Encourage students to take advantage of the free resources available at their local library. They may know they can get books, but they may not know that they can check out movies, video games, use the computer, or join community reading programs (many of which have incentives for summer reading).
Like cabbage and cabbage sprouts, Brussels sprouts are a cool weather crop. They should be harvested when the sprouts are small, compact and bright green. Avoid yellowing sprouts with signs of wilt rot or insect damage. Harvest sprouts when they are no larger than 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter.
A dwarf plant, brussel sprouts grow off of a central stalk with the sprouts growing at the leaf and stem axis. When properly spaced, a brussel sprout plant will grow to 2 1/2 feet tall when fully mature. Give 24 to 36 inches of space between plants when growing in rows, or 24 inches in any direction when planting in a bed.