The Brussels sprout: Washington's winter gem

 Kim Vaughn
Communications

During the reign of the ancient Roman empire, athletes devoured Brussels sprouts because they were seen as symbols of endurance and stability. Because Brussels sprouts became so popular in 13th century Belgium, these little veggies were named after the country's capital, Brussels.

In the colder months, this hearty and nutritious green vegetable takes the stage. This blog will explore the world of growing Brussels sprouts, and creative ways to prepare this nutritious superfood for your holiday meals. 

Growing Brussels sprouts in Washington state

Brussels sprouts can be finicky to grow. They do best in cool weather and are usually planted in mid-summer for a bountiful fall harvest. To determine the optimum planting time in your region, count backwards about 4 months from your expected first frost. Plant in a location where they will get at least 6 hours of direct sun in a rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0‐7.5.

Sow seeds about ½ inch deep 2-3 inches apart. When the plants reach about 6 inches tall, thin rows to be at least 12 inches apart. 

Water 1-1 ½ inches a week and add mulch to keep the soil cool during the hot summer. Be sure not to overwater! Because the plant height reaches 2-3 feet, they may require staking. Use a 10-20-10 fertilizer. Too much nitrogen will result in a lot of leafy growth and not enough sprouts.  

Sprouts mature from the bottom of the stalk upwards. Harvest sprouts from the bottom when they reach about 1 inch in diameter. To encourage the sprouts to mature faster, cut off the top leaves 3 to 4 weeks before harvest. Harvest the entire stalk after the first moderate frost by removing the leaves and storing them unwashed, and hanging upside down in a cool, dry area for up to a month. 

As with any Brassica, aphids, cabbage worms, and many other pests can damage your plant so it’s important to keep your eye on them. Remove any fallen plant debris to prevent mildew. Try companion-planting thyme, or place banana and orange peels around the plants, as a pest deterrent. A mild solution of dish soap and water can help to remove pests. You can get more tips on protecting Brassicas in our Broccoli blog. 

Varieties of brussels sprouts

In Washington state, Brussels sprouts are usually available from October through March, making them an ideal choice for your holiday meals. Favorite varieties include:

• Jade Cross
  These small, bright green sprouts are well-suited for cooler climates and boast a mildly sweet, nutty flavor.
• Long Island Improved
  This classic variety produces medium-sized sprouts that are tender and sweet when cooked.
• Rubine
  With a deep red hue, this variety adds a striking visual element to any dish while offering a slightly milder flavor.
• Diablo
  Known for its vivid, dark purple sprouts. 

There are more ways to prepare Brussels sprouts for your holiday meals than just steaming them. Try these delicious options:

• Roasted Brussels sprouts
  Seasoned with olive oil, garlic, and a touch of balsamic vinegar.
• Crispy Brussels sprout chips
  Thinly sliced and lightly fried, a nutritious alternative to traditional potato chips.
• Braised Brussels sprouts
  Slow-cooked in broth or wine, until tender. Often served with complementary ingredients like bacon or pancetta.
• Brussels sprouts in salads
  Add shaved Brussels sprouts in your next salad to provide a crisp, refreshing bite.

Nutritional information

Source: USDA Agricultural Research Service

The vitamins and minerals in Brussels sprouts aid in healing, promote immunity, and support strong bones. One cup of Brussels sprouts provides around 38 calories, 3g of protein, 8g of carbohydrates, and 0.3g of fat. 

Of the 8 grams of carbohydrates in a cup of Brussels sprouts, a little over 3 grams are from fiber. They have a low glycemic index, so they are a good choice for those on a low-carb diet or anyone who is watching their blood sugar. 

Brussels sprouts are a great source of the B-vitamins necessary for cellular energy production, including vitamin B6, thiamine, and folate. They contain 24% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin A, which is important for eyes and immunity. 

Brussels sprouts are an excellent source of vitamins C and K, providing over 100% of your daily value of each based on a 2,000 calorie per day diet. Vitamin K is linked to heart health and longevity and is responsible for blood clotting. Brussels sprouts also contain manganese, which helps with metabolizing carbohydrates, amino acids, and cholesterol.

