The Kale craze is well founded: just one cup of this bitter green contains only 33 calories, while providing over 600% of recommended daily Vitamin K and over 200% of recommended Vitamin A. Superfood, right?

And even better news: it's easy to grow. I love planting kale not only because it's healthy and delicious, but also because it extends the garden season. Get this: kale is actually tastier after a frost! 

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• Kale likes cool weather, so plant in early spring or late summer. You can also start it indoors and transplant after a few weeks, if you live in a hotter zone. 
• Plant seeds about 1/2" deep. Plants should sprout in about 5-7 days and mature in 40-80.
• Ideal spacing for kale is 12"-24" per plant, although I plant more closely in order to harvest younger greens more often.
• Kale is a medium-feeder, meaning it will thrive in rich soil. You probably don't need to fertilize it during the it's growth cycle, but do plant it in a spot that has some nice compost worked in.
• Kale is frost-tolerant, and will last well into the fall.
• Harvest individual leaves as soon as they're big enough to eat. Cutting a couple of leaves at a time will ensure the plant continues producing as long as possible. Leaves will store nicely in the fridge for up to a month.

Kale sometimes gets a bad rap as being easy to prepare. But that's not true! Check out this great compilation of easy breakfast, lunch, dinner and yes dessert (!) options from Elyssa Koidin Schmier.

Happy #NationalKaleDay!