McKenzie's Archives

Broccoli

Former President George Bush is often remembered as the guy who didn't like broccoli. His slandering of this wonderful vegetable is probably so memorable because this member of the mustard family is popular with most of us. It is rich in vitamin A and C, calcium, potassium and iron. It also is high in fiber and is considered an anti-cancer food.

How to grow

Broccoli is one of the first and last plants out in the garden because it likes to grow in the cool weather. Start seeds inside 10-12 weeks before the last frost date for your area. This gives this long growing plant a good headstart. The plants can be set out five weeks before your last frost.

Location

Broccoli may like the cool temps, but it likes the full sun so choose a sunny location in the garden.

Fertilizer

Broccoli is a heavy feeder and will benefit from either an application of seaweed or fish emulsion every 2-3 weeks or a monthly application of basic fertilizer mix.

Pests

Root maggots and various worms are the most common problems for all member of this plant family that includes cabbage and brussels sprouts as well. You can protect your plants from many pests by covering with row covers when you put the new plants out. Bury the edges of the row cover under the dirt to keep a tight seal.

Harvest

When heads are full and tight, before flower buds begin to open, cut off the main or central head at it's base. New side heads will then form within a few weeks.

Favorite Recipes

Broccoli Twice Baked Potatoes

4 baking potatoes	1 cup broccoli
1 cup yogurt	1 cup mushrooms
1/8 tsp. paprika	1 cup shredded chedder cheese
1 clove garlic

Wash potatoes and pierce several times with a fork. Bake for about an hour at 400 degrees. After potatoes have cooled, cut open and scoop pulp into bowl. Add yogurt, paprika and 1/2 cup of cheese to bowl. Mix and set aside. Spray skillet with non-stick vegetable spray and heat. Add garlic, broccoli, and mushrooms and cook until tender. Add vegetable mixture to potato pulp mixture. Place potato skins on ungreased baking dish and fill with vegetable/pulp mixture. Sprinkle remaining cheese over potatoes and bake for 10 minutes at 375 degrees.

Simple Broccoli Stir-Fry

In a wok heat 1/2 to 1 tablespoon oil. Add 1 teaspoon of minced ginger and 1 teaspoon minced garlic and cook for 15 seconds. Add 2 cups cut broccoli, 1 cup sliced carrots, and 2 leeks sliced thin. Add 2 tablespoons vegetable broth, cover pan and cook for 5 minutes over a medium heat. Mix in 1 teaspoon soy sauce and serve.

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