While Brussels sprouts might not be as famous as other vegetables grown in Washington state, they are a winter gem that is deserving of more recognition. As the culinary world continues to rediscover the delights of Brussels sprouts, these cruciferous vegetables offer a delicious reminder that the Washington state's agricultural tapestry is rich and diverse. So, whether you're savoring a plate of crispy roasted Brussels sprouts during your holiday meal, or trying your hand at growing them, you're participating in the growing appreciation of these nutritious and flavorful gems.

Cantaloupes: Cultivating sweet success in Washington state

 Kim Vaughn
Communications

Melons (C. melo) originated in Iran and India around 3000 B.C. and are one of the oldest crops to be domesticated. While not as prominent as some of Washington state's other crops, like apples and cherries, cantaloupe has found its own special place in the heart of the agricultural landscape. In this blog, we'll delve into the world of cantaloupes in Washington, exploring its cultivation, favorite varieties, and its growing popularity in a state dominated by other fruits.

Growing cantaloupes in Washington state

Cantaloupe is a warm-season fruit that typically requires a longer, hotter growing season than the Pacific Northwest provides. However, in the eastern part of Washington, which experiences warmer and drier summers, cantaloupe cultivation has become a niche industry. Regions like the Yakima Valley and Columbia Basin have ideal microclimates for growing cantaloupes. Growing cantaloupes in the northwest’s coldest areas though, can be tough. Cooler temperatures and plant diseases like fungi and sudden wilt can cause growers to lose their crops before harvest.

Choose varieties that will mature in 90 days or less. Start seeds indoors in early May and grow multiple plants to ensure pollination. Keep seedlings moist and provide 16-18 hours of light a day. Harden off your seedlings in June before transplanting them into a warm soil bed when nighttime temperatures don’t fall below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant blooming flowers throughout your row to attract pollinators.

Once transplanted outdoors, use an all-purpose 10-20-20 fertilizer and cover the bed with clear plastic to keep the soil warm. Water 1-2 inches per week. Harvest when the skin has a raised netting look before it starts to turn yellow. Allow the fruit to ripen off the vine for about two days before eating.

Favorite Washington varieties

Washington farmers have embraced a selection of cantaloupe varieties well-suited to the region's unique growing conditions. These suggested varieties mature around 75-80 days.

• Ha’Ogen and Model melons
  Very sweet, with green flesh and a honeydew flavor.
  
• Charentais
  A small French cantaloupe with unrivaled flavor.
  
• Honey Rock and Hale’s Best
  Well-known American cantaloupe varieties that are easy to find seeds and seedlings.
  
• Ineya
  A small Russian melon, with white flesh and a mild honeydew flavor.
  
• Armenian and Metki
  These varieties look like large cucumbers with a mildly sweet flavor.

Nutritional information

Source: USDA Agricultural Research Service

Incorporating cantaloupes into your diet can offer various health benefits. A single serving, equivalent to one cup of fresh cantaloupe cubes, provides 53 calories, 6% of your daily fiber intake, approximately 1 gram of protein, and is free from both fat and cholesterol.

Moreover, cantaloupes are a low-carbohydrate fruit, containing 13 grams per one-cup serving. Opting for fruits low in carbohydrates enables you to consume larger portions while effectively managing your blood glucose levels.

Notably, cantaloupes are rich in essential nutrients, offering:

• 100% of the daily value of vitamin C, a potent antioxidant safeguarding your cells from damage.
  
• The entirety of your daily vitamin A requirements, contributing to the health of your eyes, skin, bones, and immune system.

In Washington State, cantaloupes may not take center stage like apples or cherries, but it has quietly carved out a delicious niche in the state's agricultural mosaic. With its unique sweetness, cantaloupes offer a refreshing alternative to the more famous fruits of the region. Whether enjoyed fresh in the warm Washington sun or incorporated into a delightful summer dish, Washington cantaloupes represent a sweet and healthy surprise amidst the apple and cherry orchards, reminding us that diversity in agriculture is a delicious and valuable asset.

Summer is here - time to put your Hornet Hunter hat back on

Karla Salp
Communications

Gov. Inslee dons a hornet hunter hat while 
touring the hornet detection area in 2022. Gov.
Inslee and the Washington Legislature have been
very supportive of the hornet eradication efforts.

July is finally here and you know what that means around WSDA: time to start trapping for hornets! Our hornet trappers are already out in the field setting hornet traps in Whatcom County.

Since the first confirmed detection of the northern giant hornet (Vespa mandarina, also known as the Asian giant hornet) in 2019, there has been overwhelming interest from the public to help eradicate this invasive pest.

