The Home Growns
Secret #2: The Soil Mix Professional Growers Don’t Want You to Know
Let me tell you something that completely changed my indoor kale growing game. After years of thinking I needed those fancy organic potting mixes from the garden center, I discovered something that blew my mind. And trust me, I’ve killed more kale plants than I’d like to admit before figuring this out!
The Hidden Danger in Your Potting Mix
Here’s the thing that really gets me fired up: most commercial potting soil contains way too much peat moss. I learned this the hard way when my kale started showing signs of nutrient lockout. The problem with excess peat moss is that it becomes hydrophobic over time, making it nearly impossible for your kale to get consistent moisture.
Instead, I started making my own mix: 40% coco coir, 30% vermiculite, and 30% compost. The difference was like night and day! My indoor kale went from struggling to thriving in just weeks.
The Kitchen Hero for Kale Growth
Want to know what really kicked my kale into high gear? Crushed eggshells! I know it sounds too simple to be true, but hear me out. I save my eggshells, bake them at 350°F for 10 minutes, crush them into a fine powder, and mix them into my soil.
The calcium boost from eggshells is exactly what kale craves. I’ve noticed my kale leaves growing twice as big since adding this one simple ingredient. Plus, it costs practically nothing compared to those expensive calcium supplements at the garden store.
The Perfect pH Balance Secret
Remember when I said the pH balance isn’t what you think? Most guides tell you to aim for 6.0-6.5, but through trial and error (and a lot of pH testing), I’ve found that indoor kale actually thrives at 6.7-7.0. Slightly higher than what everyone recommends!
To maintain this perfect pH, I add a tablespoon of wood ash per gallon of soil mix. It’s made such a difference that my kale barely shows any signs of nutrient deficiency anymore.
The $2 Game-Changer Amendment
Ready for the real game-changer? Azomite. It’s this incredible mineral powder that costs about $2 per pound at most garden stores. I almost can’t believe how much this transformed my indoor kale growing. It’s packed with over 70 trace minerals that your kale needs, and I’ve noticed stronger stems and deeper green leaves since adding just a tablespoon per pot.
When it comes to fertilizers, I’ve actually found that less is more. Those expensive liquid fertilizers often lead to salt buildup in containers. Instead, I mix in some worm castings every few weeks, and my kale is happier than ever.
Want to know what really takes your indoor kale from good to incredible? It all comes down to how you water it – and boy, do I have some surprising discoveries to share about that! Click the next button below to learn about the watering method that completely transformed my indoor kale growing. Trust me, what I’m about to share about bottom watering will change everything you thought you knew about growing kale indoors!
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