Caring for Your Kale Crop: A Guide for NYC Gardeners

Where it Fits in NYC

List all icons of attributes directly under header image above like: container sizes, indoor/outdoor, hydroponic, spaces, click here to get seeds, difficulty, pollinator, cool/warm weather, perennial/annual, best month to plant, best month to harvest, etc.

Why I Grow It

I grow kale because it is one of the easiest plants for my NYC garden. It flourishes in cooler weather, so I can harvest for about 9 months of the year. I love how well it pairs with other popular crops like carrots, radishes, and beets. I even grow kale microgreens indoors during the depths of winter. And it's easy to get my leafy greens in by throwing them in a protein shake.

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Growth Essentials

Light

Kale needs 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. Partial shade in hotter climates. Indoors: Ideal for pots; provide bright light or use grow lights for 12-14 hours daily.

Water

Keep soil evenly moist, watering regularly. Indoors, air can dry soil quickly; outdoors, water regularly, especially in full sun conditions. Mulching helps retain moisture.

Temperature

Kale is a cool weather crop and favors 20-75°F, ideally 60-70°F. Plant outdoors in March-May and August-September in NYC zone 7b. Indoors, keep at 60-70°F year-round.

Containers

Indoors: 8-10" wide, 8" deep, 2 gallons.

‍Outdoors: 12-14" wide, 12-14" deep, 5 gallons

Soil

Kale loves nutrient-rich potting mix with compost like garden compost or kitchen scraps. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Fertilizer

Apply balanced or high-nitrogen fertilizer 16-16-16 or 20-10-10 every 3-4 weeks.

Organic Options: fish emulsion, blood meal. Regular feeding promotes healthy leaves.

Harvesting Tips

Harvest outer kale leaves regularly to encourage new growth. Consistent harvesting keeps the plant healthy and productive.

Harvest Time

Moderate: 7-8 Weeks

Close-up of kale leaves growing in a New York City urban garden

Why are my kale leaves turning yellow?

Why It's Happening:

Yellow leaves at the bottom usually mean the roots are too wet. NYC humidity makes it hard for soil in pots to dry out.

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How to Fix It:

Make sure your pot has plenty of drainage holes. Add worm castings to the soil to help it stay healthy. Only water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

What are these tiny bugs on the back of the leaves?

Why It's Happening:

Aphids love kale. Because NYC is a heat island, these bugs can stay active longer and multiply fast in small gardens.

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How to Fix It:

Buy ladybugs to release on your kale! They will eat the aphids for you. You can also spray the leaves with water and a little mild soap.

Why is my kale growing so slowly?

Why It's Happening:

Kale is a heavy feeder. In the city, plants in containers quickly use up all the food in their potting mix.

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How to Fix It:

Feed your kale a high-nitrogen plant food (like 10-5-5) every two weeks. Mixing in fresh compost once a month also gives it a big energy boost.

Why is my kale wilting in the afternoon?

Why It's Happening:

The heat coming off NYC brick walls and concrete can bake a kale plant. Even though it is tough, it still needs water to stay cool.

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How to Fix It:

Water your kale deeply in the morning. If it is on a very hot balcony, move it to a spot with a little shade during the hottest part of the day.

Why are the leaf edges turning black or yellow?

Why It's Happening:

This is likely Black Rot. It happens in NYC because the air is sticky and does not move well between buildings.

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How to Fix It:

Do not crowd your plants. Cut off the sick leaves and throw them away. Use beneficial nematodes in the soil to help keep the whole plant strong.

Grows Together With (Companion Planting)

Red and orange marigold flower in full bloom in an urban garden setting

Marigolds

Health & Nutrition Spotlight

Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on Earth, loaded with Vitamins A, K, and C, plus powerful antioxidants like quercetin.

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Curated Gear For Growing

Organic Leafy Greens & Lettuce Seed Starter Collection

Organic Leafy Greens & Lettuce Seed Starter Collection

This is an excellent beginner-friendly greens mix, fast-growing, cut-and-come-again varieties that work especially well in containers and hydroponics.

Lettuce & Salad Greens Seed Variety Pack

Lettuce & Salad Greens Seed Variety Pack

This is a fantastic starter pack for lettuce lovers. The mix lets you grow cut-and-come-again salads, experiment with flavors, and harvest fresh greens year-round.

