Planting

Broccoli

BROCCOLI

Planting Time Plant broccoli in early spring or late summer for fall harvests. This cool-season crop likes temperatures that won’t make a redneck sweat through his overalls. Start seeds indoors four to six weeks before your last frost or plant transplants once the soil is workable.

Depth & Spacing Plant seeds about one-quarter inch deep and space plants eighteen inches apart in rows two feet apart. Give each plant elbow room, because broccoli grows like it’s fixing to win the county fair.

Soil & Fertilization Broccoli loves rich, fertile soil loaded with organic matter. Mix in compost and a balanced fertilizer before planting. Keep feeding lightly through the season. Treat it like your prize hog—you don’t want it going hungry.

Watering Needs Broccoli appreciates steady moisture. Water deeply whenever the top inch of soil dries. Don’t sprinkle the leaves like you’re baptizing it—keep the water low and slow at the roots to avoid disease.

Sunlight Requirements Broccoli thrives with at least six hours of sunlight each day. Too much heat and this plant will bolt faster than a teenager avoiding chores.

Harvesting Harvest when the head is firm and tight, before the little buds start blooming. Cut the central head and the plant will often bless you with side shoots. It’s like finding bonus fries at the bottom of the bag.

Captain Greenhouse Tip If your broccoli starts acting dramatic in hot weather, give it afternoon shade with a row cover. Treat it gentle, and it’ll reward you with heads big enough to make you strut around the garden like you grew solid gold.