Ode to Winter Broccoli

When summer fades and gardens nap, I tuck my seedlings in for winter's lap. Eight weeks or twelve before hard frost, I plant them well, so none are lost.

Waltham 29 stands proud and green, While Purple Sprouting struts the scene. Two feet apart, with six hours of sun, They stretch and stout till the cold's begun.

A blanket of straw, a row-cover cape, Frost down to twenty-five? They'll keep their shape. The slugs come sneaking, slimy and sly, But a cup of beer bids them goodbye.

The colder it gets, the sweeter they grow, Like candy kept under a sky of snow. I cut on a slant, the stem left to stand, And side shoots keep coming, a gift to my hand.

So let others pack up their trowels and sigh, I'm roasting green florets while snowflakes fly!

All the facts are from [Greeny Gardener's winter broccoli guide](https://greenygardener.com/how-to-plant-winter-broccoli/