Kale

Looking after it

Water: Kale needs normal watering. Water young plants regularly so the soil never dries out. Once they are settled, water only in long dry spells. A pot needs regular watering in summer. Feeding: It needs an average amount of food. Plant it into ground that has had compost dug in. Feed it only on poor soil or in a pot, where a nitrogen-rich fertiliser gives it a boost.

Harvest and keeping

Pick two or three of the lower leaves from each plant at a time, working your way up the stem. Leave the top to keep growing. Regular picking keeps new leaves coming until spring. Picked leaves keep a few days in the fridge. But the plants stand in the garden all winter, so just pick what you need. To freeze, blanch the leaves for 2 minutes and cool them in iced water.

What can go wrong

• Caterpillars. From early summer to autumn, you see holes in the leaves and green caterpillars. Cover the plants with fine insect mesh from the day you plant them. Rub off any clusters of yellow eggs under the leaves.
• Cabbage aphids. Grey, waxy clusters of aphids sit on the young leaves, which curl and spoil. Squash or wash off small groups early. Remove leaves that are badly hit.
• Pigeons. In winter, pigeons tear the leaves until only stalks and veins are left. Cover the plants with netting held clear of the leaves on hoops or canes.