Growing broccoli

Broccoli fresh from the garden is full of flavor and delicious. Many gardeners are under the assumption that broccoli is difficult to grow. Broccoli does have some specific requirements, but it is relatively easy to grow and care for. The website "Broccoli Town, USA", published by Mann Packing Co. Inc., says in the article entitled "History & Origin of Broccoli" that broccoli belongs to the Cruciferae family. This family also includes cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. The book "Burpee: Complete Gardener", published by Macmillan in 1995, says broccoli is rich in vitamins C and A, and it is a great way to add necessary fiber to your diet.

"History & Origin of Broccoli" says that broccoli was cultivated in Italy and France in the sixteenth century. During the 1920's broccoli was commercially cultivated in the United States for the very first time in the state of New York. It has been a well-favored vegetable in produce markets and gardens ever since.

According to "The Time Life Encyclopedia of Gardening" in the publication "Vegetables and Fruits", written by James Underwood Crocket and published in 1962 by Time Inc., broccoli should be grown in temperatures ranging between forty and seventy degrees Fahrenheit. It suggests starting broccoli inside in locations having shorter growing seasons. Before planting the seedlings outdoors, "Vegetables and Fruits" says to check the pH level of the soil. To successfully grow broccoli the pH level should range from 6.0 to 7.0. In addition, seedlings need to be slowly acclimated to outdoor temperatures and conditions. This can be accomplished by placing them outside when the weather is warm for a few hours each day. "Vegetables and Fruits" says when the soil has been prepared for planting, and the temperatures are a constant seventy degrees or more the small broccoli shoots can be planted. It says they require about one and one half feet of space between them. Also, there should be about three feet separating each row.

If broccoli seeds are going to be started in the garden rather than indoors, "Vegetables and Fruits" says three to four seeds should be planted in a group about a half inch below the soil with three feet of space between each row. When the small plants reach a height of one inch, it says to choose the hardiest plant and discard the smaller ones in the group. If you are planting broccoli to be harvested in the fall, the seeds can be planted in the garden at the beginning of summer, according to the same book.

According to "Better Homes and Gardens - Vegetables & Herbs You Can Grow" published in 1978 by Meredith Corporation, to successfully grow broccoli it must receive plenty of water. If there has not been sufficient rain broccoli should be watered regularly. Trickle or drip hoses do a great job of irrigating a garden by simulating a steady, soaking rain. The same book says mulch is very beneficial in helping to retain moisture surrounding plants and in between rows.

"Burpee: Complete Gardener" warns that broccoli planted in the same location each season is susceptible to contracting certain diseases and problems known to members of the broccoli family. These include wilt, black rot, and black leg. Be sure to alternate planting areas season to season to avoid these devastating problems that can affect your crop. It is also mentioned that cabbage loopers, cabbageworms, flea beetle, and aphids can infest broccoli crops. The same book recommends the use of garden row covers to protect the plants from pests as they grow.

Broccoli should be harvested when the buds are firm and tightly packed together, says "Burpee: Complete Gardener". It says to remove the main head by cutting it off leaving about six inches of stem. Several little shoots will grow from the remaining plant. These are also quite delicious. The same book says if the heads begin to loosen and yellow they are too far gone and will not be good. It is important to keep a close watch on developing broccoli so it can be harvested when it is at its best.