Organic Brussels Sprouts in the Northeast: Variety, Pest Control and Storage Trials

Organic Brussels Sprouts in the Northeast: Variety, Pest Control and Storage Trials

Summary

2011 was the most challenging year that we’ve encountered in 30 years of farming. The very wet spring delayed planting, and was followed by a very hot and dry summer. Although we took all the steps possible to ensure a successful Brussels sprouts trial, it became obvious by July that we wouldn’t be able to collect valuable data. The plants were seeded and transplanted on schedule, and irrigated as often as we could spare the water. We had to juggle the water demands of all the crops on the farm, and the Brussels sprouts suffered. The extreme heat and drought slowed down their growth to a point that made the crop unworthy of continued effort.
At this point I decided to delay the project for a year, hoping to collect data in a more normal growing season.

Objectives/Performance Targets

We will start fresh in 2012 and hope for the best!

Collaborators: