Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry

Broccoli

• Plant broccoli in full sun in rich, well-drained soil, either in early spring for a summer crop or late summer for an autumn harvest.
• Space plants 18-24 inches apart to allow for good air circulation and head development.
• Provide consistent moisture, especially as heads begin to form, to prevent bolting and ensure tender florets.

Garlic

• Plant individual cloves, pointy-end up, about 2 inches deep and 4-6 inches apart in well-drained soil during autumn for a summer harvest.
• Garlic requires a period of cold stratification to bulb properly, making autumn planting ideal in many climates.
• Ensure full sun exposure and keep the area free of weeds, as garlic does not compete well.

• Use floating row covers over broccoli plants from planting to harvest to protect against cabbage worms and flea beetles.

• Hand-pick any visible cabbage worms from broccoli leaves and drop them into soapy water.

• Plant chives or other alliums near broccoli to deter aphids and other pests.

• Rotate garlic planting sites annually to disrupt the life cycle of soil-borne pests like onion maggots.

Broccoli

• Cut the central head when it is firm, dark green, and before the florets begin to separate or show yellow.
• After harvesting the main head, leave the plant in place as it will often produce smaller side shoots for an extended harvest.
• Harvest promptly, as over-mature broccoli will become tough and bitter.

Garlic

• Harvest garlic when the bottom third to half of the leaves have yellowed and dried, but before all the foliage is brown.
• Carefully loosen the soil around the bulbs with a fork to avoid damaging them, then gently pull them from the ground.
• Cure harvested garlic in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area for 2-4 weeks until the outer skins are papery and dry before storing.