Errors to Steer Clear of When Planting Broccoli in Autumn
Growing Broccoli in Your Autumn Garden: Skip Common Pitfalls
Hello there, are you planning to cultivate broccoli in your autumn garden? If so, fantastic! I adore growing broccoli in the fall. Here are some common blunders I've encountered, or observed others make, while growing broccoli in autumn. Steer clear of these issues, and you'll enhance your chances of a thriving autumn broccoli harvest.
Mistake #1: Shy away from the fall season
First things first: broccoli thrives in cool temperatures. In the past, I planted my broccoli seedlings too early in the spring, expecting several months to develop the plant before the summer heat struck. However, in my Arkansas climate, the transition from cold to hot is swift, leading my plants to bloom instead of forming heads. After several fruitless springs, I gave growing in the fall a try, with much better results. Broccoli, as a cool-season crop, tolerates freezing temperatures, but if the forecast forecasts below-freezing temperatures at night, floating row covers can extend your harvest.
Mistake #2: Selecting the incorrect variety
During my first few years of growing broccoli in the fall, I planted varieties that, albeit growing well, failed to produce the large central heads I desired. My luck changed when a Texas podcast listener emailed me some suggested varieties. With a trial of these, I observed a significant improvement in my broccoli harvest. The recommended varieties were Green Magic and Castle Dome. They withstood the early summer heat, produced substantial heads, and afforded me a harvest well into December under cover. If one variety doesn't work well for you, give another a try. Collaborate with other gardeners who cultivate in a comparable climate; eventually, you'll land on a variety that works seamlessly for your garden.
Mistake #3: Not securing with insect netting
If you don't cover your broccoli (and other brassicas) as soon as you plant them with insect netting, you've likely observed holes in your broccoli leaves within a short span—especially if you plant in the fall. Cabbage worms, particularly active in late summer, cause significant damage to young plants. Besides consuming the leaves, they can also penetrate the heads, potentially ruining the entire crop. Instead of relying on organic treatments such as BT, add insect netting at the time of planting out your broccoli seedlings. Ensure that the netting is properly secured, as the moths can be resilient and find any gaps you may have left open. Broccoli does not require pollination for crop production, so you can leave the netting on until you're ready to harvest. You can find the insect netting I use in my garden on the Amazon Favorites page.
Mistake #4: Planting during the heat
Despite the term "fall garden," you may need to plant in the late summer to ensure that your crop matures before the cold. Depending on your location, this could mean planting the seedlings in July or August, often during what is the hottest part of the year. To mitigate the heat during planting, avoid transplanting during the hottest part of the day. Instead, plant in the evening when temperatures have cooled down slightly. This gives the plants a head start on establishing themselves before the heat of the day sets in. Furthermore, transplant whenever you see a cool front, such as several days that are not as scorchingly hot as typical, or overcast days. Ensure that you have properly hardened off your transplants before placing them in the garden.
Mistake #5: Neglecting shading during the heat
When you plant in the late summer, even a modicum of shade at transplant time can make a remarkable difference. Now, I shade my plants immediately after transplant with shade cloth. In the past, I tried using the shade cloth for both insect netting and shade, which turned out to be a mistake as it didn't provide enough airflow for my plants, causing them to become overheated and weaker. Instead, lay the insect netting first, then place the shade cloth on top of it. Position the shade cloth on the south or southwest side, so it still receives direct morning sun but not during the afternoon. By covering only half the bed, the plants will also benefit from the added airflow from the north or northeast. Only keep the shade cloth in place for a couple of weeks until the plants become established, then remove it to allow the plants to receive full sun, which is essential with shorter fall days.
Bonus Tip
Rabbits adore broccoli plants. If you don't have a way to keep them out of your garden, securing the insect netting becomes paramount, as it can keep both the cabbage moth and rabbits at bay. Trust me, it's a hard blow to discover that a rabbit has nibbled on your entire broccoli crop overnight.
I hope these tips help you avoid the missteps I encountered and yield a terrific harvest this year!
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With determination and some handy tips, you'll be able to grow a bountiful autumn broccoli harvest. I, myself, began my gardening journey without any prior knowledge and I wish to help you on yours.
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If you're into home-and-garden lifestyle and find enjoyment in gardening, consider integrating seed starting into your routine during autumn. To assist with your planning, you can download garden printables that help track your progress. As you cultivate broccoli this fall, remember to consider suitable varieties for cool-season crops and preferably those that resist the summer heat, such as Green Magic or Castle Dome. Don't forget to secure your precious broccoli plants with insect netting to protect them from cabbage worms and rabbits. Finally, if temperatures soar, provide shade for young plants until they become established and hardy against the heat. Happy gardening!