Vegetable Seed Variety Pack for Outdoor Food Gardens

Vegetable Seed Variety Pack for Outdoor Food Gardens

This is a great starter pack for anyone with outdoor space who wants to grow a wide range of food without overthinking seed selection

Heirloom Vegetable Seed Variety Pack for Beginner Gardeners

Heirloom Vegetable Seed Variety Pack for Beginner Gardeners

This is an excellent starter pack if you want to experiment with many crops at once and learn what grows best in your space without overthinking seed selection

Plastic Grow Bags for Seed Starting and Container Gardening

Plastic Grow Bags for Seed Starting and Container Gardening

These come in 1, 2, 3 and 5 gallon sizes - use 5 gallon for tomatoes, squash, and cucumbers, 3 gallon for peppers, and 1–2 gallon for basil, herbs and edible flowers

Bypass Pruning Shears for Everyday Gardening

Bypass Pruning Shears for Everyday Gardening

I like these because they are reliable clippers backed by a lifetime warranty making them a smart go to tool for New York City gardeners with limited space

Down To Earth Organic Vegetable Garden Fertilizer 4-4-4

This is my favorite foundational fertilizer for containers because it’s gentle and perfect for feeding a wide mix of vegetables

Down To Earth Organic Tomato & Vegetable Fertilizer 4-6-2

This is one of my go-to all purpose fertilizers for container veggies because it feeds slowly keeping plants balanced

Down To Earth Organic Azomite Trace Mineral Powder

Down To Earth Organic Azomite Trace Mineral Powder

Plants need trace minerals just like we do, I add azomite every spring to keep soil balanced and crops more flavorful especially in containers

Wakefield Premium Biochar Blend Organic Potting Soil

Wakefield Premium Biochar Blend Organic Potting Soil

I like this for containers and raised beds when I want better nutrient holding power and steadier watering especially for heavy feeding vegetables

Organic Perlite Soil Amendment

Organic Perlite Soil Amendment

I use this in almost every soil mix to prevent compaction and keep roots healthy especially in containers

Premium Organic Compost

Premium Organic Compost

Great for topping off containers and garden beds when soil needs a gentle nutrient boost without a strong odor

Organic Mushroom Compost Soil Conditioner

Organic Mushroom Compost Soil Conditioner

Great for refreshing tired soil and boosting beds and large containers especially outdoors

Organic Cow Manure Garden Fertilizer

Organic Cow Manure Garden Fertilizer

I only use this outdoors to build soil fertility and improve texture in garden beds and large containers

Organic Vermiculite Soil Amendment

I use vermiculite for seed starting and indoor mixes because it keeps soil evenly moist without compacting which is key in containers and trays

Organic Worm Castings Soil Amendment

I use this as a top dressing or adding to my soil mix because it improves plant health and works especially well in containers

Compressed Organic Potting Soil Made from Coconut Coir and Worm Castings

This is great for small spaces and apartments because it stores easily, expands fast and holds moisture really well without getting soggy

Professional Peat Based Potting Mix with Mycorrhizae

Professional Peat Based Potting Mix with Mycorrhizae

This is my go to base soil mix for containers and seed starting, the mycorrhizae really help roots establish faster especially in pots and grow bags

Organic All Purpose Plant Food 5-3-3

Organic All Purpose Plant Food 5-3-3

I use this for vegetables in containers and raised beds it’s reliable, gentle and great for long term feeding

Organic Compost for Containers Raised Beds and Gardens

Organic Compost for Containers, Raised Beds and Gardens

I love adding this to outdoor container mixes to boost soil life and improve water holding especially for balcony and rooftop gardens

Premium Potting Soil with Mycorrhizae for Container Plants

Premium Potting Soil with Mycorrhizae for Container Plants

I love this for containers because the mycorrhizae help roots establish fast especially in pots on balconies and terraces

The Old Farmer’s Almanac Container Gardener’s Handbook

Great reference book for beginners who want simple reliable container growing advice for balconies, patios and indoors

The Vegetable Gardener’s Container Bible

One of the best beginner friendly books for learning how to grow real food in containers even on patios, balconies and terraces

The Bountiful Container

The Bountiful Container

A classic container gardening book that proves you can grow almost anything in pots, perfect for balconies, terraces and small urban spaces

