Norann Oleson, Editorial Director of Food Gardening Network

Welcome to the delightful world of growing your own Brussels sprouts!

Once a vegetable to fill a child’s heart with revulsion, scientists have bred new varieties that don’t have that bitter taste and stinky smell—and chefs have developed kinder, gentler ways to cook Brussels sprouts that can actually have kids coming back for more!

Brussels sprouts are fairly easy to grow—you just need to be patient. You may plant your seedlings in midsummer, but not see a harvest until Thanksgiving. That’s why we’ve prepared this all-in-one guide for you about growing, harvesting, and eating—with some easy-to-prepare and tasty recipes—your own home-grown Brussels sprouts.

In this collection’s Introduction, you’ll first learn some history and basics about Brussels sprouts—to get you ready for growing your own. Then, in the Feature Articles, you’ll get specifics about Brussels sprout gardening—from types of plants and soil preparation to watering, weeding, and controlling and preventing disease.

If you’re already an advanced Brussels sprout and food gardener, some of this may be refresher content for you. But stick with it, because you’re certain to learn something new, especially when it comes to the history of Brussels sprouts and the recipes!

In Plant Profiles, you’ll learn about seven popular varieties of Brussels sprouts, so you’ll have specific details about the characteristics and growing times for particular varieties of Brussels sprouts.

While there are over a hundred varieties of Brussels sprouts, we’ve chosen these seven Brussels sprout plant profiles because they are some of the most commonly grown or more interesting for their color and versatility. If you’d like us to include another Brussels sprout variety that appeals to you, please let me know by commenting below.

We are, after all, a network of food gardeners—for and by fellow food gardeners—who want to enjoy all the benefits of growing our own delicious food at home!

One of the things that makes Food Gardening Network unique is the assortment of no-fuss, mouthwatering Recipes, so that you can enjoy the fruits of your gardening labor. Brussels sprouts are no exception!

These Brussels sprout recipes include hot and cold dishes, sweet and savory—but no boiling! These recipes will likely inspire you to try some variations of your own to grill, roast, or sauté them.

Next, you’ll learn Nutrition Facts about Brussels Sprouts to find out exactly which nutrients are found in Brussels sprouts—and to what degree—and the most common compounds. Home Remedies & Health Benefits of Brussels Sprouts will help you learn about how key nutrients in Brussels sprouts can help prevent some diseases, such as heart disease and some forms of cancer. You’ll also learn all about other benefits and uses for Brussels sprouts, besides just enjoying their garden-fresh deliciousness.

To help you explore the wonderful world of Brussels sprouts even further, we’ve included a Resources section that is complementary to this collection. We aim to give you everything you need to grow, harvest, and eat delicious Brussels sprouts, but feel free to take a deeper dive into these additional resources by visiting the links provided.

Finally, you’ll find a brief Glossary at the end of this collection in case you need a fuller explanation of any key terms and concepts.

Now, go get started on your Brussels sprout growing adventure!