brusselsprouts

[StrawberryMan]

could anybody tell me why my brussels all blew last year

[Hazel at the Hill]

could anybody tell me why my brussels all blew last year

Hello Strawberry man and welcome to the Vine!

I believe that sprouts blow if the plants aren't firmly enough in the ground.

[Snadger]

I agree with Hazel, the standard remedy to stop sprouts, or any brassica for that matter from blowing is to plant firmly!

Having said that I planted mine firmly and they still blew. I got a few sprouts off them before they succumbed though.

I think we have to draw a line between 'compacted' soil, which mine was and 'firm' soil! If the plants are healed in similar to planting shrubs or soft fruit this should give enough firmness to stop any wind rock, but leave enough structure in the soil for the roots to penetrate!

Sometimes staking the sprouts can be advantageous too!

[StrawberryMan]

many thanks will firm the soil this year last year was my first year on the allotment

[seasprout]

Howdy.

Welcome to the Vine Strawberry Man, if you have a small child, or can borrow one, they are excellent for firming the ground prior to planting sprouts. Get them to shuffle up and down a row for a while then it will be perfect.

When you get a mo, put where in the country you are in your profile. It helps people when giving advice.

[gojiberry]

I have always had a problem with sprouts blowing. This year I used a size 12 and 20stone body weight to make sure they were firmly planted and hey presto I have had a really good supply of sprouts. Still picking and probably will be for at least another 3 or 4 weeks.