BRUSSELS SPROUTS 53 



plant, and this is troublesome only with the dwarf 

 sprouts. 



Soil should be a rich loam; in a sandy soil, dig in 

 compost around each plant, or mulch to conserve the 

 moisture. 



Distances are according to variety, from two feet by 

 one to three feet by two. 



Depth, as below. 



Sowing under glass is not necessary except in a late 

 spring, when sow in April and prick out once. 



Sow outdoors. For first crop, to mature in Septem- 

 ber, sow as soon as the ground is fit, very thinly in a 

 seed-bed, about one-half inch deep. For late crop, sow 

 deeper, about one inch, early in June. Seed-bed rows 

 about one foot apart. 



Thin when well up to two inches or more apart. 



Transplant early crop in June, late crop about 

 August 1. 



Culture. Keep the patch clean and the surface well 

 broken. When the sprouts begin to show, break off the 

 neighboring leaves. 



Fertilize with liquid manure or nitrate of soda at 

 transplanting, and weekly for three or four weeks. 



Pick when the sprouts are of sufficient size. They 

 should be cut rather than picked, leaving as much as 

 possible of the heel, for the formation of another 

 sprout. Or top the plant, and in about ten days pull 

 it and cut the sprouts. 



