Growing great Brussels sprouts for Christmas

Jan. 4, 2012 - PRLog -- As we stock various types and brands of seeds online, including lots of vegetable seeds, Seeds By Post (http://www.seedsbypost.co.uk/) wanted to offer some guidance on the best way to grow the perfect Brussels sprouts for Christmas dinner and your winter warmer menu.

Picking the perfect seeds is the first step in achieving tasty sprouts, and considering the different types and brands is a must. Check out our vegetable seeds page for information on each type. Think about when you would like to start harvesting your sprouts, the size and number you may be able to use, and whether you want a specific brand or breed. Asking friends or neighbours for advice may prove fruitful, as they may be able to tell you about any specific breeds that flourish in your local soil type.

It is a good idea to sow Brussels sprout seeds into smaller pots before planting out, as a smaller pot encourages the young plant to create a sturdy root ball for planting into the ground. Using seed trays is effective at first. Sow seeds thinly and prick out when about 1” or 2.5cm tall. If seedlings overcrowd they can end up tall and slim, which isn’t good for young sprout plants.

Transfer to individual small pots and leave until they are well established, at least 12cm high, and looking sturdy. The best soil to use is a lime or alkali based compost, which can be bought ready mixed or created using home compost and lime mix. It is worth investing in a PH testing kit or meter if you are a keen gardener, as many plants have a preferred acidity level. Brussels sprouts tend to do best in a PH of around 6 or 7.

Once your veg seeds have grown into healthy looking plants, it is time to plant them out into their permanent bed. It is recommended by some that this is done in the evening, although the benefits of this are unclear. The most important aspect of planting out Brussels sprouts seems to be soil density. If you are intending to use fertilisers or plant foods, make sure that the soil is well compacted after digging them in. It is important to have well compacted soil because it lends support to the roots and helps the fully grown plant stay upright. Some gardeners believe that well compacted soil makes the resulting sprouts firmer, and less likely to open early and spoil. Once opened up, sprouts lose their flavour and their edible nature. It may be best to dig in fertilisers or anything else which may disrupt soil density well in advance of planting out, or use an old bed that hasn’t been touched for a while.

Brussels sprouts, once well established, don’t mind sharing a bed with other, quicker growing crops. Lettuces, carrots, cabbages or any other veg can be grown alongside or in between your sprout plants, and their leaves, seeds and general compostable waste will contribute to the nutrients in the ground. Beds that have been previously used for veg are ideal for growing sprouts, as they will have richly fertilised soil and will not need raking over or disturbing before the new plants go in.

Seeds By Post (http://www.seedsbypost.co.uk/) offer a wide range of mail order seeds for delivery direct to your door, just place your order online for speedy shipment.