Did you know that there are vegetables that we can grow directly from their remains, without having to use seeds? This makes it a little easier for us to encourage ourselves to have a small garden at home. If you want to take the test, get ready to see how to harvest brussels sprouts from scraps.
This is a typical winter vegetable, very rich in nutrients, making it a good addition to our diet. And it will be even better if you grow them at home. If you have bought cabbages and have leftovers, don't throw them away! Because they can be the starting point to continue enjoying this vegetable.
Can I harvest brussels sprouts from leftover sprouts I bought at the supermarket?
The answer is yes, but the results may not be as expected. Because, when we buy vegetables in a supermarket, we don't really know how long they have been harvested or under what conditions they were transported. And that It could make it difficult to grow a new plant from the remains of the previous one. But you don't lose anything by trying.
Our recommendation is that you start buying cabbage seeds and plant them in your garden. Once they have grown and you have tasted them, do not throw away the remains, because from them you will surely obtain new vegetables if you follow the advice that we are going to give you. That is, you buy seeds only once, and then you continue your production based on the remains of the vegetables you already have.
You can also do this with other varieties such as lettuce and garlic. It's a way to save money and, at the same time, to reduce the amount of waste we generate.
How to Harvest Brussels Sprouts from Individual Cabbages
If you already have your cabbages harvested and ready to enjoy, and you know that there are some that you will have left over, You can take advantage of them to continue growing this vegetable.
Start by cleaning the sprouts thoroughly and removing any yellow leaves. After, Cut the bottom with a very clean and sharp knife. Now place the cabbage with the cut side down in a container that has about half a centimeter of water. A deep plate or small bowl is enough.
After place this container in a place that is warm and that it receives a lot of indirect sunlight. If your kitchen is sunny, a location near the window may be perfect.
Remember to change the water regularly. Don't let it get dirty, since it could become a source of infections.
Little by little you will notice that small roots are appearing in that lower part that you have cut. When these are sufficiently developed, You can plant cabbage in your garden or in a pot and leave it there to continue growing.
How to Harvest Brussels Sprouts from Stem Scraps
When eating cabbages, you may throw the stems in the trash or put them in the compost bin. But now you know there is another way to take advantage of it to this part of the plant that we normally discard.
Cut the bottom of the cabbage stem and place it in a glass filled with water. The water level has to be high enough enough so that it covers the bottom part of the stem, but in no case are we going to submerge it entirely.
Then place the glass in a sunny place and try to change the water regularly. Normally, it is enough to do it every two days.
If all goes well, in a few weeks you will be able to see new shoots emerging from the bottom of the stem. When these are a few centimeters long you can plant them. To be successful with this operation, make sure the substrate covers the bottom of the stem, but not the new shoots, which must remain above the surface.
Basic care for Brussels sprouts
We already know how to harvest Brussels sprouts from scraps. Once we have our plant and put it in the ground, The only thing we have to do is give it the basic care that this vegetable needs:
Location and planting
Place the sprouts in a location where they will receive a good amount of sun each day. In rows where there is enough space so that they can grow and air circulates well between the different plants.
As for the soil, ensure that it has good drainage capacity, whichrich in organic matter and with a slightly acidic pH.
Watering the cabbages
Excessive watering must be avoided so that the roots do not rot. So We are going to let the soil dry slightly between watering, but without having to wait for it to be completely dry.
Fertilizing Brussels Sprouts
You can improve soil conditions for Brussels sprouts by applying a balanced fertilizer before planting. Then, during the growing season, You can add fertilizer to the irrigation water every three or four weeks.
In any case, avoid excessive nitrogen input, because this can cause the leaves to grow too much and the cabbage not to form as it should.
Weed control
Weeds can compete with cabbages when it comes to obtaining nutrients and water from the soil. That's why, Try to keep the area around your plants very clean.
Protection against pests
Cabbages and other vegetables from your garden have a great attractive to insects such as aphids, beetles or caterpillars. Periodically check your crops to make sure there is no pest.
For both the prevention and treatment of pests, Try to use products that are as natural as possible, that they do not harm the plant or other insects that are beneficial.
To prevent the appearance of fungi and foliar diseases, Water only the substrate part and do not wet the leaves.
Harvest
You can pick brussels sprouts when they are about an inch in size and firm to the touch. Start harvesting from the inside of the plant and continue the work upwards.
You already know how to harvest Brussels sprouts from scraps and how to grow them, do you dare to try them in your garden?