Harborne Hill Allotments Growing Advice and Tips

Brussels Sprouts

Monthly Guide

Soil Preparation

Sprouts prefer a firm soil so the plot should not be dug over before planting.

The soil needs to be alkaline. I add slow release (Dolomite) lime to the previous crop (peas or beans) and this will have been released in time for the cabbages. If you have not done this add Garden Lime (available in the shop) a few weeks before planting.

Sprouts need plenty of Nitrogen so work into the surface some high nitrogen fertilizer ( I use either Groworganic or chicken pellets and hoof and horn).

Sowing

I always start Sprouts indoors. Sow in seedtrays or modules and pot on into 9cm pots when large enough. Grow on in a coldframe and plant out when ready.

When to Sow

February/ March, plant out April-June

 

Maintenance and Feeding

Protect the plants from pigeons and butterflies with netting.

Feed with Groworganic or Blood, Fish & Bone.



When to harvest                            

Sprouts can be available from September to March depending on the variety.

Varieties

Early - Crispus. Harvest September to November

Mid Season - Trafalger. Harvest November to January

Late - Braemar. Harvest January to March