What are the things to note when growing broccoli

Sowing time

Sow seeds directly outdoors. For a summer harvest of broccoli, sow two to three weeks before the last spring frost. For an autumn harvest, sow directly outdoors 85-100 days before the first autumn frost. Sow in rotation indoors. If sowing indoors, plant in peat pots or other small seedling pots, and make sure there is plenty of sunlight. The steps for indoor sowing are the same as for outdoor sowing, except that thinning is not needed when separating the seedlings.

Field management

Although broccoli likes sunlight, it also needs some shade. Dig holes 1.25 cm deep, with 7.5-15 cm between each row. After sowing the broccoli seeds, water the soil thoroughly. But be careful not to leave puddles; broccoli needs good drainage. When the seedlings grow to 2.5 cm tall, they need to be thinned to give them enough space to grow. Keep the seedlings that look healthier, and thin them at intervals to ensure there is enough space between the seedlings for growth.

Soil and fertilizer

Broccoli grows well in soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. If the soil pH is below 6.0, you can use acidic compost or mixed fertilizer; if the soil pH is above 7.0, you can add sulfur granules and mix them in. To make the soil more fertile, you can add four inches of mature compost to the soil. If the soil is very poor, you can also add organic fertilizer with a high nitrogen content. Organic fertilizers such as alfalfa, cottonseed meal, and manure are all very suitable for growing broccoli.