The Seed Program
Growing Hints
This is one of the many growing hints that are available as a
bonus with a registered copy of The Seed Program.
Broccoli
Broccoli is a member of the cabbage family that grows best in
cool weather and with plenty of moisture. Seeds are usually planted
indoors and transplanted into the garden in early spring. It is
also a good candidate for fall planting. Exposure to frost is
no problem for broccoli. Because of it's need for moisture and
cool soil, a thick mulch is particularly useful.
The part of broccoli that is eaten is the flower head, which
must be harvested before the yellow flowers open. Plants usually
form a large central head first. This may be cut off at the top
and the plants left in the ground. Smaller flower heads will then
develop that may be harvested later.
The cabbage looper and imported cabbage worm are the most frequently
encountered insect pests. These small, pale green caterpillars
hatch from eggs laid by small white butterflies. Plants may be
sprayed or dusted with BT (Bacillus thuringiensis), a biological
control that is harmless to everything but caterpillars. Even
when small worms do only minor damage to the plant, they may hide
in the harvested head and escape notice until the vegetable is
served. Floating row covers may also be used to prevent the butterflies
from laying eggs on the plants, and this avoids the problem altogether.
Other cabbage family diseases and pests are best prevented by
crop rotation. Avoid planting cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and cauliflower
in the same place from year to year.
For more crops, more complete gardening information, a garden
journal and a planting schedule you can customize for your region,
purchase The Seed Program!
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