Vegetable Gardening Midwest
Vegetable Gardening Midwest
Vegetable Gardening Midwest
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Vegetable Gardening
in
the Midwest
IS. Vandemark
CE. Voigt
Gardening
Jacobsen
art
OBB
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work,
Acts of
U.S.
May
Uchtmann,
and employment.
in this publication
is
for
ment by the
Nomenclature
is
Concise Dictio-
States, revised
and
expanded by the
staff
of the Liberty
Hyde
Bailey Horto-
Publish-
Company, 1976.
Credits:
designer.
49, 131,
Mary H. Overmier,
and
editor,
43,
Hunts; other,
Agricultural
E.
UIUC
Office of
Copyright
1995 by University of
Illinois
Board of Trustees
500-87239-mo-3/95
10M-8723-mo-3/95
Lumenis
Preface
V
1
f* r\ t\ & r\ o
Brussels Sprouts
59
Cabbage
Carrot
Cauliflower
60
63
64 66
67
Celery
4
5
Chard
Chinese Cabbage
Collard
68
69 70
75
Container Gardens
Selecting Vegetables
Seeds, Plants,
9
11
Corn, Sweet
12
Cucumber
Eggplant
77 79
15
17 19
Endive-Escarole
Jerusalem Artichoke
Kale
80
81
21
Kohlrabi
82
83
Leek
23
25
Lettuce
84 86 88
88 89 93
When
to Plant
Muskmelon
Mustard
How to
Plant
27
Floating
Row Covers
32
Okra
Onion
33
35 35
Parsley
Parsnip
94
95
Mulching
Watering
Controlling Garden Pests
Pea
37 38
Pepper
Potato
97
101
Pumpkin
103
Starting Plants at
Growing Media
Pasteurizing the Soil
Home
43
45 45 45
Radish
107
Rhubarb
Salsify
108
110
110
Sowing Seeds
Temperature
Watering and
Light
Fertilizing
Spinach
Squash,
45 46 46 47
Summer
112
116
118
Squash, Winter
Sweet Potato
Growing Time
Tomato
Turnip-Rutabaga
120
127
Major Vegetables
Asparagus
49
51
Watermelon
129
Bean
Beet
Broccoli
Minor Vegetables
53
737
133
56
57
Amaranth Greens
Arugula
133 133
Bean
Burdock
Celeriac
135
Lovage
157
136 136
137 137
Mint
Oregano
Rosemary
Rue
Sage
Salad Burnet
Savory,
158
158 159 159 159
Chicory
Dandelion
137
Gourd
Horseradish
138
139 139
160
160 160
161 161 161
Summer
Husk Tomato
Peanut
Savory, Winter
Sorrel,
140 140
142
French
Popcorn
Radicchio
Shallot
Sweet Cicely
Sweet Marjoram Sweet Woodruff
Tarragon
142
143 143
162
162
163 163
Southern Pea
Spaghetti Squash
Thyme
Drying Herbs
Sunflower
144
144
Vine Crops
Additional Information
165
167 169 169
Herbs
Angelica
147
150
Appendix Appendix
A: Storing Vegetables
B:
Sprouting Seeds
150
150
151
151
170
1
Bay Laurel
Index of
Common Names
73
Bergamot
Borage
152 152
Caraway
Catnip
152 152
153
153
Chamomile
Chervil
Chives
Cilantro
Dill
153
and Coriander
154
154
155
155
Fennel
Garlic
Geranium, Scented
Horehound
Hyssop
Lavender
Lemon Balm
Lemon Verbena
157
Preface
This gardening book was prepared in response to the
need
for a
vegetables
and herbs
successfully
under midwestern
home
useful to teachers,
the Midwest.
The
first
section of the
book
and caring
for
(recommended
varieties,
to
and
and
commonly
and
herbs.
home
no
specific
recommendations
are
on page
170.
The
as inches,
is
home gardeners
Dr. J.W.
and contributions of
Department of Horticulture,
edition with Dr. Vandemark.
who
C.E. Voigt
J.S.
