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.
Quick-maturing vegetable crops for your garden are ready to harvest about two months -- or sooner -- after you plant them. Many of the quicker-maturing crops are considered cool-season vegetables, although a few are summer varieties. Snap bean varieties, including Blue Lake, Derby, Cherokee Wax and Gold Crop all take between 50 and 60 days to mature for harvest.