Kale

Kale is a dependable cool-season green with leaves that range from flat and tender to deeply crinkled, frilled, blue-green, red, and nearly black. Harvest it for salads, soups, sautés, chips, smoothies, and steady picking from spring into cold weather.

Sow early for spring or again for fall, then give plants fertile soil and regular moisture. Pick the lower leaves as needed and leave the center growing; light frost often improves sweetness and texture.