[loobs61]

Hi everyone,
I would like some advise on growing brussel sprouts please. I have a small veg patch at home. At the weekend I drove past an allotment site and noticed a number of sprouts with their lower leafs all striped off. Should I be doing this and what are the advantages and disadvantages of this, can anyone advise please 

[Growster...]

They usually fall of anyway Loobs, so no problems, unless they look diseased of course.

You can buy stems like that in the better grocers, so I reckon there's not a problem, in fact I'm getting some of the higher ones on the plot today, and the leaves are coming off as I get nearer the tops!

If they're making the sprouts a bit grubby, or have a bit of insect residue on them, it helps to let the air get round the little chaps as well if you take off some of the leaves as you go!

[TerryB]

Mine have no leafs on the bottom half but this is because they have died and drop off.
I wouldn't pull them off because leafs are needed for the plant to grow.

[DigIt]

They usually fall of anyway Loobs, so no problems, unless they look diseased of course.

I would agree, the only need to remove the leaves would be if they are diseased.
D

[cooperman]

As Brussels grow the original leaves wither and yellow and die off, so removal of any dodgy looking yellow leaves is good husbandry, if you just leave them this encourages fungal problems.  Dont forget you can eat the tops (once the buttons have formed well) as they are delicious. 

[loobs61]

Thanks for the advice everyone.
I think I will leave the leaves and only remove as you recommend when they have withered or yellowed. I was a bit concerned that I may damage the young sprouts by removing the lower leaves so will let nature to her job and just help along the way . many thanks