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The Gardener's Almanac

For information on what to do in your garden this week!

Location;

Brussels Sprouts

This vegetable is generally easy to grow, but problems can occur, many of which are simple to avoid if the correct growing techniques are followed.

Brussels sprouts can be grown on a variety of soils but they grow best on a well-drained, loam soil well supplied with organic matter.

Sandy loams are preferred for early crops.

Adjust soil pH to 6.5 or higher for maximum yields, and avoidance of club root.

Loose soil or excessive nitrogen fertiliser is often blamed for blown/fluffy sprouts.

This is probably true; however it is more probable that cheaper, open-pollinated cultivars have been grown rather than the more costly but reliable F1 hybrids.

Another reason might be ‘wind rock’ which affects mostly the taller growing varieties.

This can be alleviated by drawing soil around the growing plants up to 250mm (10”) up the stems as the plants grow and should eliminate the need to stake the plants.

Leaf diseases often lead to severe foliage loss in wet seasons this in turn can affect the final yield.

There are currently no fungicides approved for home use in controlling these diseases, growing the plants at a wide spacing and growing resistant cultivars can reduce the severity of these infections.

Week 13; Sow seeds in proprietary seed compost maintain a temperature of 13°C (55°F)

Germination should take around five or six days.

Week 15; Prick out seedlings in 75mm (3") pots of potting compost when large enough to handle.

Between now and planting out time prepare beds for planting out including top dressing with a general fertiliser

Week 16; Place pots in coldframe to harden off.

Week 21; Plant out 500-600mm (18"-24") apart in rows 600mm (24") apart.

Fit proprietary discs at this stage to deter cabbage root fly

Cover the transplants with small mesh net, this will deter pigeons rabbits, and egg-laying cabbage white butterflies.

Canes topped with plastic drinking cups or pots make excellent supports for the nets

Week 26 onwards; Brassica crops are constantly under attack from insects and other types of pests, so prompt action is needed to protect them.

Control mealy aphids by spraying with a suitable insecticide.

Regularly hoe along the rows and water in dry weather.

If water supplies are limited, apply one heavy soaking every week rather than a little daily.

Tall-growing Brussels sprouts should be given some extra support by earthing up the base of the stems during the growing season.

Week 44; Pick early Brussels sprouts, starting from the base of the stem, and remove any blown buttons that often attract insect pests such as mealy aphids.

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