Is it feasible to plant these seeds in egg boxes, as the packet does not say how deep the compost should be?
Yes, you can use egg boxes. The general rule of thumb for planting seed depth is that a seed should be planted 3X deeper than it is big.
For some reason, everything I try to do when it comes to growing these indoors fails. They always grow 'spindley', tall, and thin like a blade of grass and then fall over. But when I go to a store, theirs are 3+ inches tall with thick, hearty stalks and leaves. How do they grow them like that, or how canI grow mine like theirs? I saw some in a store yesterday that were 6 inches tall with thick stalks and leaves. How do I grow mine this way?
They are not getting enough light, they "stretch" to get closer to a light source that is not strong enough. Either move them to a brighter window, or place them beneath a fluorescent light bulb placed just a few inches above them.
I have grown some Brussels. I started them from seed in the house, but as they have grown, they have become lanky or stringy and they lay down in their pots. Do you think they will still be ok, or do you think I have to start afresh, in somewhat cooler conditions (as I just read from this site you need to start them in cooler conditions)?
At this point, you will need to start over. But the lankiness was caused by a lack of light. They need more sunlight or use a fluorescent light to help add more light to the seedlings.
We have a small garden containing Brussels sprouts (Huntington Beach, Ca) which are ready for harvesting. They seem very good (we had some), but what about the very top part of the plant which tends to curl up similar to how cauliflower grows? Should we pick it off and eat it or throw it away? I believe it would hasten the ripening of the little cabbages along and give them more room. Can you explain?
As soon as the lower sprouts begin to mature, pinch out the growing shoot at the top of each plant (not the entire top leaf). This will stop the top from growing and encourage the sprouts to ripen along the stalk.
My Brussels sprout plants are getting too wide. May I trim off the leaves of the plant? They are invading my other rows and making it hard to harvest.
It is generally not advisable to cut back the leaves, as this may reduce crop production and open the plant up to pests or disease. If it is becoming too much of a problem, however, you can go ahead an take out a few of the most bothersome leaves.
Am I supposed to cut the leaves off my Brussels sprout plants?
Would like an organic solution to these worm like pests before the Brussels sprouts are ready to harvest or the plant is 'toast'.
These are most likely broccoli worms, which also affect cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. These articles should help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/brussels-sprouts/how-to-grow-brussel-sprouts.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/broccoli/worms-in-broccoli-caterpillars-in-the-broccoli-head.htm