Why Grow Them: Brussels sprouts are a rewarding vegetable for cooler months, known for their compact, cabbage-like buds. With both green and red varieties available, they not only add vibrant color to your garden but also bring unique flavors to your table. Red sprouts, with their slight nuttiness, are a fun and unexpected twist on the traditional green. This year we're trying out a new variety from seed - Red Rubine Brussel Sprouts. Try them out with us this year and tell us what you think!
How to Grow:
Timing: Brussels sprouts are typically sown in late summer for a fall harvest, but they’re also hardy enough to overwinter in many climates. We have them available in spring as well, you may not get as long of a harvest depending on our weather, but it's still a great time to try them.
Location: They thrive in full sun with well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. If you're planting in spring, consider a spot that will get morning sun and afternoon shade later in the season to try and stretch your harvest.
Care Tips: Regular watering and consistent weeding help them thrive. Adding mulch around the base retains moisture and keeps the soil cool.
Harvesting: Pick from the bottom of the stalk upward, ensuring the buds are firm and tight. For the sweetest flavor, wait until after a light frost—it brings out their natural sugars.
Health Benefits: Brussels sprouts are not just a tasty addition to your winter garden but also packed with nutrients. They're an excellent source of vitamins C and K, high in fiber, and contain antioxidants that promote heart health and support your immune system. These sprouts also help in digestion due to their fiber content and can support healthy blood sugar levels.
Pest Control and Companion Planting: Brussels sprouts can be a bit tricky to grow because they’re susceptible to pests like aphids and cabbage worms. However, you can minimize pest problems by planting them with companion plants like herbs (mint, thyme, and rosemary) or flowers such as marigolds, which help repel pests naturally. Additionally, using row covers can protect your crops while they grow.
Nutritional Boost for Your Winter Meals: Since Brussels sprouts are a winter vegetable, they're perfect for adding color and crunch to your meals when fresh produce can be hard to come by. They're versatile in the kitchen, and beyond roasting, they pair wonderfully with root vegetables like carrots and parsnips, or even in stews. Additionally, they freeze well, so if you have an abundant harvest, you can preserve them for months.
Cultural Significance: While they are popular in many European countries, Brussels sprouts have a long history in North America. In the U.S., they became widely cultivated in the mid-20th century, often associated with European culinary traditions, particularly in French and Belgian cuisine.
Unique Varieties: While you're already trying Red Rubine Brussels sprouts, don't forget there are other fun varieties to explore. The 'Long Island Improved' is known for its ability to resist cold, while 'Jade Cross' is compact and perfect for smaller spaces, making them ideal for urban gardeners.
Tips for Successful Harvesting: When you're harvesting, avoid letting the sprouts grow too large, as they'll become tough and less flavorful. Be sure to inspect them regularly to harvest them at their peak sweetness. If you notice some sprouts are still small when the weather turns colder, you can leave them on the stalk and continue harvesting as they mature.
Brussels Sprouts and Sustainability: Growing Brussels sprouts in your garden also supports sustainability by reducing your reliance on store-bought produce, which may come from long distances and require more resources. By growing your own, you're not only enjoying fresh food but also contributing to a more sustainable, low-carbon food system.
Cooking Ideas: Roast with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, sauté with pancetta, or shred into salads for a fresh, crunchy twist.
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