How To Do Organic Brussels sprouts Gardening

Brussels sprouts are not everyone's favourite vegetable and they can be a challenge to grow. But if you enjoy eating this much-maligned vegetable and harvest it fresh from your garden, you'll feel a real sense of achievement and have a delicious meal as well.

These vegetables are part of the cabbage family, collectively referred to as brassicas from the genus name. Although there's nothing in the records to say Brussels sprouts came from the capital of Belgium, they have been known by this name since the mid-18th century and probably did originate in northern Europe in the general area of the low countries where they grow very well.

Gradening Tips To Grow Brussels sprouts Organically

If you are used to buying sprouts loose like miniature cabbages, seeing them grow in the garden is a real eye-opener. The plant grows as a tall, stout main stem with large leaves and green protrusions. What we eat is the axillary buds, the green "bumps" along the stem. Left unpicked, they become flowers. 

Brussels sprouts are tricky to grow as they are a long crop and don't like hot or dry weather, so are unsuited to subtropical or tropical zones. In unsuitable conditions the plants may grow but sprouts will fail to form or fail to expand beyond marble size, which is very frustrating. Alternatively, they become fluffy or "blown". Blown sprouts are still good to eat and worth harvesting. 

In cold climates, sow seed from spring to early autumn but restrict sowing to summer in temperate zones. Seedlings can be planted in the garden up until early autumn in both zones. 

Timing of planting is critical for the production of good sprouts. Production and sprout formation is at its best when conditions are cool and days are shortening in late autumn and early winter, which is why the timing of seed sowing is so critical. 

Sprouts take four to five months to form, so planting too late means sprouts form in spring as the weather is warming up and the days are getting longer. This is when the sprouts can become fluffy rather than compact and crisp. 

How To Raise Brussels Sprouts In Garden Naturally

Sow seeds into a punnet or seed tray where they'll take six to 10 days to germinate. Transplant seedlings into small individual pots when big enough to handle. Allow them to grow to around 7cm high before planting out into the garden.

When planting purchased seedlings, soak the punnet well then gently separate the seedlings to avoid root damage. Space seedlings 60cm apart in rows and allow at least the same  distance between rows. This wide spacing allows each plant room to grow. 

AS the plants develop, feed regularly. ldeally use a liquid fertiliser that's high in potassium and phosphorus and apply  every 10-14 days. Even though these plants are growing through autumn and winter, don't stint on water as they don't like to dry out.

In windy areas, the plants may need to be staked or, better still, select a compact variety such as the heritage variety 'Long Island Improved'.

Pest Problems In Brussels Sprouts Gardening

As with other brassicas, Brussels sprouts are at the mercy of cabbage white butterfly caterpillars. these green caterpillars chew holes in the leaves and may damage the sprouts.

The best control method is to cover crops with light netting to exclude the butterfiles and stop them laying eggs on the plant. Regularly hand picking the caterpillars and checking both sides of the leaves to remove egg clusters (samll white eggs usually found under leaves) reduces the damage these pesky butterflies inflict on brassica crops.

"Production and sprout formation is at its best when conditions are cool and days are shortening in late autumn and early winter"

Harvesting Tips To Grow Brussels Sprouts Organically

Brussels sprouts look like miniature cabbages sprouting up the stem of each plant.they from in the leaf axil (where the leaves join the stem),developing in the lower axils first.Carefully sanpping off the leaf beside the developing sprout can encourage larger buds to develop.

With most home garden varieties,particularly heritage varieties,the bottom sprouts are ready first. Harvest these varieties progerssively up the stem over several weeks. modren hybrids have been bred to mature at the same time so need to be picked all at once.

Store sprouts for up to 10 days in a plastic bag in the crisper section of the fridge,or blanch and freeze them for use throughout the year.

To blanch your harvested Brussels sprout, remove loose outer leaves and plunge the sprouts into boiling water for four or five minutes. cool in cold water, then spread the little vegetables onto a tray so they freeze individually. once they are fully frozen,store loose in a plastic bag.

Brussels sprouts are eaten lightly boiled, steamed or cut in half and sauteed. they are a traditional accompaniment to a roast christmas dinner in the northern hemisphere,so enjoy home-grown Brussls sprouts if you celebrate christmas in july.

Scientific Details Of Brussels spouts

• Common name: Brussels sprouts 
• Botanical name: Brassica oleracea Gemmifera Group 
• Family: Brassicaceae(cabbage family) 
• Aspect & soil: Sun; well-drained soil 
• Best climate: Cool to temperate 
• Habit: Annual 
• Propagation: Seed, seedling 
• Difficulty: Moderate