Kale getting too big for poly tunnel

Hi,

I've got some kale under a smallish poly tunnel. The kale is growing vertically quite quickly and the heads are now butting up against the underside of the poly tunnel. Any advice in what to in terms of protection? Should I cover them in fleece or build a fleece 'fence' around them? I don't feel they are yet robust enough to let grow in the open.

TIA,
P.

 

If you've got the time to do so, you could try hardening them off during the day outside with a view to planting out soon? Kale are fairly hardy plants, mine are one of the few things that survive outside over winter?

 

Ive just planted mine outside this morning. They were just starting to get leggy indoors so outside they go.

 

I read something earlier that said when I planted out the kale, I should have buried the plant deep enough such that the lowest leaves were just touching the soil. I didn't do that and the plants are standing rather high. Is this something other people do?

 

In my original post I could have been a bit clearer. I meant protection from pests. What would people recommend as protection from birds and smaller creatures?

 

Netting - small enough gauge to keep the butterflies out (caterpillars are quite fond of my kale) and very tightly secured to stop birds getting tangled up in it. Other than some netting, I don't do too much with mine.

 

I thought Kale was a winter vegetable.
Not that I've ever grown it.