BRUSSELS SPROUTS

Autumn varieties have been cropping for a few weeks and winter ones have just firmed up some nice button sprouts now. Keep harvesting any that are ready and work your way up the stem as sprouts swell to a usable size. Plants should keep cropping for many weeks – protect from birds if needed and watch out for slug damage.

If lower sprouts look more like loose leaves than firm balls, this problem may resolve higher up the stem. Firm the soil in the bed before planting next year and choose a variety that does well for neighbouring gardeners. And if your sprouts are small, content yourself in the knowledge that they can be the sweetest ones.

WINTER CAULIFLOWERS

Plants started in May will be forming large heads now. You may have to peep into the heart of the plant to find the white ball of curds – do this when the head is small and pull a few leaves over the top as the head grows. Too much exposure to sun and rain will turn the curds brown. Put fresh-cut cauliflowers into a bowl full of cold water before cooking. This allows unwanted pests, hiding between the curds, to escape and be removed.