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There is good news and bad news about the past snow storms. The bad news is we were forced to cancel the Bonanza. The good news is that we are going to reschedule many of the classes. Be sure you are on our mailing list so we can contact you.

Despite the snow, I represented the Chisago County Master Gardeners at the Chisago Home and Business Show. Many gardeners came to our booth asking garden questions and ordering our bare root plants. All of them are anxious to start preparing to work their gardens. One of the first plants to put into the ground is broccoli. Broccoli is one of the cole crops along with cauliflower and cabbage. While it is true that broccoli performs best with cool daytime temps between 70 degrees and 85 degrees, the young seedlings do not tolerate frost. Early maturing varieties are more sensitive to low temperature damage than are those that mature later. So, the initial planting date in Minnesota is seldom earlier than mid-April and there is some risk of cole temperature damage until mid-May.

Weather is one of the most limiting factors in producing cole crops. Along with daytime temperatures of between 70 degrees and 85 degrees F. They need lots of sun, and moist growing conditions. All cole crops produce best in fertile, moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter and nitrogen. Broccoli requires the same conditions but is less exacting and accommodates a slightly wider range of soil and climate conditions.

Plants are normally set in rows 30-36 inches apart with in-row spacing of plants at 12-18 inches apart. If possible, avoid using transplants that are older than six weeks. You can use a transplant starter solution that is high in phosphorus and low in nitrogen and potassium. Other points to consider when transplanting include being sure the plant has at least three to four pair of true leaves. This helps them resist frost damage, Also, use transplants that are less than four inches tall and have a good root system.

Like most plants, they need at least one inch of water per week.

All cole crops are subject to attack by several kinds of insects throughout the growing season. Cutworms, flea beetle, and aphids tend to be the most damaging to young plants. Cutworms feed on plants just below the soil surface. They are very hard to deal with since by the time you notice them the damage has been done. Some use a plastic cup with its bottom removed to a simple cut worm collar. Push the cup, wide end down, about one inch into the soil around each plant. Cutworms won't climb over or dig under the collar. When the broccoli stem is large enough, remove the cup. Some gardeners, including me, have used nails or medal rods to deter them. Run the medal down along the stem into the soil. Cutworms must encircle the stem in order to eat them. By having an object right next to the stem it prevents this from happening. Be sure to remove the object when the danger has past.

Flea beetles, aphids, and other insects are not of real concern unless there is severe infestation which will cause yield reductions. If that occurs, you may choose to use an insecticide such as Seven (carbonyl). If you use Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), which is a chemical that is nontoxic to humans and animals, remember it only kills butterfly and moth larvae.

Cole crops also are susceptible to many diseases, too numerous to write about. The best disease control is prevention. Planting quality seed and disease resistant cultivars is very important. Eliminate alternate hosts such as weeds. Also, dispose of all crop residue and rotate crops on a three year rotation.

There are several favorite varieties. Some early varieties include Early Dividends (43 day), Green Goliath (53 day), Packman ( 50 day), Small Miracle (54 day), and Southern Comet (55 day). I am only familiar with Packman and Small Miracle, both of which are excellent choices.

Midseason varieties include Belstar (60 day), Coronado Crown (58 day), and Premium Crop(62 day). I am only familiar with Gypsy which again is an excellent choice.

Good later varieties include Diplomat (68 days), Marathon (68 day), Minaret (95 day), and Waltham 29 (80 day). Waltham 29 is a great later broccoli variety.

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The first class of 'Garden Fever' our spring gardening series will be Saturday, March 24, from 9 a.m.-noon, at the Senior Center in North Branch. There will be three one hour sessions presented on vegetable gardening. Brochures are available on the website at www.extension.umn.edu/county/chisago or you can call the Extension office at 651-674-4417 to have one mailed to you.

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