How to Grow Purple Sprouting Summer Broccoli in a Container 

Growing Purple Summer Sprouting Broccoli in the Yarden: Our Container Garden

Our garden, affectionately known as the Yarden, is a space filled with pots and containers of all shapes and sizes. Here’s how we successfully grow Purple Sprouting Summer Broccoli in our Yarden:

1. Choosing the Right Container

Select a deep container with good drainage. Broccoli plants need room for their roots to spread, so aim for a pot that is at least 12 inches deep. We have ours in the Raised Bed but you can use pots - We have four plants in the raised Bed and two in pots on each side of the bed , what can I say we love broccoli!!

2. Soil and Planting

Use a high-quality potting mix enriched with compost. Broccoli loves nutrient-rich soil. Plant seeds about 1/2 inch deep and keep the soil moist. We prefer starting with seedlings this year to get a head start as the raised bed was a late addition to The Yarden, which you can either buy or grow from seeds indoors.

3. Sunlight and Watering

Place your container in a sunny spot. Broccoli needs at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Watering in the morning helps prevent diseases.

4. Feeding and Care

Feed your plants with a balanced organic fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. As the plants grow, you may need to stake them to keep them upright. Keep an eye out for pests like aphids and caterpillars, and use organic pest control methods if necessary. 

We netted our Broccoli in Spring as we had Cabbage White Butterflies, this stopped any caterpillars from feasting on them.  We also use permaculture methods in the Yarden by planting our crops with nasturtium and other plants to encourage natural predators. 

5. Harvesting

Harvest the florets when they are firm and bright purple. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more. Simply cut the heads off with a sharp knife or secateurs and enjoy fresh, delicious broccoli!