Moon Phase Planting of Brussels Sprouts
Brussels Sprouts should be planted when the moon is in the 1st Quarter (i.e. waxing) and in one of the following Zodiac Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces, Libra, Taurus. This has been shown to be the proper time for have the best results and increased harvest. Many avid gardeners will attest to this.
CultureIn early season, Brussels sprouts are treated exactly like any late cabbage. Till ample amounts of compost into the soil about two weeks before planting. When setting out plants, pinch off a few leaves and set plants 16 to 20 inches apart in rows of the same distance. Break off most of the lower leaves late in summer, to concentrate the plant’s energy on the immature buds.
Sprouts are ready to harvest when heads are one to 11/2 inches wide; begin picking the lower buds first. Shortly before the ground freezes, plants can be spaded up with some soil and transplanted in a moist greenhouse, cold frame or basement.
If the soil is kept damp, sprouts will continue to mature. Brussels sprouts are a late-season crop and are improved by a few fall frosts. As with cabbage, avoid planting where a brassica was the previous crop. Harvest lower Brussels sprouts first, always leaving a crown of leaves to produce food for the plant.
Varieties
Jade Cross Hybrid produces delicious, blue green sprouts. Long Island Improved has a maturation of 90 days.
Nutrient Value
Sprouts are rich in calcium and iron, and contain significant quantities of vitamins A and C.
moonGROW.com (http://www.moonGROW.com) is a website delving into Moon Phase and Zodiac Sign Organic gardening. By Gene DeFazzio, this site provides the basics of both astrological and organic growing for the home gardener.
Tags: brassica oleracea, brussels sprouts, culture, nutrient value, varities