How To Grow Brocolli At Home In India
Broccoli is a cool-season vegetable, so planting it right before winter is a great idea. You can start growing it in October and November.
How to prepare seeds before planting?
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Buy good quality seeds.
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Amend 2-4 inches of topsoil of the garden bed by mixing compost before planting.
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Now, sow seeds around ¼ to ½ inches deep and 12-20 inches apart from each other in the garden bed.
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Maintain a distance of 2-3 feet between the rows.
Growing Requirements
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Sunlight: Choose a location where the plants will receive 5-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Ensure they are not exposed to the hot Indian afternoon sun for an extended period.
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Water: Make certain that you are not overwatering the plant. The best practice is to let the topsoil dry out before watering the plant again.
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Soil: This plant thrives in well-drained, fertile soil. Use an acidic to neutral pH sandy and loamy soil mixture. Prior to planting, amend the soil with compost or manure to make it more fertile.
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Fertilizer: During planting, apply a slow-release all-purpose fertiliser. Once every 5-7 weeks, side-dress the plant with aged manure. Every two weeks, you can also use a liquid fertilizer.
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Mulching: To keep the soil temperature cool, prevent water loss, and keep weeds at bay, apply a layer of organic mulch around the plant base, such as compost, shredded leaves, or bark.
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Pests and Diseases: Cutworms, cabbage loopers, and cabbage worms should all be avoided. Take care of them with insecticidal soap or a neem oil solution. Also, ensure that there is adequate air circulation around the plants.