Are Brussels sprouts suitable for beginner gardeners?

Brussels sprouts may be difficult to start, but eventually they reward effort and dedication. My first experience, antibiotics and planting in short-season resulted in a tall plant with sprouts that were awful and bitter. I had to learn, as they require cool growing seasons. They require a long growing season, anywhere between 80-100 cold-season days. Start seeds indoors about 6 weeks before the last frost, and transplant to the garden when the night temperature is above 45°F.

Drip irrigation helps you avoid overwatering disasters. My clay soil required me to do cycles of 20 minutes, every third day. Sandy plots? Daily 15 minutes. Buy timers. I saved 8 hours per week. I check the moisture in the soil moisture at noon; if the top inch crumbles, then deep-soak the area.

Frost turns the bitterness of the greens into a wonderfully nutty fix. I am obsessive about tracking temperatures once the sprouts emerge. The first night with a temperature of 28°F provides a wonderful transformation as the sugars in the outer leaves concentrate. I harvest from the bottom up, leaving the plant intact for secondary sprouts.

Companion planting reduces your labor to deal with pests. My border of garlic plants keeps 70% of aphids away. I planted marigolds in between the rows that confuse cabbage moths. For slugs, I sink beer traps (they worked better than organic baits). With Brussels sprouts, it is better to prevent infestations instead of cure.

Read the full article: How to Grow Brussels Sprouts: Pro Tips for Big Harvests