Broccoli can be grown on a wide variety of soils but it does best on a well-drained, loam soil, rich with organic matter. Sandy loams are preferred for early crops. Adjust soil pH to 6.5-6.8 to maximize yields. pH over 6.8 is preferable where club-root disease prevails. Broccoli is a heavy potassium feeder. It requires almost double the amount of potassium vs nitrogen. Broccoli plants are sensitive to soil compaction that reduces oxygen availability to the roots, and limits water penetration. Raised planting-beds are a good solution, because they improve soil drainage, and allow access to the crop without causing soil compaction. Broccoli requires cool weather, but temperatures below 40C will cause chilling injury, and initiate too early flower development.