Brussels sprouts

When to plant/sow in zone:

Requirements: Sunny spot; protection from wind; good drainage

Soil: Fertile soil. When preparing the bed, add plenty of compost or well-rotted animal manure, and mound the soil where necessary to improve drainage. Incorporate organic fertiliser. Check the pH and if it is below 6, add lime or dolomite to raise it.

How to start: SEED: Sow in punnets into seed-raising mix, 10mm deep. Keep moist. Germinates in 7-14 days. When they've grown one set of true leaves, pot them up into individual 10cm pots into premium potting mix. SEEDLING: Plant outside when seedlings are 8-10cm+ tall. Space them 60cm apart, in rows 100cm apart. Water in and mulch with straw.

How to grow: Water regularly and deeply. Keep mulched with straw Apply seaweed solution or liquid fertiliser fortnightly. Apply organic fertiliser pellets monthly. Use shadecloth to cool them in warm weather.

When to harvest: Harvest from 12 weeks. Pick when they are walnut sized. Harvest with a sharp knife or twist and snap off.

Troubleshooting: Cabbage white butterfly; cabbage moth; whitefly