If you plan on growing broccoli this year now is a great time to start your seeds indoors. I like to start mine under grow lights in the office then harden them off right before setting them outside towards the end of March.
This year I’ll be planting 3 varieties of broccoli:
Brief description: Broccoli is a cool weather green vegetable that’s super easy to grow. It is a member of the cabbage family and is chocked full of nutrients. I love it because it’s one of those crops you get to plant twice a year–in spring and again in fall. I mainly grow it for my daughter and husband.
Where to Plant Broccoli: Plant broccoli in full sun in cooler weather, and partial sun in hotter weather. Plant in raised beds, garden beds and/or containers. {I’ve always planted my broccoli in raised garden beds by one of my friends grows her broccoli in a large pot on her deck.
Planting Seeds: Plant seeds 1/8″ deep. Thin to 1 every 18″ {or one per pot} when seedlings are about 2″ tall. Transplant outdoors when weather has cooled.
Growing Tips: Plant in fertile soil and water regularly–avoid getting developing heads wet, though. You can fertilize 3 weeks after transplanting for bigger yields but I’m more of a set it and forget it kind of gal. If you’ve got good soil, you can grow practically anything.
How to Harvest: Harvest when main head gets to be about 3″ in diameter, this will encourage the side shoots to grow.
The side shoots will not get as big as the main head but they are just as delicious and can be eaten raw, steamed or in {my favorite} stir fry dishes and salads. 
Are you ready to start your garden but you’re not sure when you should plant your seeds or set out your transplants? Head on over HERE and you’ll be taken to my handy dandy chart that’s broken down into what vegetables should be planted {or transplanted} each month in your area.
Anyone can do this. Dirt + Seeds+ Water = Food!
~Mavis
Here are a few of my Favorite Broccoli recipes:
Creamy Broccoli and Spinach Pasta Salad
Broccoli Cranberry and Almond Salad with Feta Salad
Baked Potato Casserole with Sausage
Broccoli, Bacon, Cheddar Quiche
Yvonne says
Mavis, how do you make sure your soil is fertile enough to plant and leave it? Where do you buy your soil from?
Thanks!
Mavis Butterfield says
In the past we get garden soil trucked in from our local dirt store {Purdy Topsoil} but I always amend it with chicken fertilizer.
Jen M says
I started a flat of broccoli a few weeks ago indoors under grow lights. They were growing great and then about half of them decided to start bending over like they were top heavy. They are still leafy and growing but look like crap. Now, I can grow mater seeds in the dark but this broccoli thing is a new adventure for me. I was hoping to have them moved to the outdoor greenhouse by now so the temps would be cooler but the weather here is just not letting up. Ever happened to you? Got any suggestions?