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GROWING BRUSSEL SPROUTS IN AN OUT SIDE CONTAINER #309169

Asked March 25, 2016, 3:15 PM EDT

Hi, I live in Nazareth, Pa. I have four large outside planting pots that get mostly direct sun, most of the day. **is it true that B. S.'s, wont grow good in hot climates? **can I grow B. S.'s in Nazareth, pa under these conditions? **how far apart to plant B. S. seeds? **How many seeds per spot? **any growing tips you can mail me or any best websites for growing and harvesting, etc.? >>>>Any info. would truly be appreciated! Thank you for taking the time to read address this for me! ps.......in outside (pots) can I start planting tomato seed now, as of end of March? Again .................Thanks! THOMAS BROWN 704 LEXINGTON RD. NAZARETH, PA. 18064 <personal data hidden>

Northampton County Pennsylvania

Expert Response

Here is some advice from a Brussels sprouts grower. If you start with seeds, you will only need two and then you will keep the best of the two.

Fill a 12-inch diameter, 12-inch deep pot with potting soil. Mix 1 1/2 tablespoons of 14-14-14 slow-release fertilizer into the potting mix. Water the soil until the excess moisture begins to drain from the bottom of the pot.

Plant one Brussels sprout seedling in the pot, setting it at the same depth it was growing at in its previous container. Place the pot in a location that receives full, all-day sunlight immediately after planting.

Feel the soil in the container at least once a day. Water when the top 1 inch of soil feels dry. Soil dries out more quickly in a container, and Brussels sprouts may require daily watering during hot or dry weather.

Dissolve 1 tablespoon of 15-30-15 soluble fertilizer in 1 gallon of water. Water the Brussels sprouts with the solution every two weeks, beginning about six weeks after transplanting. Frequent watering leaches fertilizer from the container, so regular reapplications ensure the plant gets the necessary nutrients to produce well.

Pull off the bottom six to eight leaves on the plant's stalk when it begins to develop sprouts, which allows the plant to focus more energy on sprout development. Cut off the top of the stalk, below the growing point near the tip, when the sprouts are forming but about half their mature size.

Twist the brusssel sprouts from the main stalk when they reach their mature size of 1 to 2 inches in diameter. Harvest from the bottom of the stalk and work up as the sprouts mature. Lower sprouts mature earlier than the top ones.

Things You Will Need

  • 12-inch diameter pot
  • Potting soil
  • 14-14-14 slow-release fertilizer
  • 15-30-15 soluble fertilizer
  • Shears

Tip

  • Container-grown plants are less prone to pests and diseases. Wash your hands and gardening tools before working with the plants to further minimize pest problems. Aphids are the most common pest, which you can rinse off the foliage with a sharp spray of water.
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An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 25, 2016, 9:57 PM EDT

hi Eileen E.,

first.....thank you so much for the valuable info. on B.S.'s!

second.......I have another issue here where I hope that once again you can provide me with valuable info.

*******for veggie planting, like toms./brussel sprouts/egg plants, etc;: planted in large pots, I was just told by a "PREEN REP." that "preen is not intended for use in (any) pot, small or large for weed control". that "it is only for ground dirt". that "it would affect the growth of my veggies if used in any pot"! 

>>>>>so, I'm in a dilemma here with what to do to prevent weeds in all of my pots.

>>>>>is there anything on the market that can be used safely on/in my pot soils that will not only control weeds but will NOT interfere with the growth of my plants like preen would? 

>>>>>are there any "homemade" mixtures that will do the same, at to not only prevent weeds but will NOT interfere with the growth of my plants?


thanks so much for taking the time to address my questions!

have a great day!

<personal data hidden>

Thomas b.

Nazareth, pa


The Question Asker Replied April 20, 2016, 2:10 PM EDT
If you mulch with sphagnum moss, that should keep the weeds from getting a start. Any that come up will be easy to pull. You don't want to use chemicals in a container unless you have to because the environment for the plant is intense. Another thing you can do is put damp newspaper on top of the soil. It will suppress any weed seeds and slowly decay into the soil. You can use newspaper first and then put a decorative mulch on top of it. For most pests, you can use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. Also, the mesh paint strainers sold at Lowe's and Home Depot will work as insect netting to keep away the cabbage moth and tomato worm.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 21, 2016, 6:19 PM EDT

hi Eileen,

sorry to bother you again. your last response to me, dated 4/21/2016, you mentioned about placing wet newspapers on top of the soil. also mentioned about topping the newspapers with "decorative" mulch .i have some leftover dark brown mulch from last year. my questions are: ***can I use this much for that purpose? ***are there any chemicals in the colored mulch that would hinder the growth of my veggie plants? ***any chemicals in the mulch that would alter the taste of any of my veggies? ***finally, are there any chemicals in the mulch that could harm us when we consume the veggies that had this mulch on top?

thanks again for taking the time to address all of my questions and concerns Eileen.


tom from Nazareth, pa

The Question Asker Replied April 24, 2016, 3:09 PM EDT
I wouldn't use a dyed mulch on vegetables. I guess the word "decorative" means better looking than newspaper. There are undyed wood chips and shredded tree bark that are suitable. You can get coconut fiber mulch called coir, and sphagnum moss. You can use chopped up dry leaves from last fall. The main thing is to use a natural product and stay away from treated or artificial mulches.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 24, 2016, 4:49 PM EDT

thanks again Eileen!

take care

The Question Asker Replied April 24, 2016, 8:00 PM EDT
You're welcome.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied April 25, 2016, 8:52 AM EDT

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