There's nothing like fresh broccoli from your very own vegetable garden—it's more tender, more flavorful, and just tastes better than store-bought. It's also packed with nutrients and surprisingly simple to grow, even if you're new to gardening. With the right timing and a little care, you can easily learn how to grow broccoli right in your backyard (or even in a raised bed or container garden).

Need a little help getting started? We spoke to growing expert Lindsey Chastain, founder of the food, farming, and sustainable living blog The Waddle and Cluck, to get her best tips on how and when to plant broccoli. You'll also find out how to grow and harvest your broccoli, and the best ways to store it once it's picked. Let's dig in!

Broccoli grows best in cooler weather, so it's usually planted in late summer to early fall for a fall harvest, or in early spring for a spring or early summer harvest.

"Broccoli likes it when the weather is cooler, so planting in spring or fall is ideal," says Chastain. For a spring harvest, she recommends starting seeds indoors about six to eight weeks before the last expected frost. "About two to three weeks before the last frost, you can transplant outdoors," she adds.

For a fall harvest, sow seeds directly in the garden roughly 85 to 100 days before your area’s first expected frost. "Fall broccoli isn't quite as flavorful as spring broccoli, but it's still good!" she says.

If you're growing hydroponically, timing is more flexible. "You can plant anytime as long as you have a temperature-controlled area of 60 to 70 degrees," Chastain explains. But avoid heat: "If your temperatures are too hot, the broccoli will bolt (flower) and won't grow the heads you want."

Broccoli loves the sun, so choose a spot that gets at least six hours of full sun per day. "Make sure to use nutrient-rich and well-draining soil," Chastain says. Water deeply, keeping the soil moist but not soggy, and be generous with space. "Broccoli will get larger than you think so give it room to grow by planting 18 to 24 inches apart," she adds.

A few weeks after planting, feed your plants. "Add some nitrogen-rich fertilizer," Chastain recommends. Regular watering (about one to two inches per week) and mulch can help regulate soil temperature and reduce weeds.

You'll know it's time to harvest when the head is firm and tight. "Harvest before any yellow flowers start showing. If the buds start to separate or open, you waited too long," Chastain warns. "To harvest, cut the stalk about five inches below the head." And don't pull up the plant—side shoots will keep producing more florets!

Freshly harvested broccoli is best stored in the fridge, but there's a right way to do it. "Don't wash it right after harvesting," says Chastain. "Put it in a plastic bag with a damp paper towel in your crisper drawer. Leave the plastic bag open for air flow." Stored this way, it should last about a week.

For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Cut broccoli into florets, blanch in boiling water for 3 minutes, then cool in an ice bath. Dry the florets thoroughly, freeze on a baking sheet, and store in freezer bags. Frozen broccoli will keep for up to a year.