How to grow broccoli

Growing broccoli is best started from seed indoors, maybe in a green house or on a window sill. The time to start growing broccoli is from March through to August (in the UK).

The best way I have found to start growing broccoli from seeds is by filling a container with a loose peat based soil. Place seeds approximately 0.5inch deep and 1inch apart. Water well and place somewhere sunny and warm.

Whilst you are waiting for the seeds to grow, preparation of the patch where you will be growing the broccoli is a good idea. Choose an area that receives maximum sunlight in the garden and has a soil ph of around 6. The soil should be rich in organic matter. Dig the patch over, removing weeds and adding a layer of compost or peat which will ensure a high nitrogen level for the time of planting. Dig over the patch once again to mix the compost in.

The best time to transplant to the patch is between 5-6 weeks from initially laying the seeds. Once the broccoli shoots are ready for transplanting, dig in rows approximately 30 inches (75cm) apart and place the shoots 20inches (50cm) apart. Make sure the soil is kept moist throughout the growing period.

The harvest, depending on the variety you are growing, should be ready approximately 4 months later. Harvesting should occur before the flowers open when the buds are tightly packed. The main buds should be harvested first allowing the side shoots to develop fully. The side shoots can be cropped when fully developed.