Kale is an herb that originated in the Mediterranean. It was then brought to China and Japan. Kale leaves can be eaten raw or steamed. It can also be used to garnish dishes, cut flowers, or as an herb.
A great choice for winter and fall gardens is flowering Kale. It's a member the cabbage family. You can grow it in containers or as a standalone garden plant. To make sure that the kale will grow properly, it is best to choose a location that receives full sunlight. Flowering Kale is also extremely hardy and can withstand temperatures up 50°F. If you want to grow your flowering kale outdoors, it will need to be planted in the fall, or in a container with fall flowers.
Rich, organic soil is necessary to grow flowering Kale. You can also fertilize your plant with a balanced fertilizer. You should apply it about 2 inches from the base of the plant. You should ensure that your soil pH is between 5.8 to 6.5
Kale plants can grow to around 30 cm in width and 38 cm height. Ornamental Kale leaves can vary in color from dark green to light yellow. You can also find cultivars with feathery or ruffled foliage. The weather affects the color, but the leaves themselves will remain the same.
You can plant your kale before it gets too hot by planting it in the fall. Kale can grow up to 60 cm when left to mature. Once your kale has reached its maturity, you can harvest the florets. You should blanch the florets first, or rinse them in water. This will reduce the bitterness of the vegetables and keep them fresher for longer.
It is grown for its beauty. Its leaves are fringed and ruffled, and has cores similar to rosette that bloom. Most flowers are white or pink. People love to eat flowering Kale because it is edible. Kale, despite its beautiful appearance, can be bitter.
While it can be picked anytime of the year it is best to wait for the first frost. This helps the plant develop its underlying tones. Also, if you leave the plant to go to seed, it will not look as appealing.
Kale is a very popular vegetable in colder parts of the globe. The taste of the leaves will vary depending on their age. Younger leaves will have a milder taste. The tenderer the leaves are, generally speaking, the better. However, this does not always hold true. Sometimes, powdery mildew can occur on the leaves.
Flowering kale was bred for its beauty. It is also easy to grow. To help the plants, you should provide them with a sunny location, and a soil that is rich and moist.
FAQ
Why is family gardening important?
Family gardeners have a passion for growing food for their loved ones.
Children learn responsibility from their family gardens. This helps them develop patience, cooperation time management and problem solving skills. Growing a garden helps parents build self-confidence and self-esteem. It also teaches how to care for the earth.
Gardens also help adults feel more connected to nature, which may lead to lower stress levels and improved health. When we spend time outdoors, our brains release chemicals called "happy hormones" that make us happier and healthier.
Family gardening provides many benefits, beyond just physical and mental health. Gardens contribute to the local economy, conserve natural resources, reduce stormwater runoff and filter pollutants to create wildlife habitats.
Should I let my child run around barefoot?
Yes! Running barefoot strengthens muscles and bones, promotes hygiene, and improves posture. It protects against cuts, blisters and bruises.
But, if your child is sensitive to the touch, it may be worth considering wearing shoes. Wash your feet first if they are dry or sweaty.
It's best always to supervise your children when they're playing outside. You can provide supervision from a distance to ensure your child is safe.
Your child should not play in the grass. This can be prevented by keeping your child away from high grass areas.
What are the 5 best outdoor activities for kids?
There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, no matter where you live. Here are five of our favorite activities we think every kid should have the chance to experience at least once.
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Visit the Zoo - Zoos offer great places to spend quality time with your family. Going to the Zoo is a wonderful way to spend quality time with your family and to learn more about conservation and animal welfare. Some zoos offer special programs that help educate visitors about issues facing endangered species worldwide. You can get more information online, or you can call ahead and ask about classes or events at your local wildlife center.
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Visit a Nature Center. These are great places to learn more about the natural environment. There are often exhibits and interactive displays as well as lots of hands on activities. You will be amazed at the variety of cool toys that you can give your children! It's a great excuse to hike through local parks and forests, so it's worth visiting a nature center.
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Take your kids on a bicycle ride. They will be just as happy riding bikes today as they were growing up. Biking is not only good exercise. It's also great for getting to know your neighbors and discovering hidden gems.
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Play a sport game - Sports games aren’t just the domain of kids who grew to love them. Even today, sports games continue to entertain people of all ages. Finding the right game for your group is key. All of these options are great for families who want to spend time together.
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Watch a Movie Under the Stars - If you've got a big backyard, this may be one of the easiest ways to enjoy the outdoors. All you need is a blanket or lawn chair, a picnic basket full of food and drinks, and maybe a grill. It's so relaxing to be outside under the stars! Grab your blankets and get out there.
What length should I spend outside with my children?
Weather conditions can affect how much time you spend outside. You should avoid exposing your children to extreme heat or humidity.
For example, children should not be left alone for extended periods in direct sunlight during hot weather. Instead, they should limit their outdoor time to 30 minutes at a time.
During rainy weather, you should avoid letting children play outside for more than 15 minutes. You can leave your children unattended for longer periods of time if you have to, but make sure to bring water and snacks.
Statistics
- According to The Outdoor Foundation's most recent report, over half of Americans (153.6 million people) participated in outdoor recreation at least once in 2019, totaling 10.9 billion outings. (wilderness.org)
- A 2020 National Recreation and Park Association survey found that about 82 percent of people in the U.S. consider parks and recreation “essential.” (wilderness.org)
- You can likely find a 5K to get the family signed up for during any part of the year. (family.lovetoknow.com)
- The U.S. outdoor recreation economy supports about 5.2 million jobs, generates nearly $788 billion in consumer spending, and accounts for 2.1 percent of GDP. (wilderness.org)
- So you're less likely to breathe in enough of the respiratory droplets containing the virus that causes COVID-19 to become infected if you haven't had a COVID-19 vaccine. (mayoclinic.org)
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How To
What is the best outdoor adventure for kids?
It doesn't matter how much you had fun playing sports as a child, spending time outside with your family is the best. You can bond with your children by spending time outside, whether they are riding a bike, camping or fishing together.
But while the benefits of spending quality time with your kids are plentiful, finding activities that appeal to adults and children alike can sometimes be difficult. Our top five outdoor activities are for families.
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Fishing is a great activity for kids because it teaches them valuable life skills like patience, teamwork, and problem-solving. You can also teach your children about conservation, water resource respect, wildlife awareness, and many other topics when you take your kids fishing.
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Another favorite pastime for parents and children is camping. It might seem intimidating to set-up camp for the first, but once you're familiar with it, you'll find it easy to make it work. Plus, having a weekend away from home gives everyone a break from daily routines.
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It's a great activity for children because it allows them the freedom to explore nature without leaving their safe place. Kids love hiking because they feel like explorers and adventurers and learn about themselves and their surroundings along the way.
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Riding bikes can be enjoyed by all ages and is easy to transport. Additionally, children can develop strength, coordination, and balance by riding bikes.
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Playgrounds are a great place for kids to meet new friends and socialize. Play spaces can also be used by older children who love to work on difficult projects.