Growing Broccoli at the Allotment

Broccoli is a highly nutritious vegetable belonging to the Brassica family, known for its anti-cancer agents and high vitamin content. It can be grown successfully at your allotment and is a great way to save money while enjoying fresh produce. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about growing and harvesting broccoli.

Where and When to Plant Broccoli

• Sowing Time: Broccoli can be sown outdoors from April to June, or earlier indoors if starting in trays.
• Planting Depth: Sow the seeds approximately 1-2 cm deep in trays or directly into prepared beds.
• Spacing: Broccoli plants require ample space, so keep them around 30 cm apart to encourage growth.

Planting Location and Protection

• Sheltered Spot: Broccoli grows best in a sheltered spot with well-drained soil.
• Protect from Pests: Cover your crop with netting or mesh to prevent damage from birds. Broccoli is also prone to whitefly and slugs, so be vigilant.

How to Grow Broccoli

• Watering: Keep the soil well-watered during dry spells to prevent the heads from splitting.
• Staking and Earthing: If your plot is windy, you may need to stake the taller plants and earth up the soil around them to provide stability.
• Fertilising and Mulching: Apply a balanced fertiliser every few weeks and mulch the surrounding soil to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Harvesting Broccoli

• Harvest Timing: Broccoli can be harvested approximately 60–100 days after planting, depending on sowing times and varieties.
• Picking Heads: Harvest when the buds are firm and fully formed, but before they flower. Cut the central stem first, then harvest the smaller surrounding heads as they develop.
• Morning Harvest: For the best flavour, pick broccoli in the morning when the heads are crisp and firm.

Storing Broccoli

• Refrigeration: Store fresh broccoli in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing: Blanch the florets briefly before freezing to maintain texture and flavour.

Common Problems with Growing Broccoli

• Pests: Be aware of pests like aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles. Use row covers and organic pesticides to protect your plants.
• Diseases: Watch for common diseases such as downy mildew and clubroot. Preparing the soil and rotating crops can help mitigate these issues.
• Bolting: Broccoli may bolt (go to seed) in hot weather. While the UK’s cooler climate reduces this risk, it’s still wise to water frequently and choose heat-resistant varieties during unusually warm spells.

Growing Broccoli in Summary

Sowing Broccoli

• Sow indoors or directly from April to June.
• Plant in drills around 30 cm apart.
• Choose a sheltered spot out of the wind.

Growing Broccoli

• Protect from birds and pests using netting or mesh.
• Water well during dry spells.
• Earth up and stake taller plants for support.

Harvesting Broccoli

• Harvest from July to March, depending on sowing and variety.
• Cut off heads from the central stem first.
• Remove the head when buds are formed but not yet flowering.

By following these steps, you can grow healthy and delicious broccoli at your allotment. Happy gardening!