If I were to be asked what my favourite vegetable was then I would probably say the brussel sprout. Scoff if you will but I never seem to tire of the flavour and texture. This time of year sees the vegetable at its finest as they are usually home grown. I did try growing my own for a few years but I never did manage to get a good crop. They are a member of the cabbage family, which also includes cauliflower, swedes, turnips and broccoli. Sprouts are subject to the same diseases but they seem to be greedier than any of the others. I had healthy leaves but I could never manage to get the brussel to grow tightly. They resembled mini open cabbages and although the taste was the same I did miss the crunchiness of the shop bought ones. The other disadvantage of the openness was that small slugs used the spaces for their hiding places, which was a very unwelcome addition to the dinner - it took ages to prepare them!
GROWING YOUR OWN SPROUTS
The best varieties to grow would be the F1 hybrids as these do promise firmer, rounder sprouts. The main crop, or mid season type seem to be more reliable as well. The plant likes rich soil so a light, deep, well-drained soil is a must. Preferably the site should be south facing too. Make the soil have a pH of around 6.5, if it is lower than this then garden lime should be added. If you can get your hands on some bulky organic manure at this time of the year then work that into the ground now so it will be ready for spring. Fertiliser can be added just before planting that way it won’t get washed away before hand. The seeds can be planted in February under cover and planted outdoors in May. Try to keep the perennial weeds away from the plants; a mulch cover from good quality garden compost around the plants would be very beneficial. Loads of pests will try to get your prized crop. Slugs, caterpillars and greenfly will all have a go. Watch out for pigeons as well. They can totally strip a row of plants in a matter of minutes.
GROWING YOUR OWN SPROUTS
The best varieties to grow would be the F1 hybrids as these do promise firmer, rounder sprouts. The main crop, or mid season type seem to be more reliable as well. The plant likes rich soil so a light, deep, well-drained soil is a must. Preferably the site should be south facing too. Make the soil have a pH of around 6.5, if it is lower than this then garden lime should be added. If you can get your hands on some bulky organic manure at this time of the year then work that into the ground now so it will be ready for spring. Fertiliser can be added just before planting that way it won’t get washed away before hand. The seeds can be planted in February under cover and planted outdoors in May. Try to keep the perennial weeds away from the plants; a mulch cover from good quality garden compost around the plants would be very beneficial. Loads of pests will try to get your prized crop. Slugs, caterpillars and greenfly will all have a go. Watch out for pigeons as well. They can totally strip a row of plants in a matter of minutes.
Horticultural.
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