--- In smallholding@..., "petercarps" <peter.carpenter@...> wrote:
> Our veggie patch is looking pretty sorry for itself. The curly kale
> is pathetic - not sure if it was the frosts or our method of
> harvesting. We take the medium leaves from the sides but recently
> heard that we should take a few from the top to promote more side
> growth. Any views?

I'd only take the top off if they are growing strongly, otherwise the side
shoots will be very spindly and weak. When mine get to that stage,
I just uproot them and tie them up for the poultry.