How to grow broccoli in the fall - 2 tips for success! SW Ohio, zone 6a

SW Ohio, Zone 6a Growing broccoli in the fall is something many people struggle with. But it's relatively predictable if you follow a couple steps. The first step is to get your timing right. Most broccoli requires about 60 days to maturity so should be ready to harvest here in Ohio before mid November. That means getting it into the ground before the end of August and starting it from seed before the end of July. After timing, the second important step is modulating the growing temperature. With the short fall season in the Midwest, you generally will be planting your broccoli out in conditions that are too warm and harvesting it in conditions that are too cold. Shade cloth in the early season and frost cloth in the late season will allow you to predictably grow broccoli despite the non ideal early and late temperatures. The variety we grew this year is Emerald Crown from Johnny's Seeds and we are very happy with it. If you have other varieties you prefer, let us know in the comments. If you have any questions please let me know. Happy gardening everyone! -Peter