Brussel sprouts and peach trees


GROW IT - EAT IT


But once you have become an expert on how to grow brussel sprouts - why not try one or two plants of an older, non hybrid variety to experience the difference in taste and growth habit... it all adds to your knowledge and enjoyment of vegetable gardening.


It is important to remember they require a firm, fertile soil as the main cause of failure (blown buttons) is loose, infertile soil. This is where a fairly heavy soil is an advantage.


Using crop rotation is ideal as you can plant them where peas and beans grew the previous year as their soil would have had manure or compost dug in. If that is not the case and your soil is poor, dig in plenty of well rotted compost or manure as early in the autumn as possible in order to give the soil maximum time to settle.


This gives time for the essential firmness to establish, whilst having that all important fertility... remember - feed the soil not the plant - an essential tip if you are starting to learn how to grow brussel sprouts.


Growing tasty brussel sprouts isn’t difficult now we have the modern F1 hybrids


When it comes to brussel sprouts you have a choice. You can buy often `blown` sprouts which have virtually no flavour – or you can learn how to grow your own - organic, fresh and sensational.


Learning how to grow tasty brussel sprouts isn’t difficult now we have the modern F1 hybrids. Many of the old favourite, non hybrid varieties have been left behind because of their non uniform growth habit and their ability to `blow` quickly if not picked promptly.


They grow well on almost any soil, and are quite content in partial shade. Surely a vegetable for all gardens.


Brussel sprouts were cultivated in Belgium as far back as 1200, hence the name. They were first grown commercially in Belgium in the 1580s, now they are cultivated all over Europe. Sprouts are tolerant of almost all soil conditions although they dislike acid soils which can make them more susceptible to club root. A firm soil is best for the root system to support these top heavy plants.


They will grow equally well in sun or partial shade, but prefer partial shade. Be sure not to grow them in front of other plants which need full sun, their foliage will put others in the shade. Again, because they are top-heavy, they should be grown in an area which is free from strong winds.


Whilst F1 brussel sprouts do have a tendency to mature all at the same time, nevertheless the plant holds their mature buttons for many weeks without opening.


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Apply a dressing of organic fertiliser in the spring, two or three weeks before planting out. Don`t dig it in but rake gently over the surface as you will want to keep the bed firm.


If you have a greenhouse or cold frame - growing brussel sprouts from seed is easier and more rewarding.


Sow brussel sprout seeds in a tray filled with seed compost. When the first two leaves have formed prick them out into 7.5cm (3in) pots filled with potting compost. Plant them into these pots a little deeper - to just below the two leaves - water in well. Leave plants to grow on until tall enough for planting out.


Peaches and nectarines


Yes, it is possible to grow peaches in England’s ‘difficult’ climate.


Gardeners who have been successfully growing the fruit have a built up a real knowledge and understanding of exactly what’s needed. Firstly, remember that these trees come from a warmer climate and don’t like to sit in boggy ground. Many believe the best results come from growing in pots in a sunny, very protected site.


Correct positioning and soil type are the key to growing peaches successfully. Peaches produce blossom in early spring and this can easily be damaged by frosts. For this reason a south-facing wall (house walls are ideal) protected


Country Gardener


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