Brussels sprouts are a staple of the Christmas dinner, but if you’re growing your own, there are some things you need to do in the final weeks before they’re ready to harvest
Keep an eye on your Brussel sprouts before the big day(Image: Getty)
Gardeners have been given a warning about their Brussels sprouts if they want them to be part of this year’s Christmas dinner. These little green gems are a staple of the festive feast in many households across the nation, often served with bacon, chestnuts or cranberries.
If you’ve decided to add a personal touch to your meal by growing your own Brussels sprouts, it’s crucial not to slip up at the last minute. After all, these sprouts would have been weeks in the making, having been sown from seed in early spring and planted out after the last frost.
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has provided advice for anyone cultivating their own sprouts and highlighted a key warning sign to watch out for. To ensure your hard work doesn’t go down the drain, keep a close eye on them in the final weeks leading up to Christmas.
Gardeners have been warned about taking care of their Brussel sprouts(Image: Getty)
They advise: “Remove any yellowed leaves on Brussels sprouts and other brassicas. This will prevent the development of grey mould and brassica downy mildew.”
Another important factor to consider is the wind. The RHS further added: “Stake or earth up any Brussels sprouts stalks that look leggy and vulnerable to wind rock,” reports the Express.
When it comes to harvesting your Brussels sprouts, start from the bottom of the stalk and work your way up. They can be harvested from autumn through to spring, so there’s no need to consume them all in one go.
Brussels sprouts become sweeter when exposed to frost. It’s recommended to pick sprouts regularly by snapping them off with a sharp downward tug.
Ensure you strip away the bottom leaves whilst picking the sprouts.
During chilly weather, you can simply pluck off however many sprouts you require and leave the remainder on the plant until you fancy eating them once more.
However, bear in mind to gather the sprouts before they begin to open or become yellow.
Once all the sprouts have been collected, it’s not the end of the story.
You can also consume the leaves or sprout tops, which can be prepared like spring greens.
The RHS added: “If you cut the whole stem when harvesting, you can either stand it in water for a few days or hang it up in a cool, frost-free garage or shed, then pick the sprouts as needed.”
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