When it comes to planting broccoli, the best month to do so depends on whether you are planning a spring or fall crop. For spring-planted broccoli, I recommend starting the seeds indoors in early to mid-April. This timing allows for the plants to be started indoors and transplanted outdoors once the weather has warmed up and the risk of frost has passed.
If you prefer a fall crop of broccoli, you have a bit more flexibility in terms of when to start planting. You can either start the seeds indoors or directly sow them outdoors, depending on your preference and the climate in your area. In general, I suggest starting the seeds indoors or sowing them outdoors in early to late July.
Regardless of whether you choose to plant in the spring or fall, it is a good idea to use a row cover to protect the young broccoli plants. This cover serves as a shield against wind and insects during the early stages of growth, helping the plants establish themselves more easily.
In my own experience, I have found that starting broccoli seeds indoors in early April for a spring crop has resulted in healthy and productive plants. By transplanting them outdoors once they have grown a bit, I have been able to give them a head start and ensure they have enough time to grow and produce before the weather turns too hot.
For fall crops, starting the seeds indoors or sowing them outdoors in late July has worked well for me. The cooler temperatures of the fall season are ideal for broccoli growth, and by starting the seeds a bit earlier, I have been able to take advantage of the longer growing season before the colder weather sets in.
To summarize, the best month to plant broccoli depends on whether you are aiming for a spring or fall crop. Early to mid-April is recommended for spring-planted broccoli, while early to late July is suitable for fall-planted broccoli. Remember to use a row cover to protect the plants during the early stages of growth.
