Broccoli

When to plant: Start seeds indoors about six weeks before the last frost date in spring; you’ll want to ensure that the crop reaches maturity before hot weather sets in, as it will quickly bolt. Set plants out about two weeks before the last frost date. In climates with mild winters, you can sow seeds late in summer or in early fall to harvest later in the fall or in winter. Days to maturity: 50 to 100 Light requirement: Full sun; partial shade where hot Water requirement: Regular wateringFavorites: Apollo, Belstar, Calabrese, Di Cicco, Flash, GreenComet, Green Goliath, Packman, Premium Crop, Purple Sprouting, Romanesco, Sorrento, Spring RaabPlanting and care: Broccoli prefers very rich soil, so amend your bed before planting. Sow seeds fairly close to the surface, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep and an inch apart, then thin to 1 1/2 to 2 feet apart, or more if the varieties are very large. Set transplants out at the same spacing. Keep the plants evenly watered and mulch to keep the soil cool. Apply a high-nitrogen complete fertilizer just before heads form. Keep weeds down but be careful when weeding not to damage the roots. Unfortunately, broccoli attracts a range of pests and diseases, including but not limited to aphids, cabbage worms, harlequin bugs, damping off, downy mildew and fusarium wilt. Watch your plants carefully and take appropriate, but not drastic, measures if problems begin to emerge. Don’t go overboard; take the time to see if the problem can right itself naturally. If it continues, though, move on to stronger measures before you lose your crop.Harvest: Cut about 6 inches below the head right before it opens and flowers. The side branches will also form heads; harvest them the same way. Harvest the shoots and leaves of raab and sprouting broccoli before they flower as well. See more guides to growing fruits and vegetables at home

Plant most edibles after frost has passed. About two weeks before the last frost — May 8 here in Lincoln, Nebraska — plant broccoli and cauliflower in the vegetable bed. After the last frost date, you can go nuts seeding squash, watermelons, carrots, beans and sunflowers. Boy, I'm getting excited just thinking about it — if only this late winter would finally end. What are you going to add to the garden this spring?More regional gardening guides

broccoli is one of my favorites

Brocolli: When to plant: Start seeds indoors about six weeks before the last frost date in spring; you’ll want to ensure that the crop reaches maturity before hot weather sets in, as it will quickly bolt. Set plants out about two weeks before the last frost date. In climates with mild winters, you can sow seeds late in summer or in early fall to harvest later in the fall or in winter. Days to maturity: 50 to 100 Light requirement: Full sun; partial shade where hot Water requirement: Regular watering Favorites: Apollo, Belstar, Calabrese, Di Cicco, Flash, GreenComet, Green Goliath, Packman, Premium Crop, Purple Sprouting, Romanesco, Sorrento, Spring Raab Planting and care: Broccoli prefers very rich soil, so amend your bed before planting. Sow seeds fairly close to the surface, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep and an inch apart, then thin to 1 1/2 to 2 feet apart, or more if the varieties are very large. Set transplants out at the same spacing. Keep the plants evenly watered and mulch to keep the soil cool. Apply a high-nitrogen complete fertilizer just before heads form. Keep weeds down but be careful when weeding not to damage the roots. Unfortunately, broccoli attracts a range of pests and diseases, including but not limited to aphids, cabbage worms, harlequin bugs, damping off, downy mildew and fusarium wilt. Watch your plants carefully and take appropriate, but not drastic, measures if problems begin to emerge. Don’t go overboard; take the time to see if the problem can right itself naturally. If it continues, though, move on to stronger measures before you lose your crop. Harvest: Cut about 6 inches below the head right before it opens and flowers. The side branches will also form heads; harvest them the same way. Harvest the shoots and leaves of raab and sprouting broccoli before they flower as well.