Broccoli in the garden

Briefly about broccoli

Broccoli in the garden is an annual plant that belongs to the cabbage family... It is ubiquitous in all countries where the climate is favorable for cultivation.

The color of broccoli cabbage is predominantly green, although now there are varieties of ornamental cabbage with different colors. Broccoli contains vitamins C and K, high protein content, vitamin A.

Health benefits of broccoli

Broccoli is very useful for strengthening bones, enhancing immunity, has an antioxidant effect, reduces the amount of sugar in the blood, shows the ability to fight cancer cells, and also has an antibacterial effect.

Preparing broccoli seeds for planting

Growing broccoli in the garden begins with seed preparation. They must be examined, select the highest quality ones, then fill with water at about 50 degrees - after 15 minutes, remove and lower them into cold water. This will activate the seeds and prepare them for planting. For a better result, the seeds should be soaked in a growth stimulator.

How to choose a broccoli variety in the garden

Choose varieties of broccoli for growing in the garden depending on your region - in colder ones - take early maturing, so that it has time to ripen before the cold snap. Broccoli seeds are sown in any suitable container - the seedlings will sprout at a temperature of about 20 degrees, as soon as they appear, the temperature must be reduced to 9 degrees. For seedlings, an important point is humidity - it must be at least 80%.

When and how to plant broccoli seedlings?

Sow broccoli seedlings in separate pots, when the sprouts are strong enough, the soil should be moist and similar to the one where you sowed the seeds. Be sure to be careful with the roots of the plant, they are fragile, and if you damage them, the plant will die. At this stage, the temperature should be about 22 degrees, direct sunlight is contraindicated for plants.

Fertilizing broccoli seedlings

Fertilizing broccoli seedlings in the garden is done in about two weeks. After that, the cabbage must be taken out into the fresh air, starting from a couple of hours; exposing the seedlings for the whole night before the morning planting will serve as a good stimulus for growth.

Planting broccoli seedlings in the ground

In the second half of May, broccoli can be planted in the ground, the soil should be slightly alkaline, if tomatoes, radishes and beets grew in this place - the earth will not work, but carrots, onions, legumes, potatoes - will have a beneficial effect on the growth of cabbage.

Fertilizer for broccoli seedlings in the garden

Rotted manure will serve as a good fertilizer, but digging should be carried out at least a few weeks before planting, ideally prepared in the fall. Seedlings are planted at a distance of 35 * 50-60 cm from each other.

How low temperatures affect broccoli

It is very important to avoid exposure to frost, any cabbage dies from subzero temperatures. If frost is unavoidable, use glass jars, covering the plant with them.

Outdoor broccoli gardening

Loosening the soil around the broccoli cabbage seedling will enrich the roots with oxygen, be sure to water the cabbage every 5 days, if it is dry, hot weather, reduce the interval to 2-3 days, depending on the drying out of the earth.

Be sure to feed your broccoli in the garden, the first feeding is done 12-15 days after planting, the second after another 18-22 days. Mullein and chicken droppings are great. By the end of summer, the plant will need superphosphate and potassium sulfate.

When to harvest broccoli in the garden

Be sure to have time to harvest broccoli in the garden before the flowers open - signs of ripe cabbage - a fairly large head size (12-15 cm), rich green color, on average 60-70 days pass from planting in open ground to harvest.