save the seeds for future planting, encourage beneficial insects, compost the plants, and consider rotating your crops. By taking these steps, you can make the most of your kale plants and ensure a successful harvest.
