Croup is also known as laryngotracheitis, a medical term that describes the inflammation of the trachea (windpipe) and larynx. Parainfluenza viruses are the typical root cause of the infection, but influenza (flu) and cold viruses may sometimes be responsible.
Harvest entire kale plants at 60 to 80 days after germination when they are full size and no longer growing larger. Gather the leaves of one kale plant upward and hold them in this position. Cut across the bottom of the plant, horizontally about 1 inch above ground level to harvest the entire plant for side dishes, main dishes, soups or stews. Place the plants in a container to transport them indoors for storage or use.
They will stand in the ground all winter and can be eaten until the first shallots are ready in the spring. They are in many ways more useful to the winter gardener than onions, being very hardy and easy to grow. Kale can be sown as usual in midsummer for a winter crop or in September for a second, later crop. Sow kale and broccoli again under cover in early spring for some cut and come again tender leaves to add to salad.