Brussels sprouts

In a marathon session, I harvested and cleaned six pounds of Brussels sprouts. My sprouts dreams came true this year. Four pounds blanched and frozen, one prepared for dinner, and one in the fridge.

It seemed to take forever. Next year, do this task one or two stalks at a time!

Some were rotten. Others were just partly rotten. Some bug damage but not nearly as bad as it could have been. All in all, a successful crop.

The stalks.
The tops, leafier, in a different pile.
All picked and ready to clean.

No after picture. Too eager to get the job done and get over to Paula’s for dinner to remember to photograph.

Brussels sprouts

I noticed aphids attacking the topknot of leaves on this robust brussels sprout. (What is the singular of brussels sprouts?) I decided to harvest it even though some of the sprouts are very petite. This is the variety Speedia, which I decided to try this year. I usually have a lot of trouble with them and these have performed great until this new aphid problem showed up. There are still a collection of plants out in the garden, all of which will probably get aphids attacking.

Brussels sprouts and red cabbage

It feels a little early to plant these but they are outgrowing their pots and I need them in the ground. So here are my little vigorous Speedia brussels sprouts seedlings and a few Mammoth red cabbage. I never leave enough space between my seedlings. I think I like the idea of them growing companionably in a cluster. And I’m usually short on space in the garden. I know they would most likely do better with an adequate amount of space. It’s something I’m working on as a gardener.

On the left, half a bed of brussels sprouts and cabbage under row cover. In the center, peas and fava beans. On the right, a row of broccoli seedlings under row cover. Eventually, the garden will look greener.

Spring day

An exciting day at Cross Road Gardens. It really felt like spring, for the first time, I think. A burst of gardening energy, although I only really worked for a few hours.

Frilly pink Hazelnut bud
Dug about a pound of leeks from last year, stored under mulch
Planted peas and spinach under a relocated trellis
Seedlings: Brussels sprouts and red cabbage
Kale seedlings
Broccoli and leek, shallot, cippollini seedlings
Indigo seedlings looking fresh
Removed mulch covers from garlic
Garlic sprouts ready to grow