This morning 5 the baby chick and I headed out to the garden. We cleared an 8’x4′ raised garden bed that was filled with sagging tomato plants and replaced them with kale starts.
Even though no one in the house is a major fan of kale, I need to reach my goal of growing 2,000 pounds of produce by December 31st, 2012. At this point my choices are pretty darn slim. Kale, Swiss chard, and {hopefully} carrots are my only reliable options. I’ll also grow some sprouts in the house, and try to grow lettuce in the greenhouse this fall and winter too.
If it turns out I’m one heck of a kale farmer, all the better. I’ll tie a pretty red ribbon around the leafy greens and pass out bouquets of it to my friends and family this Christmas.
Wouldn’t that be cool?
~Mavis
P.S. Did you know there is a blog called 365 Days of Kale? That’s crazy!
The Book of Kale: The Easy-to-Grow Superfood 80+ Recipes
Marie-Christine says
Have you ever tried Caldo Verde, a portugese kale and potato soup? Delicious, hearty and a great comfort food for chilly nights when you serve it with a big slice of good bread. I make it more or less like this:
http://leitesculinaria.com/7580/recipes-portuguese-kale-soup-caldo-verde.html
and it’s a great way to eat a ton of kale without realizing it 🙂
Kristen says
Where do you get your kale starts? Or did you start them from seed indoors? I tried to find kale seeds in the spring and never found them.
Mavis says
I grow my own kale starts but places like home depot and lowes usually sell them in the spring and fall.
Lisa says
You best be hittin up that “365 days of Kale” blog then! Yee- Haw!
Christine says
I’m a kale fan and live about an hour or less away from you. I like doing the following with kale:
1. Saute onion, garlic, and mushrooms in coconut oil
2. Add kale leaves
3. Add about a quarter cup water (maybe a little less)
4. Sprinkle with lemon pepper
5.Cook until kale is tender and dark green
6. Serve
Dinner guests have commented on how good the kale tastes. 🙂
Lucky L says
A timely email from Everyday Food linked me to Martha and her Seasonal Produce Guide section on Kale.
http://www.marthastewart.com/286367/kale-recipes/@center/276955/seasonal-produce-recipe-guide
I’m kind of leaning towards the chicken and kale handpies or the chili-sauce kale chips.
Helen in Meridian says
When I was at Costco Boise Friday, I noticed that they had baby kale. I think this is the first time that I have seen kale at Costco. Does anyone know which is better for you, Sweet Potatoes or Yams? I see them side by side and think the sweet potatoes in the can are really Yams. Discussion please.
Jen says
Hi Mavis,
I have been reading your AWESOME blog for a few months now and this is the first time I have replied. I have a great Kale/Chard pizza recipe.
Chop one onion and saute in olive oil
Destem Kale/Chard and chop
Add Kale/Chard to pan with onion and cook for 5 – 10 minutes
Add one can of artichoke hearts (chopped)
Add 2 cloves chopped garlic
Add 1 tablespoon Worcestershire
Remove from heat and add 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Roll out pizza dough
Add Kale/Chard mixture and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and cook on pizza stone.
Enjoy!
Brandi says
I think it would be cool!
Wish we were neighbors!
jem says
I don’t think my family could handle 365 days of kale. We do like it with rice though.
Mavis says
Ha! I know I couldn’t feed my peeps kale 365 either.
The Prudent Homemaker says
Parsnips will overwinter. Turnips can be planted there in early spring.
Susan says
Why don’t I get the emails when you post something new..Yours was one of the few I always read and enjoyed but now do not recieve any new postings…Why Why Why???
Mavis says
I’m not sure Susan. Have to you tried signing up for the email updates {at the top of the website}? I cannot add you, you have to add yourself.