Good plant, mediocre results — what went wrong with my Kale

Kale is clearly a great plant — I can see that from other people's results. Mine has been decent but not spectacular, and I think I know why.

I underestimated the importance of rotating crops each year to prevent soil-borne disease build-up in the early stages and paid for it. blossom end rot from irregular watering and calcium deficiency also knocked the plant back at a critical point. It lives in a decorative potager with flowers and vegetables mixed which is probably not quite right but it's the best I can do in my space. satisfaction of harvesting food you grew yourself is visible but muted. sowing under cover from late winter for early crops gave me hope — there are glimpses of what it could be. Three stars for now with potential for four.