Planting Brussel Sprouts

No one seems to know exactly where Brussels sprouts originated, but speculation abounds that it was in Brussels, Belgium. Most likely they were selected as an anomaly growing in a Belgian gardener's kale crop. Classified botanically as Brassica oleracea, they are a member of the Cruciferous family, distinguished by the configuration of a cross in the shape of their flowers.

.

Plant Brussels sprouts in early to mid-summer, about the same time you set out late season keeper (storage) cabbages. Plant in rich, improved soil about 12 to 15 inches apart in rows 2 to 3 feet apart. Mound soil around the base of plants to help them stand upright; their shallow root systems often cause the 2 to 3 foot plants to topple over. To guard against diseases that affect this family of vegetables, don't plant where you have grown brassicas for the previous two years. Good companion plants are potatoes, sage and thyme.

Pick off the lowest 2 to 3 leaves weekly as plants develop and remove the lower 6 to 8 leaves as the sprouts begin to develop. Three weeks before expected harvest pinch the growth tip to encourage the sprouts to mature. Harvest before the leaves turn yellow and when the little sprouts are 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. A frost will sweeten and improve the flavor of Brussels sprouts but a hard freeze will destroy their quality. Their flavor is best if eaten within two days of harvest or purchase. Store in refrigerator in a plastic bag. Each healthy plant will yield 50 to 75 sprouts.

Brussels sprouts are higher in protein than most vegetables and packed with potassium and Vitamin A. There are many recipes for preparing them, but we like them brushed with olive oil and oven roasted until bright green and crisp tender. Cut an "X" in the stem end of each sprout to assure even cooking.

Wherever Brussels sprouts originated, we're sure glad a gardener had the wherewithal to experiment and save the seeds. Whoever you were, we thank you every autumn.

Copyright Sharon Sweeny, 2009. All rights reserved.

Sharon Sweeny is a creative copywriter, specializing in gardening and self-sufficient do-it-yourself lifestyles. She divides her free time among her garden in Minneapolis, alternately juggling half a dozen creative projects and blogging on gardening at http://moxiegardener.com while pondering the exact location of Frostbite Falls, Minnesota.

Want to get the best writing for today's Internet? Whatever niche or market you are in Sharon Sweeny will help get you noticed. Work with a professional who gets the job done right and on time with no excuses.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sharon_Sweeny