Learn how to Grow Brussels Sprouts in your garden this summer with this guide.
How to Grow Brussels Sprouts
If you enjoy this fall favorite, you will probably want to take some time to grow it and harvest it yourself. Growing your own food is so rewarding and delicious! Since brussels sprouts are a cool-weather crop, you can start them when late spring hits for a fall or early winter harvest. Here are some tips for growing brussels sprouts from seed to harvest.
How to Grow Brussels Sprouts from Seed
Starting Brussel sprouts from seed is mostly a matter of making sure you set things up well from the beginning. If growing indoors to start, you will want to make sure you have supports in place as the seedlings grow to help them be strong. Start with seed starting mix and place them in each section. Water and steak each section before placing in a warm spot with lost of sun.
If you are starting outdoors, pick a good soil with clay, a raised bed and good fertilizer. These conditions will help you have strong stalks, and good growth.
For more information on starting brussels sprouts seeds, check out this post.
How to Transplant Brussels Sprout Seedlings
Brussels sprout seedlings are decently easy to transplant if you are careful to prepare your soil for the plant’s best chance at success.
Brussels sprouts need three things in order to thrive well; stability, nutrients, and water. You will need to also consider growing in a raised garden bed if possible since they are ideal for winter or cool weather crops.
To transplant, after preparing your soil, you will need to carefully remove them from the container you grew the seedlings in, and plant them firmly into the soil.
For more information on how to transplant brussels sprout seedlings, check out this post.
Brussels Sprouts and Pests
Aphids and cabbage root maggots are probably the most troublesome pests for brussels sprouts. Aphids are very simple to deal with. A quick spritz from a garden hose removes them.
Cabbage root maggots can be tricky but prevention is best. You can install cabbage cones at the bottom of your plants to help keep them from laying eggs. You should also be aware that if you see the flies, that there may be eggs, and you should look for them to remove them by hand.
How to Harvest Brussels Sprouts
You can harvest sprouts from the bottom up as soon as they look ready and are about 1-2 inches in diameter. Just cut them off with a gardening knife directly off the stalk. If you prefer, and if you have enough mature sprouts, you can cut the stalk off the roots and hang it upside down in a cool place such as a garage. This will help them keep for about a month. Make sure to remove the leaves to keep it as fresh as possible.
If you have already picked sprouts, don’t wash them until you are ready to eat them as this will only speed up the process of them losing quality. Store them in the fridge and eat within a week.
[…] How to Grow Brussels Sprouts […]