Field Guide to Urban Gardening Book

One of the best mindset-shifting books for city gardeners, it shows you how to grow food anywhere, no yard required

How to Garden Indoors & Grow Your Own Food Year-Round Book

Perfect for apartment dwellers who want to grow herbs, greens and even fruit indoors all year without outdoor space

Grow Bag Gardening Book

This is a sustainable resource for urban gardeners using balconies, rooftops or small outdoor spaces who want high yields without heavy containers

Stainless Steel Garden Hose Splitter (2-Way)

Stainless Steel Garden Hose Splitter (2-Way)

Perfect for NYC terraces or backyards where you’re splitting water between irrigation systems

2-Gallon Watering Can with Removable Long Spout

2-Gallon Watering Can with Removable Long Spout

This is perfect for balconies, rooftops, or apartments without outdoor water hookups

24-Inch Watering Wand with Gentle Shower Head

24-Inch Watering Wand with Gentle Shower Head

My favorite watering wand - perfect for hanging baskets, tall containers, and hard-to-reach spots, and the ultra-gentle shower is great for seedlings

2 Gallon Outdoor Watering Can with Removable Long Spout

2 Gallon Outdoor Watering Can with Removable Long Spout

Perfect for balcony and patio gardeners who don’t have an outdoor hose hookup

3/4-Inch Garden Hose Splitter (3-Way Outdoor Faucet Adapter)

3/4-Inch Garden Hose Splitter (3-Way Outdoor Faucet Adapter)

I use one of these on my outdoor water hookup so I can run multiple irrigation systems at the same time

Adjustable Drip Irrigation System Kit for Garden & Raised Beds

I use this to water my outdoor garden, it keeps plants consistently watered and saves a ton of time, especially in the summer

Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth

Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth

I like this for keeping ants and other crawling pests under control naturally

Live Beneficial Nematodes Hb + Sc + Sf

Live Beneficial Nematodes Hb + Sc + Sf

These beneficial nematodes help control fungus gnats, thrips (soil stage), grubs, root weevils, and cutworms in NYC gardens

Live Ladybugs for Natural Pest Control

I like these for outdoor aphid outbreaks, but I wouldn’t release them indoors

Peppermint Plant Protection Spray

Peppermint Plant Protection Spray

I like this because peppermint helps control pests and smells way better than chemicals

Black Sticky Fungus Gnat Traps

Black Sticky Fungus Gnat Traps

I love these because they are a little less noticable and still work really well indoors

8 oz Refillable Spray Bottles

8 oz Refillable Spray Bottles

I like these because they’re perfect for mixing neem, soap, and plant sprays at home

Pure Neem Oil Concentrate

Pure Neem Oil Concentrate

I like this because I can dilute it myself and use it safely on indoor plants only and avoiding the leaves I would eat

Peppermint Pure Castile Liquid Soap

Peppermint Pure Castile Liquid Soap

I like this because it gently washes bugs off plants and pests hate the peppermint scent

Thermal Transfer Waterproof Labels for Label Makers

Thermal Transfer Waterproof Labels for Label Makers

I love these because they stay readable in blazing summer sun and rain

Waterproof Plastic Plant Labels T Style

Waterproof Plastic Plant Labels T Style

I love these because they last forever and come in colors that are easy to organize

Organic Leafy Greens Seed Variety Pack

Organic Leafy Greens Seed Variety Pack

These are an easy starter pack for growing lettuce, kale, spinach hydroponically

Professional Bypass Pruning Shears Swiss Made

Professional Bypass Pruning Shears Swiss Made

I love these because they feel perfect in hand and make the cleanest cuts

Aluminum Garden Hand Tool Set 3 Pack

Aluminum Garden Hand Tool Set 3 Pack

I like this because it is a simple solid starter set for growing food outdoors

Plastic Plant Saucer Drip Trays

Plastic Plant Saucer Drip Trays

I use these to hold extra rainwater on balconies where watering is tricky

Compact Vertical Indoor Hydroponic Growing System

Compact Vertical Indoor Hydroponic Growing System

I love this because it grows a lot of food indoors without taking up much space

Large Indoor Hydroponic Growing System with Trellis

Large Indoor Hydroponic Growing System with Trellis

You could grow large veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers indoors

