This Brussels Sprout looks healthy enough, doesn't it?
![Brassica update Brassica update](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/123/1239023/brassica-update-L-j3FL7e.jpeg)
It is one of those that was nearly submerged by rampant Parsley until a few days ago when the Parsley got cut back:
![Brassica update Brassica update](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/123/1239023/brassica-update-L-mJdnmi.jpeg)
This year I am only growing one plant of each of four varieties of Brussels Sprout, so I am particularly vulnerable. In this bed there are four Brussels Sprouts down the centre, and eight "De Ciccio" Broccoli plants along the sides - and of course the Parsley, which extends for about half the length of the bed.
![Brassica update Brassica update](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/123/1239023/brassica-update-L-lyVJiX.jpeg)
The Broccoli is just starting to form its heads. This crop will mature much sooner than the Brussels Sprouts, which won't be ready until late Autumn / early Winter.
![Brassica update Brassica update](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/123/1239023/brassica-update-L-WdEWFy.jpeg)
One of the Broccoli plants is obviously affected by a root fly of some sort. The leaves are wilting, and they are dull and lifeless. It may pull through if I keep it well supplied with water, but it's doubtful.
![Brassica update Brassica update](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/123/1239023/brassica-update-L-RXvdwl.jpeg)
These are the nematodes I use. Recently I have bought them from a firm called Green Gardener, who seem very efficient and reasonably priced. The nematodes are not 100% effective, but they do reduce the problems a lot.
![Brassica update Brassica update](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/123/1239023/brassica-update-L-Eb94M6.jpeg)
Let's hope it is only the one plant affected, because I don't have any spare Broccoli plants. However, I do have lots of spare Brussels Sprouts.
![Brassica update Brassica update](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/123/1239023/brassica-update-L-FRYwXg.jpeg)
Actually, this Broccoli plant looks as if it's two, so maybe I do have a spare! (Looking closely I found that this is one plant with two stems, not two plants.)
![Brassica update Brassica update](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/123/1239023/brassica-update-L-motZDg.jpeg)
What do you think I should do? Snip off the weaker stem, maybe? Or just leave it?
Elsewhere, I have some PSB and Cabbage seedlings coming on. Some of them are still too small to be transplanted, like the ones in the foreground of this next photo:
![Brassica update Brassica update](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/123/1239023/brassica-update-L-6UGx1c.jpeg)
But these aren't. They are "Mila" Cabbages, a Savoy type. I reckon Brassicas are OK to transplant into individual pots once they have produced two proper leaves, not counting the cotyledons or "seed-leaves".
![Brassica update Brassica update](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/123/1239023/brassica-update-L-eRXgNj.jpeg)
These are "Rudolph" PSB:
![Brassica update Brassica update](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/123/1239023/brassica-update-L-FdcVQu.jpeg)
When potting-on these seedlings, I selected the strongest ones, but I also kept a few of the others, retaining them in their original "seed-bed" pots. If I don't need them, I will give them away or compost them.
![Brassica update Brassica update](http://m5.paperblog.com/i/123/1239023/brassica-update-L-k8WSlA.jpeg)