Learn how to transplant brussels sprout seedlings with these instructions.
How to Transplant Brussels Sprout Seedlings
Even though brussel sprouts are cool weather crops, sometimes you may need to start them indoors for a successful growing start. They do have a long growing season so you should plan to grow them well into the fall and even early winter. They are pretty cool weather tolerant. Most people actually plant them direct soil in the late spring, but if you are unable to, you may need to transplant some seedlings. You can transplant brussels sprouts with these tips below.
How to Harden Off Brussels Sprout Seedlings for Transplanting
Brussels sprouts should be acclimated in a process called hardening off. This will get them ready to be outdoors without shocking the plant. To do this, simply take your seedlings outdoors and place them in a covered and protected area. A porch works well for this. Keep them outdoors for several hours each day, increasing the time, until your seedlings stay out overnight.
How to Prepare the Soil for Transplanting Brussels Sprout Seedlings
Ideally, you should plant brussels sprout seedlings in solid that is highly nutrient rich, a good balance of clay and in a raised bed.
Raised beds are great for cool weather crops because they don’t freeze as easily as the rest of the ground does when you are growing into early winter like you will need to for brussels sprouts.
The soil should have clay mixed in because it helps anchor the stalks of the plant that can easily become weak from wind and elements. This is true even if you steak them because the bottom of the stalk in thinner and the plant is very top heavy.
Lastly, you will need nutrient-dense soil because brussels sprouts are very heavy feeders. Ideally you will want both compost and a separate fertilizer added.
When you have this altogether, space your plants about 10 inches apart and be prepared to steak them. Dig holes as deep as the containers you grew the seedlings in.
How to Transplant Brussels Sprout Seedlings
To transplant brussels sprout seedlings, you will gently remove them from their container and place them in the holes you dug. Cover them with soil firmly and build a small mound, covering the bottom leaves. Steak each plant and water. Keep the soil moist.
Steak your plants as well so they can grow up rather than down. Plants that grow up produce more.
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