GARDENINGPURSUITS 08.25

The Benefits Of Growing Brussel Sprouts

By Model Gardener Kelly Emberg

Growing your own food comes with numerous advantages. One of the most remarkable aspects is observing the miraculous growth of specific crops. Engaging in this process allows you to truly appreciate the beauty involved.

Additionally, there are significant health benefits to consider. Once you begin growing your own produce, you quickly realize how distinct the taste and appearance of freshly harvested vegetables are compared to store-bought ones. This experience deepens your connection to the surrounding nature, nourishing you both inside and out.

Brussels sprouts are an excellent cool-season vegetable to incorporate into your garden this August. If you haven’t cultivated them before, you will be pleasantly surprised by the unusual way they grow. The first time I grew them, I was astonished by how tall they became and their unique shape. Brussels sprout plants begin as seeds, germinate, and develop into leafy plants adorned with clusters of small, round sprouts. They can be sown indoors or outdoors, with seedlings maturing into distinctive plants featuring leafy tops and stems lined with sprouts.

HEALTH BENEFITS

• These mini-cabbage-like vegetables are an excellent source of vitamins C and K. Vitamin C plays a crucial role in boosting the immune system and helping the body absorb iron, while vitamin K is essential for bone health and proper blood clotting.

• Brussels sprouts are high in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight by keeping you feeling fuller for longer. They also contain antioxidants, which combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation, lowering the risk of chronic diseases.

• Brussels sprouts are part of the cruciferous vegetable family, known for their cancer-fighting properties. Compounds like glucosinolates found in these vegetables are believed to support detoxification processes in the body and protect against certain types of cancer.

Incorporating Brussels sprouts into your diet is a delicious way to enhance your nutritional intake. Whether roasted, steamed, or sautéed, these versatile sprouts can add flavor and health benefits to your meals.

TO START

This is the perfect time to start growing your Brussels this month. Since Brussel sprouts are cool-season crops, they flourish best in cooler temperatures, ideally around 70°F or lower, for the best flavor. To begin, select a sunny spot in your garden, Brussels sprouts thrive in full sunlight and need at least 6 hours of light each day for optimal growth and sprout production. Since they become top-heavy when laden with sprouts, select a site that is shielded from strong winds.

Prepare the soil by enriching it with compost or well-rotted manure to ensure good drainage and nutrient availability.

PLANT

Brussels sprouts thrive best when given plenty of room to grow. Ensure there is 18-24 inches of space between each plant and 24-40 inches between rows. This spacing allows their root systems to expand and enables the mature plants to flourish without overcrowding.

WATER

Regular watering is essential. Keep the soil consistently moist, but be cautious of overwatering, as it can lead to fungal diseases.

SUPPORT

It’s also beneficial to stake the plants to support their tall, heavy stalks. As the plants grow, they can become quite tall, and top heavy when weighted with sprouts, so offering support is essential.

PRUNE

Pruning Brussels sprouts can be advantageous for enhancing productivity and promoting a robust plant. Although it’s not absolutely essential, this practice can stimulate vigorous growth and result in larger, more uniform sprouts.

• Remove leaves by snapping them off or using pruning shears.

• Remove damaged or diseased leaves to prevent the spread of disease and allow the plant to focus its energy on sprout production.

• You can start trimming the lower leaves as soon as you notice at least one sprout beginning to develop.

• Keep pruning the lower leaves, removing 2 to 3 each week. Ensure that you leave the healthy upper leaves intact for optimal photosynthesis.

PESTS & DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Regular monitoring is crucial. Inspect plants weekly for any signs of disease or pest infestations, and take action immediately if any issues arise. Pests like aphids, cabbage loopers or cabbage worms can become a problem. Consider using organic pest control methods if needed. Use row covers or manually remove them. You can also use plastic milk or juice containers with the bottoms cut out and place them individually over each plant for pest protection. Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which can help control aphid populations naturally.

COMPANION PLANTING

To maximize your chances of a successful harvest, consider interplanting brussels sprouts with companion plants that can help deter pests and enhance growth. Good companions include herbs like dill and mint, which can naturally repel insects. Plants like onions or garlic provide similar benefits.

ROTATE YOUR CROPS

Additionally, rotating your crops each year can help prevent soil-borne diseases and nutrient depletion. Avoid planting brussels sprouts in the same location where other Brassicas (like broccoli or cabbage) have recently grown to reduce the risk of disease buildup.

HARVEST

Harvest the sprouts when they are firm and about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter, starting from the bottom of the stalk and working your way up. Or you can harvest the complete stalk, after trimming the top, this is called Topping. This technique is performed three weeks prior to harvest to promote simultaneous maturation of all sprouts. Commercial growers harvest this way.

Growing Brussels sprouts in sunny Southern California, with the perfect weather on your side, can keep these little green gems thriving all year round. Arm yourself with patience and a keen eye for detail, and you’ll be rewarded with a bumper crop of scrumptious, home-grown Brussels sprouts packed with goodness.

Goodluck Gardening!

Kelly Emberg, the model gardener
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