[goose]

i planted my brussels out about 6 weeks ago in their new shiny home (netted cage).....all was going well apart from an attack of whitefly.  i have been away for the past 10 days (yes, the hottest for ages) and have found them rather stout and bushy.  they have huge leaves but havent grown in height at all ...the few sprouts that should have formed between the leaves are non existent or blown.   is this a heat/lack of water problem?? will they recover?? or should i bin them and plant my back up plants that are in the cold frame (not looking great either but could have more potential)??

thanks in advance

[peapod]

Were/are they really well firmed in? Not doing this is usually the reason for blown sprouts.  On the ones that havent formed sprouts yet firm the ground around them and earth up the stalks as well (again very firmly), feed with sulphate of ammonia and hopefully the remaining ones will give you good stuff 

Id also plonk the ones in that you have (room permitting) and remove the ones that have blown already

[goose]

thanks peapod.  i did really firm them in and earthed up the stem when i planted them.  i will try earthing up again and feeding them as suggested.  should i remove some of the leaves?  i have grown sprouts for years but never seen them go so bushy and wide with no height before.

[peapod]

Remove any yellowing/dying/dead/ ones if you have any
Funnily enough, youve mae me realise Ive got one just the same (with a bit of height though) at the end of the bed where others failed near it.  Maybe its a good sign, and its putting out a good system before sprouts are formed?

[goose]

sorry i forgot to ask, what is sulphate of ammonia and does anyone know where i can get it