I am trying to keep my broccoli plants from broccoli plants from bolting. I've read that a thick layer of mulch will help keep the roots cooler. Is there any particular type of mulch that is best used for this purpose? Also, how often should Broccoli be watered during excessively hot weather? Normally all of my vegetable garden gets watered twice a day, (early morning and evening, after the sun goes down).
Here are tips on preventing broccoli from bolting: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/broccoli/bolting-broccoli-growing-broccoli-in-hot-weather.htm
Mulching is an important strategy. Some aspects of mulching -- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/mulch/benefits-of-using-mulch.htm
Some people think that the best for keeping vegetables cool is straw mulch or shredded leaves; pine straw could also be good if your soil is not already acidic.
I was just wondering if you have to replant Broccoli every year.
If you let ordinary broccoli bolt (flower) and go to seed, some plants might come up the next year, but they wouldn't look much like the broccoli you know, so, yes, you need to plant those every year.
Some strains of perennial broccoli are being developed, you might want to look into those. Also there is a Chinese broccoli that is considered perennial. Here's a little information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/vgen/growing-asian-style-vegetables.htm
I have root maggots on my broccoli root and I don't want them to destroy my whole garden.
Depending on the number of maggots you're seeing, and the length of time since you discovered them, you may be able to save the entire garden if you sacrifice the broccoli. But you'll probably want to take steps to stop these pests this year, so you'll be in good shape for next year. This article tells you more: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/root-eating-insects-identifying-vegetable-root-maggots-and-root-maggot-control.htm
While cooking broccoli, worms appeared in pot. After removing worms, is it safe to eat or throw out?
To the best of my knowledge, the worms are not dangerous to human health. An old farmers' trick is to soak veggies in cold salt water for 10 minutes or so, to encourage all the critters to let go. If you're growing yourself, you'll want to practice some controls before food gets to the kitchen. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/broccoli/worms-in-broccoli-caterpillars-in-the-broccoli-head.htm
Should I still use row cover if I treated my broccoli with neem oil?
No treatment, insecticide, or preventive system is one hundred percent effective. So if you want to go to the trouble to use two preventive approaches, you're going to have a much better chance to achieve broccoli fabulousness.
I've been growing hydroponic broccoli this summer. The initial heads were great. The plants are almost 3 feet tall and have large healthy leaves. Despite some days where the room temp hit high 70s, they didn't bolt.
Once I harvested the initial heads, the plants began sprouting new little ones like crazy. Unfortunately, these are coming out sparse with the florets spread out instead of tightly packed and they are bolting. Is this normal for the secondary growth?
I have them under grow lights 16 hrs/day but also next to a window where they get afternoon sun. I haven't changed the grow mix or the lighting. Obviously the natural sunlight is getting shorter.
Thanks for the reply. I'm not asking about whether secondary heads are unusual but rather about how they are definitely not as nice as the first ones. I did manage to find mention elsewhere that commercial growers toss the plants after the first harvest because the secondaries are not as good, and with further iterations the plant eventually stops trying at all. Apparently what I'm seeing is common. I guess I need to lower expectations and just try to gather some small heads to munch on.
Secondary heads are not unusual - kind of depends on the variety. This article may have some tips you can use: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/broccoli/how-to-grow-broccoli.htm
Are broccoli leaves edible?
Yes, the leaves of broccoli can be harvested and eaten if desired. However, it is best to harvest them while they are young and tender since older leaves become tough and bitter tasting.