This evening I harvested the remaining eleven heads of 'Green Goliath' broccoli and the three remaining kohlrabi. I harvest broccoli by feel, when they are getting close to maturity I give them a little squeeze every day and once they start to slightly soften it's time to harvest. By checking back on my blog I harvested the broccoli on June 18th last year so they are a little later this year.All in all the broccoli was spectacular this spring. Asides from one plant succumbing to root maggot they all produced very well. I also have not seen a single cabbage butterfly this year, I'm not sure where they are but I am happy they are not bothering me. The total weight of the broccoli this spring was just under 6lbs for a total of 15 heads.
Tomorrow I will remove all the plants, compost them and plant the second crop of 'Early Dividend' broccoli as well as 'Jade Cross Hybrid' brussels sprouts in their place. By removing the plants I will be about to harvest a second crop of large heads this season and hopefully side shoots as well. Removing them will also give the squash growing on the trellis behind them much needed light. That is the plan at least, I am hoping the summer heat doesn't do them in, time will tell.
Most impressive harvest Dan. I use the same approach to determine when to harvest as well. It appears like 2009 is shaping up to be a super productive year in your garden.
ReplyDeleteThat's a serious harvest you've got there! Bet it tasted fantastic too!
ReplyDeleteThat is a nice harvest of broccoli. Much more than I got, that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the cabbage moths either. My kale leaves are still pristine and I even bought DT just in case but haven't had to use it. Maybe the wet weather has kept them away.
ReplyDeleteYour broccoli harvest looks great. I didn't plant any this year and I'm missing it.
All your work really paid off. Looks great!
ReplyDeleteHi Dan, just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed your blog. You have some interesting and useful ideas. Admired your new hose real setup. Simple but attractive and functional. It is something that would be really helpful in my garden.
ReplyDeleteYOur photography is excellent.
Marnie
Beautiful broccoli!
ReplyDeleteI am guessing that since my broc is not anywhere near ready, I planted it too late. I guess I should dig it up and replant seeds for a fall harvest?
ReplyDeleteLooks so good!!! I hope mine will eventually grow so big! :D
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the comments, they are greatly appropriated.
ReplyDeleteKaren - I would leave your broccoli in, it will produce for you. Broccoli usually produces a head about 50 days after you plant it in the garden.
What a beautiful picture! I love broccoli and it's time to start new sets here. The year just rolls on and on.
ReplyDeleteI love your blog! I can't seem to get my broccoli to grow more than a large floret before they start to try to flower. What am I doing wrong??
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Rachel
rachkuyps at yahoo dot com