Well Bart I have grown B.Sprouts but it has been some time since doing so but the results were well worth it. I would start by creating the richest soil I could right now. If you have grow lights and or can keep the seedling cool I would start them now as well. I purchased mine from Southern States the day they arrived which was in maybe early September or late August. Late summer is two hot to bet putting in cool/cold weather crop but it is a must do. I would cover the rows of Brussel Sprouts with burlap shadings, but preferably with aluminum shade cloth, and yes they are worth it. This is to keep the hottest of sun off of them. I would not fertilize them heavily until the second and a half week of September. I would apply a second light shot of fertilizer in 20 days. I would also use an organic fertilize and when preparing the soil apply some in that process as well. I would put the pH at around 7 and higher if the book says it OK. The pH and soil should be done now, plenty of cow manure, humate and just nice rich sandy loamy soil. You are not telling me which part of VA your hat hangs, so I am going to assume you are Caroline county so you have some work to do. If you were in Charles City not so much. Harvest them after the second or third frost, they do well even to 28, so do not pull them to quickly as they can keep growing. If you have excess pull em and then plunge then head fist back into the soil and then harvest in January they will be snow white and full of sugar. I have carpal tunnel so this is a bit painful to type this, so let me end in saying I endured it because they are the best tasting veg. there is, but only if it is done right. They will be that green star on your Christmas day dinner table, so please have enough for everyone, this is where I often erred. Humate is important to boost sugars and taste, not essential but it's time you learned it's benefits. You can get it from S. State or direct, it is a VA company. Sorry if I was blunt but so is the pain, good luck. The value of this type of crop is more then you would imagine $$$!You may want to check Va Dept of Agg Alternative Crop page or call Charles Green Va Dept Agriculture.

http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/consumer/index.shtml

Here is a link that might be useful: What is Humic Shale: