Love Brussels sprouts but struggle to grow them?
You’re not alone!
With the right tactics, you can grow healthy and tasty sprouts. Here are 6 easy ways to boost your Brussels sprout game.
Ready to start your garden journey?
Let’s get growing!
Picking the Right Spot
High Resolution Photo of a tall, lush Brussel Sprout Plant with Fully Grown, Plump Brussel Sprouts hanging down on the Stalk in a Garden Setting.
First things first, you’ve got to pick the perfect spot for your Brussels sprouts. They love full sunlight, so find a place in your garden that gets at least 6 hours of sun a day.
Make sure the soil is well-draining and rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy and clay-like, mix in some compost or aged manure to lighten it up.
No one likes soggy feet, not even Brussels sprouts!
Planting Time
Timing is everything! Sow your seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date.
Once your tiny plants are about 6 inches tall and the soil temperature is at least 50°F, you can transplant them outdoors. Space them about 18-24 inches apart to give them room to grow.
Pro tip: plant them in rows, so it’s easier to care for them later on.
Feeding Your Plants
Brussels sprouts are heavy feeders, so give them a good start with a balanced fertilizer when you transplant them. After that, feed them with a fertilizer high in nitrogen every 3-4 weeks.
This will help them develop those big, tasty heads we all love. Don’t forget to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—these guys need water to thrive.
Dealing with Pests
Unfortunately, pests love Brussels sprouts just as much as we do. Watch out for cabbage worms, aphids, and flea beetles.
Handpick pests when you see them or use organic insecticidal soap. Birds can also be a problem, so consider using netting to keep them away from your precious sprouts.
A little effort goes a long way in keeping your plants healthy and pest-free.
Pruning and Harvesting
For a bumper crop, prune the lower leaves of the plant once the sprouts start to develop. This helps the plant focus all its energy on growing yummy sprouts.
Harvesting is easy—start picking from the bottom up when the sprouts are about 1-2 inches in diameter. Brussels sprouts taste best after a light frost, so don’t rush to harvest them all at once.
Storage Tips
After all your hard work, make sure you store your Brussels sprouts properly. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
Just store them in a plastic bag to retain moisture. For long-term storage, consider blanching and freezing them.
They’ll stay fresh for up to a year this way. Enjoy your home-grown goodness all year long!