February 16, 2013

My seedlings sown in early September.

I used broccoli blends from Renee’s Garden and Fedco Seeds. About fifty broccoli plants were moved into four inch pots. What was I thinking? Did I forget I don’t have a half acre? 

I planted the best 25 in early November and gave the rest away. Six cauliflower plants are at the far end of the bed and now sweet peas climb the trellis.

Broccoli transplants are in staggered rows twelve inches apart.

Some years I inter-plant the broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage with lettuce transplants. See images from my garden that illustrate the French intensive method.

The broccoli bed on December 1. I credit sunny days, compost and rain.

The first head of broccoli appears. Photographed on December 18.

“Broccoli patch” in the late afternoon sun on December 27.

The first small heads of broccoli harvested 1-13.

Some later heads were almost 12 inches across.

More reasons why I like the winter garden.