Growing vegetables is one of the most rewarding gardening practices. While we usually opt for tips from people like Martha Stewart or Ina Garten on the celebrity team, we recently got some unexpected tips for growing kale from soccer pro-David Beckham.
The athlete shared a clip to his Instagram page, in which he shows off the spring onions, cabbages, and wildflowers in his vegetable garden. However, one plant in particular is thriving. 'I'll tell you what is doing very well over here: kale,' states Beckham.
The bountiful green leaves are definitely impressive, looking full and vibrant in color. Wondering how to grow kale like Beckham? We spoke to an expert to get some tips.
One of the best aspects of growing kale is that it's one of the most diverse vegetables. 'Kale is a fantastic vegetable to grow,' says master gardener and Gardens Content Editor at H&G, Drew Swainston. 'Not only is it simple to grow from seed but it comes in a range of colors, textures, and leaf shapes - and the leaves themselves are packed with nutrients. David appears to be growing taller Red Russian and Curly Green varieties of kale, but you can get dwarf varieties suitable for smaller vegetable gardens and growing kale in pots.'
As far as care goes, Swainston recommends keeping the plant hydrated so that it grows tall like Beckham's. 'Kale plants want to grow in rich and well-drained soils and to be kept well-watered through the summer,' he says.
Additionally, these vegetables will reach optimal health with the help of fertilizers. 'They are hungry crops and will benefit if you can add organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to the site ahead of planting the kale. Feeding plants with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer during the season will also encourage the growth of lots of foliage and kale leaves to harvest.'
One change that Swainston would make to Beckham's setup pertains to its open nature. When exposed to natural elements, vegetables can be tampered with by wildlife. 'It is interesting to see that David’s plants are uncovered,' he says. 'It is always recommended to cover plants with netting to protect them from caterpillars and cabbage-white butterflies that can voraciously nibble leaves. David’s plants appear nibble-free from a distance - but looks can be deceiving and maybe he covers them off-camera.'
From salads to soups, vitamin-rich kale makes an excellent addition to any culinary creation. We have rounded up a few essential products below for the kale-curious.
Shop H&G's Kale Essentials
This robust kale is a classic, and simple to take care of.
This organic variety of curly kale comes in a 2g pack.
This quick-release, natural fertilizer feeds plants for up to two months.
To maximize the harvests from your garden, it's worth considering effective kale companion planting. When you pair the plants with vegetables like onions, garlic and leeks, it will help your kale to grow in the healthiest way possible. Not to mention it creates a beautiful green garden that's perfect for soup making.
Though we didn't expect to get gardening advice from David Beckham, there is a first time for everything. Next time we need gardening tips, we'll turn to the soccer star.
