Side dressing for broccolini (Grow broccolini)

Growing broccolini plant in grow tunnel. About three weeks have passed since the broccolini (stem broccoli) was planted. This time, we will fertilize the broccolini. (Side dressing for stem broccoli.) I will explain the timing for fertilizing broccolini, the type of fertilizer to use, and how to fertilize.

We will fertilize the broccolini (Side dressing for stem broccoli)

In broccolini farming, the fertilizing time usually comes about 3 to 4 weeks after planting. (This applies to fall-planted stem broccoli, which is planted in September.) In our garden, we grow broccolini without pesticides and organically, so we also use organic fertilizer for fertilizing.

Broccolini that has been planted about three weeks ago

For broccolini, cabbage, and other autumn-winter vegetables, the best time to plant is in early September. (Plant the seedlings while it’s still warm, so they grow big before winter comes.)

How to do side dressing for broccolini (The way to fertilize stem broccoli)

To fertilize broccolini (side dressing for stem broccoli), apply fertilizer in two spots, about 20cm (8 inches) from the base of the plant. Make cuts in the mulch at the fertilizing spots. (to make fertilizing easier.)

Fertilization spots for broccolini
Make cuts in the mulch

The reason for placing the fertilizer 20cm (8 inches) apart is that after about three weeks from planting, the roots will have grown that far. Around a 20cm (8 inches) radius from the base of the broccolini plant.

Fertilizer works well when placed just beyond the tip of the roots. This distance is about 20cm (8 inches) from the base of the plant. On the other hand, it’s not good to fertilize too close to the base. If fertilizer touches the roots directly, it can damage them, so avoid that.

The amount of fertilizer is 20g (0.7 oz) of chicken manure per spot. Insert the trowel about 10cm (4 in) into the cut and place chicken manure in the widened gap.

The chicken manure used for fertilizing broccolini
Insert trowel into the slits in the mulch
Put chicken manure in the hole

Make sure to use the correct amount of fertilizer. In this case, 20g (0.7 oz) of chicken manure per spot. Using too much fertilizer can make the plants more vulnerable to pests and diseases, or cause poor growth. It can also make the vegetables taste bitter or cause a harsh flavor, so be careful.

I fertilized the broccolini

After adding the fertilizer, water it, cover it with soil, and place the insect netting back. This completes the fertilizing work for the broccolini. (Side dressing for stem broccoli is complete.)

Water the chicken manure
Cover with soil
Place the insect netting back
Broccolini add-fertilizing completed (Side dressing for stem broccoli is done)

We water the fertilizer, chicken manure, to help the soil microorganisms. (For microorganisms, moist fertilizer is easier to decompose.)

Make sure to bury the fertilizer in the soil. If the fertilizer is left on the surface or on the mulch, it can attract pests with its smell.

Following is the video for how-to. English subtitles are available.

Side dressing for broccolini (Grow broccolini) – YouTube