Let's talk about Brussels sprouts

One of the vegetables I was most looking forward to growing and eating was Brussels sprouts.  Growing up we never ate them, probably because our mom assumed we would fall under the tired "kids don't like Brussels sprouts" trope, or maybe she didn't like them herself.  Either way, I never remember eating them until I was grown, and got them as part of a CSA a few years back in Pittsburgh.  The CSA helpfully sent out recipes each week, and for Brussels sprouts the recipe basically went like this - slather in olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt and fresh ground pepper, add a spritz of lemon juice (optional), and roast at 400 F.  You really can't go wrong with roasted vegetables, and I was hooked.

Fast forward to January of this year, and Roger and I decided to dedicate a solid 16 sq ft of garden space to Brussels sprouts.  We diligently planted the seeds indoors on January 25, according to the plan, and moved them outside in April.  

Top right 4x4 squares are Brussels sprouts

Transplanting

After another two months, those little seedlings started to look like this:

 Things were moving along swimmingly, or so I thought.  We started to notice some pest damage on the leaves, and closer inspection gave way to a frightening discovery:

Eggs!!!!

 

Pest damage (can you find the pest?)

Some type of caterpillar thing, I think in the process of laying an egg.

We've tried a few things to get rid of the pests and keep them from returning:

• Soapy water
• Concoction of coffee grounds, garlic, onions, and cayenne pepper powder, marinated overnight
• Trying to avoid standing water on the leaves, so only watering at the base of the plants

All of these have had some success, but problems remain.  I haven't seen the caterpillars in a while, but now there are some tiny white bugs that live on the plants.  The standing water was less of a problem when summer was in full swing, but now that September is here it might return.  Compounding the problem is the sprouts are planted in the most shady area of the garden, limiting their growing potential and keeping things damp.

According to our research, the Brussels sprouts should have been ready for harvest June 4.  It is now over two months later, and we are not that much closer. 

This little guy has the most shady spot in the garden.  I don't have much hope that the sprouts will fully form before winter.

These are some of the most mature sprouts, but still not full-sized.  I hope to get at least three full stalks before the first frost.

The whole Brussels sprouts patch is kind of a mess.  

The sprouts started falling over on each other once they got tall enough.  A few have died.  Three or four look like they might produce a full stalk of sprouts before the season is over.  Maybe we planted these too close together, and definitely not in full enough sunlight.  I'll make another Brussels sprouts update later in the season.  Lots of lessons learned for next year!