Growing Broccoli
Growing Broccoli Doesn’t Have To Be Difficult
The whole world seems to be growing broccoli these days, especially with the scientific reports of late insinuating the cancer fighting element within this tasty and beautiful vegetable. That’s right, in case you didn’t know, broccoli contains sulforaphane, which has been proven to fight deadly cancer cells during the early and moderate stages of the disease. Recommended, therefore, for cancer prevention, growing broccoli is not only a fun and rewarding hobby, but eating these tasty garden spoils could help save your life. Remember, though the product that we see in the market is rarely longer than 8 inches, the broccoli plant will gain some three feet in height during its growth, so be sure that you allow them room for growth and to avoid shading other plants in your garden.
In the past, growing broccoli has been an open invitation for many pesky and damaging insects to invade your garden. The broccoli plant offers the perfect hiding spots for tiny parasites who can ingest the tender flower buds from just above the stalk. You will need to keep diligent watch over your garden throughout the growing process, insuring that your growing broccoli plants have every advantage. If you decide to use pesticides, be sure that you wash your vegetables thoroughly before cooking and serving them. Now then, you will want to remember that broccoli enjoys full sun or light shade, and is one of the few common garden plants who enjoys cooler temperatures.
If you have been growing broccoli for more than one season, it is important to rotate your crop, never planting broccoli in the same place for four years or so. The nutrients absorbed by members of the Brassica family are slight in the soil and cannot be added back in with fertilizers or manure. Once you have plotted your garden according to sun potential, the prior years harvest, and the good drainage that broccoli requires, you will be ready to plant your seed or seedlings.
If you decide to begin growing broccoli from its seed form, you can plant your seed about two weeks before the final frost, and you will want to plant them about 1 ½ inches below the soil level. As mentioned, broccoli enjoys cooler temperatures, so this early spring planting will give it a great start. If you go with established seedlings, you should have great luck with planting them just after the frost season is over. Be sure that you infuse your soil with a bit of manure, preferably that of cattle or horses. Many fertilizers will afford these nutritious additives without the unpleasantness of handling the actual fecal material. Readying your soil during the fall will ensure that it is good to go for your spring planting ritual.