Broccoli
Growing Basics:
Soil: broccoli prefers a soil pH between 6 to 7 and temperatures of 60–65°F (will tolerate temperatures between 40–75°F).
Spacing: Rows 18–36” apart, sow 4–6” and thin to 12–24”
Companion planting: Incompatibility – cabbage, cauliflower, eggplant, beans, tomato, strawberry. Companions – beets, spinach, chard, garlic, potatoes, cucumbers, rosemary.
Water requirements: Best watered at soil level by drip or furrow watering. Deep watering to avoid stunted plants and promote healthy plant growth.
Fertilization: Broccoli is a heavy feeder, especially after plants are larger (30-50 days after transplanting). Consider light side dressings of nitrogen (feather meal or blood meal) every 4 weeks but taper off after heads start forming. Recommended planting a nitrogen-fixing cover crop (PV Soil Builder Mix or Nitro-Max Plow Down Mix) in beds where broccoli will be grown.
Weeding: broccoli has a very shallow root system so hand weed carefully around plants. Use mulch to prevent weeds and to maintain even soil moisture.
Video Link: https://www.groworganic.com/blogs/videos/growing-broccoli
Collard Greens
Growing Basics:
Soil: prefers a soil pH between 6.5–7.0 and temperatures of 40–75°F for germination (will tolerate temperatures between 35–75°F, but germination can be unsatisfactory depending on variety and preference). Soil should be well-draining and have plenty of organic matter.
Spacing: varies widely depending on variety; follow packet directions for row and plant spacing.
Companion Planting: Plant collard greens with hysop, thyme, and artemesia. These plants are also known as cabbage moth repellers. Dill is also a beneficial companion plant to collard greens, as it attracts wasps that prey on cabbage worms.
Water Requirements: Requires even moisture without saturation. Use mulch to assist with water retention and to keep mud off leaves. Head formation is dependent upon regular, even watering. Pay attention to snails, slugs and earwigs harboring in mulch.
Fertilization: Address amendments prior to planting, based on soil anyalysis. Supplemental dry amendment should be side-dressed to avoid root disruption or with a liquid fertilizer (avoid foliar applications close to harvest as the fertilizer may impart a flavor to the leaves).
Brussel Sprouts
Growing Basics
Soil: Brussels sprouts prefer a soil pH between 6–7.5 that drains well, has consistent moisture, and has plenty of organic matter. A temperature of 80°F is optimal for germination, (but will tolerate temperatures between 50–100).
Air Temperatures: Considered a cool season crop developing best at 60–65°F.
Yield: Varies widely depending on variety as well as weather and water availability. (Estimate about 30 sprouts per 4’ stalk.)
Spacing: Plant seeds 3 to 4” apart, thin to 18–24” apart after emergence in rows spaced 30” apart.
Companion planting:
- Incompatibility — Tomatoes
- Companions — Nasturtiums
Water Requirements: Water Brussels sprouts consistently and with moderate to high amount of water. Use mulch to retain moisture as the plants are shallow rooted.
Fertilization: Address amendments prior to transplanting into garden, supplementing per product label. Brussel sprout roots are shallow, so do not disturb the soil; top dress and water in.
Cauliflower
Growing Basics:
Soil: cauliflower prefers a soil pH between 6–7 and drains well and has plenty of organic matter.
Air Temperatures: should be around 75°F and no lower than 25°F.
Yield: varies widely depending on variety as well as weather and water availability. Rough estimate is one to two pounds per plant.
Spacing: should be between 15–24” apart with 24–36” row spacing.
Companion planting: Incompatibility — Peas, strawberries, tomatoes. Companions — Radish, cucumber, chard, broccoli, beets, onions, sage, thyme.
Water Requirements: water needs to be consistent and plentiful for head formation. Use mulch protect
Bibb Lettuce
Growing Basics:
Soil: prefers a soil pH between 6.5–7.0 Soil should be well-draining and have plenty of organic matter.
Spacing: varies widely depending on variety; follow packet directions for row and plant spacing.
Companion Planting: Companions (lettuce)–broccoli, carrots, beets, onions, radishes, dill, and strawberry. Incompatibility (lettuce)–cabbage, parsley, celery.
Water Requirements: Requires even moisture without saturation. Use mulch to assist with water retention and to keep mud off leaves. Head formation is dependent upon regular, even watering. Pay attention to snails, slugs and earwigs harboring in mulch.
Fertilization: Address amendments prior to planting, based on soil anyalysis. Supplemental dry amendment should be side-dressed to avoid root disruption or with a liquid fertilizer (avoid foliar applications close to harvest as the fertilizer may impart a flavor to the leaves).
Tunip Greens
Growing Basics:
Soil & Water: Turnips like loose, moderately fertile soil with a pH of 6.5-7.0. Water moderately. They prefer cool weather and grow best when grown quickly in 60-65°F daytime temperatures.
Planting & Growing: While seeds can be started indoors, they perform best when seeds are sown directly 4-6 weeks before the last frost. Sow every 2 weeks through mid-summer for a continuous harvest.
Harvesting & Storage: Harvest a few greens when the plants are young and eat the rest when you harvest the roots at a length of 3″-4″. The greens and roots are best eaten fresh, though both can be frozen. Store roots in cool, moist conditions.
Soil Temperature: 50-85°F Days To Maturity: 45-65 Days
Sun/Shade: Full Sun Height At Maturity: 14″-22″
Green Cabbage
Growing Basics
Air Temperatures: Considered a cool season crop developing best at 60– 65°F. Tolerates frost somewhat, but tender leaves inside may be affected while outer leaves will appear unaffected. Extended period of temperatures between 35–50°F can lead to flowering instead of head formation.
Soil: Requires well drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6–7.5 in full sun as shade will slow maturity (but can be helpful with growing in very warm regions). Due to pest and disease issues, do not plant in same location each year. Soil should be firm and not too light in tilth in order to support plants.
Spacing: 12–24 inches apart in rows 18 to 34 inches wide, depending on variety (late season varieties need most space before harvest)
Companion planting: Incompatibility — Strawberries, tomatoes, pole beans, garlic. Companions — cucumbers, thyme, mint, onions, sage, celery, beets, potatoes.
Water Requirements: water needs to be consistent to avoid head splitting. Avoid overhead watering, best to use drip irrigation. Mulches should be used to retain moisture as the plants are shallow rooted.
Fertilization: Address amendments prior to transplanting into garden, supplementing per product label.
Master Gardener Information
Newton County Master Gardener Applications open on Oct 1. If you are interested in being a MGEV, please email abest22@uga.edu.