Growing broccoli at home

When to Plant : For spring/summer broccoli harvest, start seeds indoors 6 to 9 weeks before last frost and place in the garden 1 to 3 weeks prior to last frost. For fall/winter harvest, sow seeds directly in the garden 10 to 12 weeks before first frost.

Soil : Well-drained soil amended with compost.

Watering : Keep well watered. Mulch helps keep roots cool and moist during hot weather.

Pest Problems : Cabbage loopers and imported cabbageworms are voracious caterpillars that can make alarmingly short work of the leaves. Their color camouflages them on the plant perfectly, so you'll notice their damage before you find them.

When to Harvest : Harvest when heads have reached full size but before they loosen.