Are the leaves safe to eat if they have holes?

Yes, just wash the leaves thoroughly to remove any remaining insects or debris. You can trim away the heavily damaged parts before cooking.

Do I need to use harsh chemicals?

No, physical removal and gentle soaps are usually enough for kale. Avoid heavy pesticides since you are eating the leaves.

Kale: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of every leaf for small insects or eggs.
Look for green caterpillars resting along the leaf veins.
Check for sticky residue on the foliage.

Likely causes

Cabbage loopers
Most likely
How to tell: You will see large, irregular holes chewed into the leaves and small green caterpillars hiding on the undersides.
What to do: Pick the caterpillars off by hand in the early morning or evening. You can also cover your plants with a lightweight floating row cover to keep moths from laying eggs.
Aphids
Most likely
How to tell: These tiny, soft bodied insects cluster in large groups on the undersides of leaves or near the stems. They cause leaves to look distorted or sticky.
What to do: Spray the leaves with a strong stream of water from your hose to knock them off. If the infestation is heavy, apply insecticidal soap according to the label directions.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your kale

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Small amounts of damage are normal for outdoor kale, but you should act if the plant stops growing or the leaves become heavily skeletonized.

Stopping it coming back

Use floating row covers early in the season to prevent moths from landing on your plants. Keep the area around your kale free of weeds that might harbor pests.

Kale: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your kale and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Are the leaves safe to eat if they have holes?: Yes, just wash the leaves thoroughly to remove any remaining insects or debris. You can trim away the heavily damaged parts before cooking.
Do I need to use harsh chemicals?: No, physical removal and gentle soaps are usually enough for kale. Avoid heavy pesticides since you are eating the leaves.

Guides to these causes

Aphids

Why are there holes and bugs on my kale leaves?