Sprouting Broccoli and Brussels Sprouts

[Freckleston]

Sorry, could not work through the archive at present. I only started veg plot last year, and I think was very lucky, most things worked out for me. However, my brussels and broccoli look very leafy and healthy unfortunately, nothing in the growth department yet. Now I suspect I have not given them enough room. Do you think if I gave the larger plants some space, I would get the vegetables still? (The stems of all plants are only around 1in thick)

[Jenny Green]

I don't know much about Brussels (yuck!) but I do know that both of these should be spaced about three feet apart. Don't give up on the broccoli though as it's a little early for sprouts yet.

[Freckleston]

thanks - I DEFINATELy have them too close together! When the tiny plants were growing, I didnt like to pull up healthy growths so just left everything to grow into a big mass of leaves, also was worried if I thinned out too much then the caterpillars would strike me and Id have nothing. Obviously, typical problems of gardening that need to be overcome but I was desperate to get a bit of everything in my first year.

Do you think if i pull up all but the strongest of both veg, then they will fill out and produce at last?

[Wellie]

If you think the plants are too 'crowded' and you're worried you won't get a healthy crop unless you thin them somehoe, I'd be tempted to cut out a few of them just above ground level, but NOT to pull them out, roots and all. This will also damage the roots of the ones left in the ground.

Hope you get a good crop in the end...
Wellie

[Freckleston]

cheers - good advice as i was about to tear in there! My guinea pigs will be pleased with the fresh leaves - although i hear brussel tops are very good to eat as a vegetable.