Do deer eat ornamental kale?
Even if it says that a deer will not eat it... They will still eat it. Deer will eat anything if it is the only thing that they can find. This article will help to deter them: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/deer/deer-repellents.htm
I am growing dwarf ornamental kale to use in flower arrangements. I would like to use them in June. They are growing nicely but I cannot simulate the cold temps and sunlight needed for development of the purple color. Would it be possible to place them in a refrigerator at night and put them in warm partial sunlight during the day for color?? They are about half their final size at this point. Thank you!
It might, actually, help a little, but it will be at the cost of the plant's health. Going from cold to warm everyday will stress the plants very badly. Kale is more suited for cooler climates, so if you are not in a cooler area, then it will be difficult to force them into color.
Now, using an LED panel with reds and blues can force some of the purple color out. Using UV bulbs SPARINGLY can help force coloration as well. This can help force anthocyanin production, which will be responsible for the purple color.
I live in north Alabama, articles i have read said to thin kale 8 to 12 inches apart, is this mandatory for a good crop , or can i grow it in rows?
You can grow in rows and then space the plants 8 to 12 inches apart. Check the planting information on the seed packet or variety plant labels with your plants.
Kale is attacking yellow and black but that looks like a ladybug.
Can you include a photo? The Asian ladybeetle has completely replaced the ladybug in my area. These will eat plants and insects, unlike their cousins, who only eat insects.
There are many things that you can do to get rid of these pests. This collections of articles will help, as well as give you many more organic gardening tips: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic
Is it still OK to pick Kale after it has flowered ? ... or should i just hurry up and pick the rest ? :-) henning
You can pick it after bolting, but the flavor may change pretty drastically. It will bitter as it ages passed this point.
can kale beet greens blue berries garlic brocoli water crest chinese cabbage chard spinach
Almost anything can be grown in container, as long as you know the proper care. I will include articles for each that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/spinach/growing-spinach-in-containers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/swiss-chard/growing-swiss-chard-in-containers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/cabbage/growing-cabbage-in-pots.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/garlic/growing-garlic-in-containers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/blueberries/grow-blueberries-in-pots.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/greens/how-to-grow-greens-in-a-pot.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/beets/care-of-potted-beets.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/kale/growing-kale-in-pots.htm
I am planting a salad patch an I need to know how much seed to use in an area of 70 ft by 20 feet.
This link will take you to a PDF which discusses just this topic!