Brussels sprouts 
Well grown and, more importantly, well cooked Brussels sprouts are certainly worth growing - especially if you chose F1 cultivars.
Firm, water-retentive soil is important for good crops.
Sowing
Sow thinly 13mm (0.5in) deep in a seed bed in rows 15cm (6in) apart. Thin the seedlings to 7.5cm (3in) apart.
For an early crop sow under glass in module trays in February, otherwise sow March to April in a seed bed.
Growing
When the young plants are 10-15cm (4-6in) high transplant to their growing positions, leaving 75cm (2.5ft) between plants. Plant cultivars like 'Peer Gynt' 45cm (18in) apart for an earlier crop of smaller, tastier sprouts. The soil must be firm and had plenty of humus added the previous autumn. Before lifting the plants water them well and water well again after transplanting.
Water well in dry weather and conserve soil moisture with a mulch. Occasional summer feeding with a liquid fertiliser will improve results.
Protect from birds using netting or fleece; the latter will also protect against cabbage white caterpillars.
Harvesting
Start picking the lower sprouts when they are the size of a walnut and are still firm and tightly closed. Snap them off with a sharp downward tug. The flavour is usually better once the sprouts have had a touch of frost on them.
