Question
I live in NC, zone 7B.  My flowering kale and ornamental cabbages are still alive and well on my front step planter.  They have become tall and unsightly, though, much like other annuals do in late September.  It appears as though a bunch of seeds are atop the plants.  If I save the seeds could they be successfully planted?  Should I even cut these tops off at this point?  I've never had kale/cabbages last this long.  We had a very warm winter with NO snow this season, (YET)!  Would appreciate any feedback

Answer
Patricia,
It's been a warm winter in New England too!  If you save the seeds and plant them, you probably won't get the same plant back.  The ones that you buy in the fall in garden centers are hybrids and they usually don't "come true" from seed.  It can be a good experiment to try it, but keep in mind you'll have to either keep the area where they are planted clear all summer while the seedlings grow, or tend the seedlings in pots.  To my mind, these plants are fairly inexpensive in the fall, and I'd rather put my seed-starting energies into something more exotic or reliable.

If the plants are unsightly I would just tug them out of the soil and throw them in the compost pile.  Before you know it you'll be planting pansies!

all the best from my garden to yours,
C.L. Fornari
www.gardenlady.com