Broccoli in April: monthly care

Broccoli thrives in full sun and prefers fertile, moisture-retentive loam or clay soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Before planting, dig in plenty of well-rotted manure or garden compost to improve soil structure and nutrient levels—brassicas are hungry feeders. The soil should be firm, so tread it down gently after digging; loose soil encourages weak stems and poor root development. In temperate Europe, sow broccoli seeds indoors in modules or small pots from March onwards, or outdoors in a seedbed from April. Transplant seedlings when they have four to six true leaves, typically in April or May, spacing them 45 cm apart in rows 60 cm apart. This generous spacing allows good air circulation, which helps prevent fungal diseases common in brassicas. Plant firmly so the lowest leaves are just above soil level; broccoli needs a stable anchor as it grows top-heavy. Water transplants in thoroughly to settle roots and eliminate air pockets. If your soil is light or sandy, work in extra organic matter beforehand to help retain moisture, as broccoli dislikes drying out. On exposed sites, consider using brassica collars around the base of each plant to deter cabbage root fly, and cover young plants with fine mesh or fleece to protect against cabbage white butterflies and pigeons, which can strip foliage quickly. Mulch around plants once established to conserve moisture and suppress weeds, but keep mulch a few centimetres clear of the stem to reduce the risk of rot.