How to Grow Broccoli in Shade

Purchase broccoli seeds or transplants. Transplants are recommended for most spring home gardens since they allow the plant a quicker start to the season. Recommended varieties include Green Comet, Packman, Green Goliath and Cruiser. Avoid transplants that appear pot-bound, wilted or otherwise damaged.

Prepare a partial shaded area of the garden to grow your broccoli. Work the ground until it becomes loose and well-draining. Adding compost or organic matter to the top soil layer improves available nutrients and increases harvest production and quality.

Start seeds indoors or in a greenhouse if growing from seed. Seeds should be started well before the last frost date to ensure young broccoli seedlings mature enough for successful spring transplanting. Fall crops may be seeded directly into the garden bed. Sow seeds 0.25 to 0.5 inch deep, and later thin seedlings 18 to 24 inches apart in rows spaced 36 inches apart.

Plant transplants or seedlings in the garden as early as April. Space at least 1 foot apart in all directions. Plant as deep as the soil mark on the stem, taking care not to damage the delicate root system. Seedlings may benefit from cold frames in the early weeks. Water frequently to ensure adequate soil moisture for young plants. Add mulch to control weeds and to retain soil moisture and warmth.

Weed as needed to prevent broccoli roots from choking. A light fertilizer may be applied once transplants are halfway to maturity. Continue to keep soil moist, especially as broccoli heads develop. Keep an eye out for cabbage worms or aphids and treat plants accordingly if they become affected.

Harvest broccoli heads once they reach usable size and before the yellow flower buds begin to open. Heads will be compact and green. Leave 5 to 6 inches of stem attached to the head. After the main head is harvested, smaller side shoots appear and are harvested throughout the next couple weeks.