Brussels Sprouts is a hardy slow growing vegetable that belongs to the brassica family. It is a staple vegetable throughout winter and tastes even better when the plant has been exposed to a frost.

Sowing
Sow undercover from March in rows roughly 6 inches apart and roughly half an inch deep. Thin them out to 3 inches apart. Plant out into their final positions from May when the seedlings are roughly 5 inches high. Water them in well and water every two weeks in dry conditions. Feed with a high nitrogen fertiliser.

Harvesting
You can start harvesting early varieties from August. Start from the bottom of the plant when the sprouts are the size of a walnut and work your way up. Simply snap them off the plant.

Pests and Diseases
Club root causes swollen and distorted roots and can even kill the plant. Pigeons and cabbage white caterpillars will eat the leaves given the chance, so it is wise to cover the plants with netting. This will also help keep cabbage root fly off the plants too.