[chrissie B]

ther sprouts on the top of my plants are a bit loose is there any thing I can do , do I take em off can I use them now as little cabbages ?not grown sprouts before .
chrissie b

[BabbyAnn]

I wouldn't have thought the sprouts were developed now    Perhaps post a piccie?

[chrissie B]

they have but the top ones are not tight they look like a loose cabbage .
chrissie b

[beesrus]

Brussels are one of those brassicas that are difficult to grow well first time, unless you have the perfect ground and are lucky.
Blown sprouts are a sign of them being under stress from quite a few issues, from being blown around in the wind, lack of water, being attacked badly by pests, to not having the right nutrients, especially nitrogen.

You can eat the blown sprouts no problem, very tasty, but not why we all grow them of course. Maybe you could give them some BFB or chicken pellets and give them a good soaking, and the later sprouts might hold their shape, but it's likely now most of them will also blow somewhat and/or be quite small, but you never know. No matter, we all double our efforts and make sure we do better next year.

I had terrible brussels three years ago when I first gave them a go after being badgered relentlessly to grow them. Last year was only a little better, so I really concentrated on them this year, especially making sure the bed was as perfect as I could make it. And it's worked. This year, they're fantastic so far, and look like they'll be the real Mccoy.  I have cheated a little in my mind by growing an F1 variety, but it's helped. 
Some plants will grow reasonably well with little effort. Brussels need the right conditions to grow like the shop veg.  They like a bed that supplies good amounts of water, loads of nitrogen, a very firm soil, and a good start in life in their pots. And a very good netting to keep the early pests at bay. My bed also got a big manuring in the Autumn, limed a little in the Spring, and a large dressing of chicken manure just before planting. Classic brassica prep.

[Goosegirl]

I agree with beesrus, particularly with regards to a firm soil as this is one of the main reasons for them blowing. When planting them, they need a firm bed then to be really well-firmed in the soil by either treading carefully around the plant or by using your fists to hammer them in.

[beesrus]

I actually find that the enviromesh I use to keep off the birds and cabbage whites is also excellent as a windbreak and for stopping any wind rock at all of my brussels. Everything underneath that mesh is cozy, thay all become as one... united we stand, divided we fall . It's the perfect aid, if a little unsightly. One of the best investments a grower can make.

[RaptorUK]

I agree with beesrus, particularly with regards to a firm soil as this is one of the main reasons for them blowing. When planting them, they need a firm bed then to be really well-firmed in the soil by either treading carefully around the plant or by using your fists to hammer them in.

Or use a lump hammer to firm them in,  no I'm not kidding. It was a suggestion I read on another forum and have used it, seems to have done the trick so far this year. 

[chrissie B]

I have half a ton of chicken poo so I will do it first thing and eat the blown ones , hate waste thanks for the help .
chrissie b