Smart Indoor Hydroponic Growing System 10 Pod

Smart Indoor Hydroponic Growing System 10 Pod

Very cute, it performs well and the color actually looks great in a kitchen

Large Vertical Hydroponic Growing System 5 Tier

Large Vertical Hydroponic Growing System 5 Tier

I love this for experienced growers ready to scale up to serious indoor hydroponics

Vertical Indoor Hydroponic Growing System 2 Tier

Vertical Indoor Hydroponic Growing System 2 Tier

I love this because it lets you go all in on hydroponics indoors with real yields

Hydroponic Grow Sponges Refill Pack 120 Count

Hydroponic Grow Sponges Refill Pack 120 Count

I use these when I need refills for my hydroponic system and DIY glass bottles

Lightweight Kink Free Garden Hose 100 FT

Lightweight Kink Free Garden Hose 100 FT

I like this because it stays flexible and is easier to maneuver while watering

2 Gallon Watering Can with Removable Long Spout

2 Gallon Watering Can with Removable Long Spout

Perfect for container gardens, holds enough water to care for multiple plants at once

Galvanized Metal Raised Garden Bed 8x2x1.5 ft

Galvanized Metal Raised Garden Bed 8x2x1.5 ft

Ideal for a backyard garden if you plan to stay put for a while and get big harvests year after year

Large One Handed Salad Spinner 6.3 Qt

Large One Handed Salad Spinner 6.3 Qt

I use this for washing fresh harvests from the garden, ready to eat in minutes

Narrow Wicker Harvest Basket with Handles

Curved Micro Tip Garden Snips 6 Inch

Curved Micro Tip Garden Snips 6 Inch

deal for indoor gardeners growing herbs, perfect for harvesting basil, cilantro and microgreens

Elevated Wooden Raised Garden Bed with Storage Shelf

Great for terrace or backyard gardening, the raised height makes planting most anything easier

Tall Rectangular Metal Planter with Insert Shelf

Tall Rectangular Metal Planter with Insert Shelf

Great for terraces, the elevated look feels architectural and works well for nearly all plants

Raised Self Watering Garden Bed with Gauge 12.7 Gallons

Raised Self Watering Garden Bed with Gauge 12.7 Gallons

One of my favorite planters I have grown almost everything in these perfect for intercropping

Acacia Wood Barrel Planters Set of 3

Acacia Wood Barrel Planters Set of 3

A cute option for outdoor herb gardens great for starting an herb garden

14 Inch Round Concrete Style Planter with Drainage

14 Inch Round Concrete Style Planter with Drainage

A more elegant option where I would grow one tomato as the centerpiece with lettuces or herbs planted around it

24 Inch Railing Planter Boxes with Coco Liners 2 Pack

I like these for vertical gardening on balconies or fences for herbs, flowers or lettuces

5 Tier Vertical Stacking Planter with Wheels

5 Tier Vertical Stacking Planter with Wheels

I have two of these for strawberries, lettuce and other shallow rooted crops for small outdoor spaces

12 Inch Round Planter with Saucer 3 Gallon

A great size for growing one pepper plant outdoors with oregano, thyme, or lettuce planted alongside

Modern Plastic Planters with Saucers 3 Pack 8–10 Inch

Perfect for indoors to grow basil, rosemary, thyme and oregano, ideal for windowsills

14 Inch Self Watering Planter with Reservoir

14 Inch Self Watering Planter with Reservoir

For outdoor gardens have one tomato or pepper as your star crop and tuck lettuce or herbs around

14 Inch Whiskey Barrel Style Planters 4 Pack

14 Inch Whiskey Barrel Style Planters 4 Pack

A cuter upgrade from basic black pots great for beginners with a backyard, terrace or patio

5 Gallon Fabric Grow Bags 10 Pack nyc garden

5 Gallon Fabric Grow Bags 10 Pack

If you are growing tomatoes, squash or cucumbers outdoors these 10 bags can be your entire setup

White Ceramic Planter Set with Saucers 3 Pack

I love the white option, classy and functional for growing herbs indoors

6 8 10 Inch Plant Saucer - 12 Pack Round Plant Tray Plastic Plant Drip Trays for Indoor Outdoor Garden Plants, Collects Flower Pot Drainage and Excess Water

Heavy-Duty Plant Saucers (6”–10”) – 12 Pack

I use these to catch rain water that plants can soak up when needed

Elephant Watering Can

Long trunk which helps in watering plants.

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