BRUSSELS SPROUTS (Brassica oleracea L. var. gemmifera DC)
Published: 2015-03-14Tags: алелопатия, брюкселско зеле, другаруване, растения-компаньони
Translation
This is a translation of a Bulgarian-language post. It conveys the content faithfully but is not the author's original English writing.
Like most brassicas, this crop is subject to attack by all sorts of insects. Aromatic herbs such as dill, mint, celery and sage help in the fight against them.
Plants that attract the insects beneficial to this crop — ladybirds and wasps, which feed on its pests — are nasturtium and basil. Garlic planted nearby protects against the Japanese beetle, aphids and downy mildew. Garlic, like mint, helps this crop grow. Tagetes (marigold) planted nearby also repels pests. Mustard nearby acts as a trap for various insects; once it is attacked by them, uproot it and give it to the hens.
Plants to keep away from Brussels sprouts are: pole beans and strawberries, since they worsen its flavour and slow its growth.
It is grown by direct sowing in April or May, and the seedlings are thinned to 50 cm apart. They germinate at a soil temperature of 15-20 degrees within 10 to 14 days.
Never grow brassica crops in a bed that also had brassicas the previous year!