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Plant Brussels sprouts
As a healthy, tasty winter vegetable, brussel sprouts (Brassica oleracea "Gemmifera") are very popular and easy to grow and cultivate, given less strict rules. The harvest of the ripe roses begins in October and can last until March.However, in the autumn before planting, the soil must be well prepared.
In the late year, the bed is at least one spade deep dug, on every two square meters, a bucket of well rotted compost or manure is applied. Over the winter, the ground rests. In the spring, the soil is then raked and another 125 grams of whole fertilizer or - in the variant for organic gardening - in the same amount a mixture of two parts horn shavings, one part of sulfuric potash and four parts incorporated bone meal. The deeply fertilized, solid soil prepared in this way provides the best conditions for planting the seedlings.
They are planted continuously in the last week of May until mid-June. Pay attention to strong seedlings that are at least 10 to 15 cm tall. Plant the seedlings at a distance of about 50 to 70 cm from each other, because the Brussels sprout needs some space to develop well.
When planting, press the seedlings firmly and also water abundantly during growth.
Since the planting of Brussels sprouts does not take place until late May, the free space in the bed can be used for planting lettuce or other intermediate crops such as bush beans. If the plants have not set enough florets until the end of September, cut off the shoot tips. This promotes the rich formation of the sweet potato.
From the middle of October the first Brussels sprouts are ripened. You harvest fresh and according to your needs by breaking the ripe roses from bottom to top. After a light frost the taste improves significantly, therefore the best harvest time is in November and December. Greater frosts in the field does not survive the plant. After the first slight frosts, dig out the Brussels sprouts, along with the roots, and beat the plant in a cold frame or in the cellar. So you can still harvest until March.
When planting, look for the variety of Brussels sprouts. The variety "Hilds Ideal" needs one
longer development time, but is less susceptible to frost due to its large cover sheets. The variety "Wilhelmsburger" is only suitable for the autumn harvest because of its frost sensitivity. Just try different varieties when planting. Brussels sprouts can be prepared in many interesting ways and provide a healthy taste experience.