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Broccoli Growing and the Moon
By: Gene DeFazzio
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Broccoli growing conditionsBroccoli is a hardy, fairly quick-maturing crop which belongs to the Cabbage family. This vegetable is very sensitive to heat, especially heat combined with good growing conditions and negative effects of the moon. At first you might think it's growing mightily (which it is), but too suddenly you find that the heat has forced it to flower—which means it's too late for good eating.Pick broccoli while heads are tight during the New Moon.When heads start to spread, the skin on the stems will be thick and require peeling off. Pick off stems that you need from the base, leaving the less mature ones farther up the stem to develop. |
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Culture of BroccoliBroccoli prefers coolness and moisture. In the regions of the country where summer arrives early, it will be most successful if planted as a fall crop during the waxing phases of the moon. However, certain gardeners contend that it thrives best as a two-season crop for both spring and fall. In either case plant when the moon is growing in size.Early Season Planting of BroccoliThe seeds are sown in late winter, one-half inch deep in flats and placed in a warm, sunny window or greenhouse. Seedlings can be set out early in spring, as soon as the garden soil can be worked and the phase of the Moon is prime. Later, when most danger of severe frost has passed, more seeds are sown directly in the garden. When stalks are three or four inches tall, thin the plants or transplant them so that they stand 18 to 24 inches apart in the row. The transplanted broccoli can be harvested throughout the spring and early summer.Late Season Planting of BroccoliBroccoli that is direct-seeded into the garden in late May will mature during the cool, early autumn months. Transplanting is not necessary when broccoli is planted in this way. The important thing is to care for them throughout the summer as you would any other crop. Thus, with a little planning, you can enjoy fresh-picked garden broccoli throughout the growing season.Broccoli moisture and fertilizer requirementsBroccoli is not a greedy feeder. It will do best in a moderately rich soil, provided that soil is well drained and easy to work. Broccoli thrives in soils ranging from sand and clay to peat. It is a thirsty vegetable that requires plenty of moisture.Harvesting BroccoliThe plant form of broccoli consists of a thick main stalk, at the end of which develops a central cluster of tiny, dark green flower buds. Stem, buds and leaves are edible, but the leaves are less tender than the stem and buds and are usually discarded into the compost heap. |
Some watchfulness is necessary to see that the greenish heads are harvested well before the flower buds expand and dry out. After the main head has been cut the side shoots will continue to form smaller heads and provide a steady and heavy harvest over a considerable period. All heads should be cut off in such a manner that a fairly long stub of stem remains on the plant.
After the central head of broccoli has been cut for food, a number of small lateral roots will develop in the axils of the remaining leaves. These shoots also produce flower buds which are edible. The welcome harvest of this important, easy-to-grow vegetable will last for several weeks. From four to six cuttings of stems and buds may be expected from every stalk and planting by the phases of the moon might increase that.
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About the Author,
Gene DeFazzio is the author and webmaster of moonGROw.com. Website of Moon Phase and Organic gardening. |
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| 2012 moon phases |
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