"Growing Broccoli"

Growing broccoli in your vegetable patch will mean a superfood on the table for many days of the year. It is part of the brassica family which has been cultivated for many thousands of years. However, it didnt emerge as a true species until the 16th century but has achieved fame throughout the western world!

Broccoli is a complex carbohydrate and can be included in your everyday diet - it counts as one of the 'five - a - day' veggies as well! Oh, and of course it tastes great! What could be better :-)

Growing: and where to start... Brassicas dont particularly like an acid soil so if your soil tends towards acid, add a little lime earlier in the year. Choose your spot well. Generally full sun is good but many species will tolerate partial shade. Some varieties will carry on producing florets right through until mid winter so try and avoid frost pockets and windy patches if possible.

Plant your seed early in the spring months inside in a seed tray or small pots. Check on the sowing instructions on your seed packet for your particular regional and type variations. Keep warm and moist until they are ready to plant outside.

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Thompson and Morgan have a variety of broccoli seeds available. The direct link for US supplies: Growing Broccoli in the US

and in the UK click here to go directly to the broccoli page: Thompson and Morgan in the UK

and for all other countries start from their homepage...

Thompson and Morgan Worldwide

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Looking after your plants:

Put plants out when they have four or more true leaves, and after all danger of frost has passed. Try not to disturb the roots too much when you transplant as they are easily damaged. Allow about 18inches or more between plants and 2ft between rows - but here again check on the seed packet for your variety. Keep plants well watered but never let them become waterlogged as the roots will rot. Remove weeds as they appear.

As soon as the flowering heads are ready to cut, cut them! use a sharp knife and cut most of the stem below each head. The plant will produce lots more smaller heads once you have done this. If you leave the one head to grow, it will quickly flower and the rest of the plant will put all its energy into the flowering and seed production.

Most brassicas can be started directly outside, but in moderate climates, a cloche or poly tunnel is advisable in the early stages to protect the young plants from cold nights.

Storing:

Broccoli will store well for about a week in the salad compartment of a fridge or a very cool dark place. It freezes successfully, and should be broken into small florets and frozen quickly. Store in freezer bags and label.

But mostly its best eaten fresh! Add a few tiny florets to the salad bowl - it adds a wonderful nutty taste.

You can find more about growing vegetables and even a few recipe ideas in my book recently published with Findhorn Press. Grow Your Own Pharmacy You really can grow enough fruit and veg to keep your family glowing with good health!

Happy Gardening!

More "Brassica" reading

http://www.flower-and-garden-tips.com/broccoli.html