WSDA has welcomed this community support, leading to a hybrid government-public response that has been revolutionary – and effective. More than half of the confirmed hornet detections in the state have come from public reports. Three of the four nests eradicated in the state were found as the direct result of public reports.

The community has played a game-changing role in WSDA’s efforts to eradicate the hornets from our state. Although we had no detections last year, we’re not out of the woods yet.

We still need you.

Hornet sighting reported
to WSDA via social media
in 2020.

Your eyes, ears, and traps are still needed to detect any hornets that might still be lurking in the state. Here are three ways that you can help.

1. Trapping. WSDA has established a Public Hornet Trapping project, which provides community members with information on how to build and check hornet traps and report any hornets that are caught. The traps are placed in July and are left up through November.
2. Watch a Wasp Nest. The public and WSDA staff have witnessed northern giant hornets repeatedly attacking paper wasp nests. These nests can easily be found under the eaves of many buildings. By joining the “Watch a Wasp Nest” program, you commit to spending five minutes a week observing paper wasp nests on your property and logging activity, including whether you notice hornets at the nest.
3. Report sightings. Helping detect northern giant hornets can be as simple as being aware of your surroundings. If you think you spot one, get a photo if you safely can. Report suspected sightings with as much detail as possible, including where the insect was spotted, what it was doing, and if it flew off, the direction in which it headed.

EVERY hornet report matters. Whether found while trapping, watching paper wasp nests, or just being observant when you are out and about, it is critical to report each and every suspect hornet sighting. We get hundreds – if not thousands – of false reports each year, but we gladly accept them because it means you are on the lookout and that means we receive the few but critical confirmed detections we need to eradicate the hornets for good. 

Sign up to help WSDA watch for high-priority invasive pests

Karla Salp
Communications

Is tomato fruit borer lurking in your garden? Or is Scots pine blister rust on your tree? Early detection is critical for protecting the state’s forests, parks, farms, and gardens from invasive pests and diseases.

That’s why WSDA’s Pest Program has a new project to be on the lookout for some of the nation’s highest-priority pests and plant diseases that are not yet known to be in the state.

The program will look for national high-priority pests including pests like spotted lanternfly, which has rapidly spread and decimated vineyards in the Eastern U.S.; apple proliferation phytoplasma, a type of bacteria that inhabits, impedes, and kills orchards; and the tomato brown rugose virus, which stunts tomatoes making their fruits unpalatable.

To look for these and other* pests, the WSDA Pest Program needs your help. They are asking farms, community gardens, parks, and even private property owners to sign up to participate in the project this summer. There are two ways to participate:

• Summer trapping – WSDA trappers will place traps early in the summer and check them several times throughout the season. The traps will be removed in the fall.
• Single site visit – WSDA staff will visit the site once to perform a visual inspection for pests. 

Specifically, the team is looking for properties that will have one or more of the following on-site this summer: 

• Fruit or nut trees
• Vegetables
• Fruiting shrubs/vines
• Ornamental trees/shrubs

While anyone in Washington is welcome to sign up, the program is especially interested in sites near highways or ports.

If you are willing to participate by offering your property for trapping or a site visit, please sign up to have your location considered. The Pest Program will review your information and contact you by May 15, 2023, to let you know if your property has been selected as a pest survey site for the upcoming season.

WSDA has a long history of looking for invasive pests to prevent them from establishing in the state. For example, the longest-running program is the invasive moth program, which has kept spongy moth (formerly known as gypsy moth) from establishing in Washington (despite numerous introductions) for almost 50 years. Public support and participation have always played a key role in protecting our state from invasive pests and diseases.

With your support and early detection, there is a much higher chance of eradicating or significantly slowing the spread of any new pest. 

