Broccoli

This crop requires cool weather, but temperatures below 40C will cause chilling injury, and initiate premature flower development. Broccoli plants are sensitive to soil compaction that decrease oxygen and water availability to the roots. It does best on a well-drained, loam soil, rich with organic matter. Raised planting-beds are a good solution, because they improve soil drainage, and allow access to the crop without causing soil compaction.  A soil pH between 6.5-6.8 is ideal for maximum yields, however pH over 6.8 is preferable where club-root disease prevails. Broccoli is a heavy potassium feeder, since it requires almost double the amount of this element as compared to nitrogen.