Description

Broccoli prefers fertile, well-drained, moisture-retentive soil. Plant seedlings in their growing positions, leaving 45cm (18in) between them. Water plants well before and after planting. Thin directly-sown broccoli to 30cm (1ft) apart

Water every 10-14 days in dry periods. Add a high nitrogen fertiliser, such as sulphate of ammonia, at 35g per square metre when plants are about 20cm tall

Birds can be a problem, so net the plants when the heads are being produced to prevent damage

As the plants get taller you may need to stake and tie them for support

Hoe around the plants to keep weeds down