How to Grow Brussels Sprouts!

Growing Brussels sprouts

Brussels sprouts are very popular in England; any way they are notion to have been first grown in Italy, though in contemporary times they were cultivated in large amounts in Belgium as early as 1587, hence the name. When cooked, sprouts should be tender but firm, this way thy will preserve the vitamins, over cooking also ruins the texture of this delicious vegetable. They contain vitamins A and C; in fact sprouts contain twice the number of vitamin C as an equal number of cabbage, they also contain potassium. They contain a wealth of anti-cancer compounds and someone else breathtaking food, which is ideal for weight watchers, as they contain only 31 celeries per median serving. They are one of the original vegetables served with the turkey while the Christmas feast.

Wealth

The sprouts can only be grown satisfactorily in firm soil, where they can be given a good depth of manure and abundance of room to develop.

Soil Preparation

The soil must be ready in the former autumn, adding a spades depth of manure and compost at the rate of one and a half bucketfuls to the sq. Yd. Leave the soil rough for the winter frosts and winds to act upon it, then in the spring fork it over an inch or two deep, adding whether fish manure at 4 oz. (120g) to the sq. Yd. Alternatively, you can use a aggregate of two parts hoof and horn, one part sulphate of potash, four parts bone meal, at a rate of 4 oz. (120g) to the sq. Yd. The plants are planted out in late May or early June.

Sowing

Sow the seeds in a sheltered position in a seedbed while March or April, in drills not deeper than ½ in. (12mm) about 6 in. (15cm) apart. Cover them with cloches to give them warmth and protection. As they grow begin to thin out to give them room to develop.

Planting

Begin to plant out when the seedlings are about 4 - 6 in. (10cm - 15cm) high in the position they are to mature in; continue until the middle of August. It is a good idea to water them well the day before you intend to move them. The ground where they are to go must be firm and the plants well firmed in. Plant about 3 ft. (90cm) apart with their bottom leaves just above the soil level. After they have been trans-planted they must be well watered. As they grow it might be principal to stake them if there is high winds.

Harvesting

Remove leaves when they turn yellow and slowly take off any sprouts that are open. It is better to cut off the sprouts, as they are ready with a knife rather than attempting to break them off as this could lead to tearing or their roots to be dislodged from the soil. Start at the bottom of the plants and work up gradually. In the south the harvest may begin, as early as September but in the north it is likely to be October before any are ready to pick; the crop may continue straight through to the following spring. The heads of the plant should not be removed until the end of February, for they protect the sprouts forming below and they compose sap, which will feed them.

When the plants are ended fruiting, pull them up and put them onto the compost heap; do not leave them on the ground, as they will take up principal nutrients.

How to Grow Brussels Sprouts!