*The complete list of pests for this project:

Scientific Name	Common Name
Lycorma delicatula	Spotted lanternfly
Adoxophyes orana	Summer fruit tortrix moth
Anthonomus rubi	Strawberry blossom weevil
Diabrotica speciosa	Cucurbit beetle
Helicoverpa armigera	Old world bollworm
Heteronychus arator	Black maize beetle
Neoleucinodes elegantalis	Tomato fruit borer
Thaumatotibia leucotreta	False codling moth
Phthorimea absoluta	Tomato leafminer
Candidatus Phytoplasma australiense 16SrXII-B	Australian grapevine yellows
Candidatus Phytoplasma mali 16SrX-A	Apple proliferation
Candidatus Phytoplasma phoenicium 16SrIX-B	Almond witches' broom
Candidatus Phytoplasma prunorum 16SrX-F	European stone fruit yellows
Candidatus Phytoplasma solani 16SrXII-A	Bois noir; Stolbur
Candidatus Phytoplasma ziziphi	Jujube witches' broom
Cronartium flaccidum	Scots pine blister rust
Magnaporthiopsis maydis	Late wilt of corn
Orthotospovirus Groundnut bud necrosis virus	Groundnut bud necrosis virus (GBNV)
Hymenoscyphus fraxineus	Ash dieback
Tobamovirus Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus	Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus (CGMMV)
Tobamovirus Tomato brown rugose fruit virus	Tomato brown rugose (ToBRFV)
Alectra vogelii	Yellow witchweed
Onopordum acaulon	Horse thistle

 

Sharing wheat country with the media

Hector Castro
Communications 

Wheat farming, like much of agriculture, is a tough business. Pests and weather can damage crops, prices fluctuate, and equipment must be constantly maintained. On top of all this, at a time when more and more people want to know where their food comes from, fewer members of the public, including reporters, have ever worked a farm.

Reporters and others gather at Green View Farm for
a tour of farms and farm equipment.

So the Washington Association of Wheat Growers hosted amedia day this past summer, taking a few reporters for a tour of some Spokane area wheat fields on a warm, sunny day in late August.

A reporter gets an inside view of a combine at
Green View Farm.

The goal was to strengthen relationships with agriculture industry reporters and help those new to the field. For everyone on the tour, it was a day to learn what it takes to cultivate wheat and get it to market, WAWG president Ben Adams said.

“We want to showcase the full process,” he said before the start of the media tour.

Reporters with the Capital Press, the Spokesman Review, the Washington State Wire website and a local weekly newspaper participated. I joined Jason Ferrante, assistant director for WSDA’s Commodity Inspection Division, and Philip Garcia, manager of the Grain Inspection Program, as part of the WSDA group attending the tour.

Planting, harvest and storage
Piling into a waiting bus, the group of a dozen people first travelled to the wheat farm of WAWG Vice President Marci Green, a sixth-generation wheat farmer.

Lonnie Green explains wheat, with wife, Marci Green,
vice-president of Washington Asoociation of Wheat Growers. 

In a cavernous barn and on a wide open field, reporters got up close to the planting and harvesting equipment used to grow wheat. In the barn, Lonnie Green, Marci’s husband, explained the workings of a massive vehicle that can dig a furrow, fertilize it and deliver seed – all at the same time, employing technology unheard of when Marci’s family first began to farm.

On the tailgate of a pickup truck, Lonnie had several dry stalks of wheat. He threshed the stalks of soft white wheat and winter wheat between his hands so the grain would fall loose onto the tailgate of a pickup, showing in their size and quantity the differences between the two.

Barley harvest at Rattlers Run Farm. 

But the field at the Green View Farm wasn’t prime for harvest, so the group travelled to nearby Rattlers Run Farm, where barley harvest was underway. The reporters on the tour each had a chance to climb aboard the towering combine for a harvest-time ride.

In between, they snapped photos of the machine in action as it churned its way through acres of golden barely.

After planting and harvest, the grain has to get to market. For growers who don’t store their grain on site, their grain is hauled to a storage facility, like the McCoy Grain Terminal near Rosalia. The facility can hold 11 million bushels of grain in piles like small hills and inside towering grain bins. Trucks and rail cars both deliver grain to the terminal, where their loads are weighed and sampled for grading.

Viewing grain pile at McCoy Grain Terminal.

In Washington, wheat consistently ranks among the state’s top commodities, with 90 percent of it bound for markets in Japan, South Korea and the Philippines. So grading the grain is critical and has a direct impact on the price wheat growers can get for their crops. WSDA’s own Grain Inspection Program grades and processes grain from an annual average of 25 to 30 million metric tons bound for export. The program also processes an average of 32,000 samples each year at its three domestic inspection offices.

WAWG’s media tour this past summer mirrored other similar outreach efforts farmers and ranchers in Washington and across the country have made in recent years, as they continue seeking ways to reach out and tell the story of agriculture.