broccoli help

[jjpugh]

tried to grow broccoli for the last couple years and they grow but very small heads. nothing even close to what you get at a store. any tips. also i have tried growing pickles which always do good but when i can them they suck. i like dill pickles from the store. mine come out mushy and taste bad. would love to learn the right way. if anyone has the time

[icebucketjohn]

Sounds like a nitrogen deficiency or your soil is too acid. High acidity will not allow nutrients to be taken up by the plants.

I'd first add lime to your garden plot.

[Ben Fishing]

As for the pickles just cold pack them with a little alum. They come out crisp and snappy.

[hardwaterfan]

Mrs. Wages "refrigerator" style pickles. No boiling. However you need to keep them in the fridge forever.

Broccoli, Im not sure Ive never had any issues.....maybe try a different type? Barbados is a good type. Im actually gonna try 3 different types this year.

[bkr43050]

On a side note, what do you do to keep the worms off the broccoli? I have grown it the last couple of years and with the amount of worms on it I am not sure I want to grow any this year. I am not a fan of chemicals on my veggies. Is there anything else I should try?

[M.Magis]

On a side note, what do you do to keep the worms off the broccoli? I have grown it the last couple of years and with the amount of worms on it I am not sure I want to grow any this year. I am not a fan of chemicals on my veggies. Is there anything else I should try?

The only thing I know for sure is Sevin. Without it, my garden wouldn’t do well. I had to give up trying to go without it, because I couldn’t keep up with the bugs. I just make sure I wash everything well. If for no other reason than the bird droppings.

[Ben Fishing]

Sand works to repell worms and slugs.

[bkr43050]

Sand works to repell worms and slugs.
Are you referring to putting it around the plants?

[Ben Fishing]

Yes, that technique works well especially for slugs vs. tomatos.

[hardwaterfan]

i think the kind of worm youre talking about is from a white moth. not 100% sure though. maybe a fine, light mesh cover? (keep the moths off the plant, keep them from laying eggs) luckily ive never had too many of those but occasionally i see some on there. if you see leaves that look like theyre being eaten, thats from that worm.


edit: looks like row covers would work. they say cover them as soon as possible before the moths come out. Ive actually had them on columbine, they totally strip every leaf off the plant.

cabbage moth:


cabbage moth - Google Search

[viper1]

The cheapest and best garden you can have starts with a soil test. With out it you dont know what to add. I buy my kits off ebay but the farm bureau usually do them or can refer them. neighbor was having lots problems till he tested his and it was to sweet or too much lime which ever you prefer. If the soil is at the right place gardening proves easier and grows great.