Want to grow your own broccoli?
It’s easier than you think!
With the right tactics, you can have fresh, homegrown broccoli. Discover 7 simple ways to make your broccoli thrive.
Let’s get started!
Pick the Right Spot
First things first, find the perfect spot in your garden. Broccoli loves sunlight and needs at least 6 hours a day.
Make sure the soil is well-draining and fertile. If you’ve got heavy clay soil, work in some compost and organic matter to lighten it up.
Don’t forget, broccoli’s enemy is heat, so avoid spots that get too hot.
Timing is Everything
When it comes to planting broccoli, timing matters. Plant seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your area.
If you’re planting directly outside, wait until 2-3 weeks before the last frost. Fall crops can be started in mid to late summer.
Timing it right ensures you avoid the broiling summer heat, which can mess with your harvest.
Give Them Space
Don’t crowd your broccoli plants. Space them about 18-24 inches apart to give them room to grow.
This spacing lets them get adequate nutrients and airflow, which helps prevent diseases. Friendly tip: it’s also easier to weed and water when your plants aren’t all cramped together.
Watering Wisely
Broccoli loves water but hates being waterlogged. Water your plants consistently, aiming for about 1-1.5 inches per week.
Try to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Water at the base of the plant to keep the foliage dry, which helps to prevent diseases.
Feed Your Plants
Broccoli is a heavy feeder, so make sure you give them plenty of nutrients. Use a balanced fertilizer or add compost to the soil before planting.
A sidedressing of aged manure or compost around the base halfway through the growing season can give them an extra boost.
Watch for Pests
Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids, cabbage worms, and cutworms. You can handpick pests or use an organic pesticide if needed.
Also, consider planting broccoli alongside herbs and flowers like dill or marigolds, which can help keep pests away.
Harvest at the Right Time
The best time to harvest broccoli is when the heads are dense and firm. Look for tightly packed florets and an overall size of about 4-7 inches in diameter.
Don’t wait too long to harvest, because once the yellow flowers show up, the broccoli’s past its prime.