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Re: Fertilizers

Rene,

Try starting the sprouts in mid-May (or even later if you have very warm
summer nights), by direct seed or in a flat or pots for later
transplantation.  Feed with a good slow release fertilizer.  They should
be ready to start harvest right around the first frost.  They are at
their peak after a few light frosts.  (I consider unfrosted Brussels
sprouts inedible.)  You should be able to harvest well into December,
even with a snow cover.  

Since I don't know your climate very well, I would suggest starting a
few plants every two weeks beginning the second week of May.  Start
three groups of plants and keep track of which does best in your area.

Good slow release fetilizer consists of 3 parts seedmeal (cotton, soy,
canola, etc), 1 part bonemeal and 1 part kelp meal.  Use about 1/8 to
1/4 cup per row foot in good soil and 1/4 to 1/2 in poor soil worked in
well under the furrow.  (If you use transplants dig in 1/4-1/2 cup under
each transplant.)  Make sure the fetilizer is well-mixed with the soil
under the furrow or transplant.

Do not use quick-release fertilizer (either granulated or liquid) on
Brussels sprouts.  It makes them grow too quickly and, with Brussels
sprouts, you want a solid, stocky plant.

Steve

Rene M. Lipshires wrote:
> 
> Steve,
> 
> I live in Massachusetts, zone 5. I usually raise the brussel sprouts from
> seed indoors, and transplant outside around mid april.  They grow okay all
> year, but at the end of the year, the sprout tends to be smallish; actually
> too small to eat.
> any suggestions would be appreciated!
> 
>---snip
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