Amazing and unique in its properties broccoli cabbage is the progenitor of all current types of cabbage crops. This amazing vegetable has incorporated the best properties and qualities from mother nature. Perhaps that is why he is considered the queen of the cabbage kingdom. In view of this, it is very useful to know how to grow broccoli in your own area.
What is the use of broccoli?
American scientists conducted some studies, during which it turned out that this vegetable improves the functioning of the heart muscle and reduces myocardial damage.
Broccoli cabbage
, whose beneficial properties help in the fight against cancer and infections, contains important compounds of sulforaphane - fighters against cancer cells. However, it is important to know that only the precursor of this substance is present in it, which, under the action of enzymes in the process of chewing, turns into a much-needed and useful element in the fight against infections.
Among the most useful properties of broccoli, an antibacterial effect is also noted. Therefore, cabbage is useful to eat for those who suffer from a stomach ulcer. In addition, the vegetable will help strengthen bones and normalize blood pressure (it contains a huge amount of calcium and potassium). Beta-carotene and vitamin C suppress free radicals and reduce the risk of cataracts.
It is amazing how many positive properties broccoli has! Any fresh vegetables are always healthier than frozen ones. How to grow broccoli in your garden? Easy!
Broccoli in your garden - health in hand
First of all, you need to choose a variety: early ripe, mid-ripening or late broccoli. Cabbage seeds must be sown in a box with the ground in early March. Having waited for their emergence, make a pick, while increasing the air temperature in the room with seedlings to 21 ° C. After several days, the seedlings need to begin to temper: 17 ° C during the day and 9 ° C at night. Plants must be periodically brought to light, while avoiding overheating.
How to grow broccoli in the next step - in the open ground? Small plants need to be planted when there are 5-6 true leaves on them. The abundance of the crop will bring the right soil - Ph 6-6.5.
When planting, it is important to monitor the distance between the rows and the seedlings themselves: about half a meter between the first and 30 cm between the second. After 15 days, fertilize by watering the plants under the root with a mixture of 500 ml of mullein and 1 tsp. urea diluted in 10 liters of water.
This healing vegetable is very fond of frequent watering and periodic loosening of the earth (1 time per week to a depth of 8 cm). It is important to monitor and weed in time.
Properly planted and grown broccoli - photo, the best on the Internet. You need to harvest before the flower buds have blossomed. Preferably in the morning. After a certain number of days after collection, lateral shoots may appear. They need to be collected and frozen. If the heads of broccoli are slightly damaged, it is better to eat them immediately, since freezing will not protect them from spoilage.
Knowing how to grow broccoli, it is important to remember that it is often attacked by pests: cabbage moth, boxworm and others. Therefore, do not forget to spray it with pesticides.