Brussels sprouts, the cultivation and care of which have recently become very popular in our country, first appeared in Italy. In 1587, its seeds were brought to Belgium. Since that time, the vegetable began to be grown in this country in very large quantities. With this, its name is connected. The product contains potassium, as well as a huge amount of vitamins A and C. As for the second, its concentration here more than doubles that of ordinary cabbage. Among other things, it has been scientifically proven that the vegetable also includes numerous anti-cancer components. A small number of calories leads to the fact that nutritionists often recommend to people who are struggling with excess weight such a product as Brussels sprouts. Growing and caring for her at home, in this regard, is now very common.
Before planting, it is necessary to prepare the soil. This is done the previous fall. A layer of manure or compost is added to the soil. After this, the site must be left in such a state that wind and snow can exert its effect on it. After the last spring frosts have passed, the earth should be loosened to a depth of five centimeters. Brussels sprouts, cultivation and care of which is carried out on their own site, will be better developed if a little fish droppings (100 grams per square meter) are added to the soil. An alternative is the mixture, which includes ground horns, hooves, potash sulfate and bone meal. In this case, about 120 grams is added. Planting a plant for a permanent place in the garden is carried out at the very end of spring or at the beginning of summer.
Brussels sprouts, cultivation and care of which are carried out independently, should sit in a secluded area of the garden. For each plant, it is necessary to make a hole with a depth of just over one centimeter. The optimal distance between adjacent pits is 15 centimeters. After the seeds are planted, they must be covered with plastic bags. This will protect them and provide heat.
Speaking about how Brussels sprouts grow, it should first be noted that as soon as the seedlings are ten to fifteen centimeters tall, you need to move on to their seedlings. It is recommended the day before to water the plants with plenty of water. Between adjacent copies of Brussels sprouts leave about 90 centimeters of space. Another important condition is that the lower leaves should be located above ground level. Further, plants are abundantly watered and attached to the posts if strong winds are likely to occur.
As you can see, the care of Brussels sprouts is very simple. Harvesting is also not complicated. When the leaves turn yellow, they need to be removed, after which the sprouts should be carefully removed. This is best done with a knife, because it is likely that the plant will be uprooted. It is advisable to start from the bottom up. In the southern regions, the harvest of Brussels sprouts begins to be harvested approximately in the month of September, and in the northern regions at least a month later. Plant heads cannot be cut off until the end of February, because they serve as protection for the sprouts that are at the developmental stage inside, and also produce juice to feed the plant. After the Brussels sprouts cease to bear fruit, it must be torn out and thrown away, because it will continue to consume useful substances from the soil.