Brussels sprouts

I may be Robinson Crusoe here but I have to say I love sprouts, especially with a roast meal. I don't like chewing on sprouts though, I like them to almost melt in my mouth. Yes I probably overcook them and reduce the goodness but I like to enjoy my food.

Brussels sprouts are another member of the Brassica family along with broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and swede. As such it should never be grown in the same place for more than one season without giving the soil a break. If you've grown Brassicas, then follow them with other crops for a few seasons to prevent disease. These are the basics of crop rotation.

Like cauliflower, Brussels sprouts prefer a cool climate and are therefore very suitable to Tasmanian conditions.

Dig in plenty of organic matter prior to planting. Seedlings should be planted during summer for a winter crop. Plant seedlings about half a metre or more apart and mulch young seedlings well during the hot summer months. Feed with a good organic liquid fertiliser. While the seedlings are getting established you could grow lettuce or English spinach in the spaces between them.

Brussels sprouts can also be grown by sewing seeds directly into your veggie patch in clumps during summer. Prick out extra seedlings leaving the strongest to grow on.

Once plants begin to fruit, they can become a bit top heavy and could be prone to wind damage. Stake the plants or hill up soil around the stem to support them.

You can harvest the sprouts in batches or just pull out the plant and harvest all at once. It's up to you.