by Greg Spinks

Created on: April 07, 2009

Broccoli, a common sight in the vegetable department of supermarkets, is one of the more popular spring vegetables in home gardens and one of the easiest to grow organically. It is a common kitchen sight as well. Broccoli can be used in a wide array of various recipes from dips to salads, eaten raw, slightly steamed, soups, and casseroles.

Gardeners and consumers get more than great, gourmet taste from the popular green veggie. Medical research and data indicate that broccoli is a powerful health food vegetable providing a wide range of vitamins, fiber, and nutrients.

Broccoli is no stranger to popularity; it has been enjoyed and appreciated for centuries. The vegetable, a native of the Mediterranean region, was grown during the ancient Roman Empire. It is, however, a rather new vegetable crop in the United States. It was first commercially produced in California in 1924. But it was after the second World War, when broccoli became a major agricultural crop on farms, home gardens and a popular staple at many roadside stands and supermarket shelves . With rising food costs and the increasing popularity of vegetable gardens during a recession, broccoli can be an important family budget saver. Bumper home crops of broccoli grow best in cooler conditions; it can be planted as either a spring or a fall crop or planted for both seasons.

If starting with seeds, the average homeowner will discover another surprise benefit; there is usually plenty of seeds in the package for both growing seasons. Just be sure to properly re-seal the seed package and keep in a cool and dark locations until mid-summer. While there are several different varieties, most are able to be harvested after 55- 65 days.

For a spring crop, planting seeds about five or six weeks before the last spring frosts will provide a harvest in early summer. The same time frame can be used for a fall crop; plant the broccoli seeds five weeks or so before the first expected autumn frost.

Seeds should be planted at a depth of about an half inch. The seed tray, covered with plastic, should be located a warm spot, the top of the refrigerator works well. Once the seedlings emerge, which can be in as little as three days when started in warm conditions, remove the plastic and place under full lights or a sunny window. Without proper lightning, broccoli can get leggy.

Plants are also readily available at garden supply centers. Check the plants carefully for any insects or insect damage and don't opt to buy the largest plants.

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