Vandemark
characteristics are
and
be in the
same location
for
interesting
and rewarding
which the
become
fresher,
involved.
home
and
garden
offers a
is
may have
may be
plantings of
wider variety of
vegetables.
taller
crops to the
types than
is
commonly
available
on the market.
exercise,
important to allow
effi-
people,
and
is
an excellent teaching
size
available
Gardens range in
plant, to
to use
and space
is
ample,
and
far
your garden
feet),
mechanically.
if
you wish
to
have
available, the
kind and
amount
garden.
of time
you want
to
made
week
large
enough
so that
Onion
green
produces what
onions
it
may be
your
used
all
sets.
When
at least
warmth
of a
fire
catalogs
this
and
carrots
allow, for
summer
If
fall
creative urge.
well-planned garden
is
easier to plant
space allows,
make
several plantings of
and
that
care for
is
and
summer.
Take
logs,
seed cata-
which
earlier
harvested.
Any
plan.
It
about your
by beans,
and
when you
return. Mainte-
later- or
long-season
nance of a
fairly large
become drudgery
good way
be
effective.
may be
The
table
yields of
inter-
needed
for
canning or
From
to plant for
satisfying
canned, or frozen
weed growth.
Rotating crops from year to year helps to control
diseases that overwinter in the
soil.
vegetables.
it
necessary to
make
several
Do not grow
the
continuous supply.
same
same
location
Approximate pounds
of yield
Vegetable
Asparagus
Bean, lima (pod) Bean, snap
Frozen
2-3 4-5
1
4-5
1
V2-2
V2-2
Beet
Broccoli
2V2-3
2V2-3
Cabbage
Carrot
60
30
2V2-3
2V2-3
Chard
Corn, sweet
50
30 30
(ears)
4-5
4-5
Cucumber,
pickling
slicing
Cucumber,
Eggplant
50 80
Lettuce, leaf
40
75
Muskmelon
Onion
Parsnip
Peas,
50
40
25
15 35
pod
4-5
4-5 VI
Pea, shelled
Pepper
Pepper, pimento
Potato, Potato,
irish (early)
irish (late)
4-5
25 30
45
2V2-3
2-3
Potato, sweet
50
125
30 (bunches) 25 25
Pumpkin
Radish
IV2
Rhubarb
Spinach
Squash,
2-3
2V2-3
2
3
2-3
2-3
3
summer
75
Squash, winter
125
Tomato
Turnip
200
50
125
Watermelon
is
from one
If
your garden
on
a slope, plant the rows across the slooe rather than a i practice decrease:
ud
upon the
this
32 of
Good
most
soil.
loost
well-drained soil
is
the
mate dates
for
each planting.
ments
5
infamous
for the
"soil" that
remains
after
number
page 7
of plants needed. r
for a small,
*
place.
It
possi-
shown on
ble,
may
own
soils
soil
unless
garden.
added.
If
poor
cannot be
avoided, you
may need
fertilizer,
to
amend and
if
enrich the
soil
by
adding lime,
als
and by
you
are to
have
any hope of
Raised beds
may be
Some
garden
soil
by adding good
field topsoil,
potting
soil,
and
colorful flowers,
peat, or organic
als
There
may be
several varieties of
one
into the
soil. Soil
amendments
are
and shapes of
fruit.
mix
in soil additives
and
gives
maximal you
of
Asparagus
Beans
purple-pod or wax
Do
it is
not, however,
pods of Horticultural
Scarlet Runner.
dual-purpose climbers
like
needed in your
soil.
soil. It is
ills
garden
Cabbage
is
absolutely necessary
"flowering cabbage."
white, or yellow leafstalk Corn purple husk; ears of indian corn, pod corn;
Chard
red,
minimum
strawberry, calico,
Gourds
Herbs
If
at all possible,
away from
trees
Midget or dwarf
toes,
trees or
carrots,
grown more
than
for their
food value.
Okra
pods.
roots.
trees especially
harms
vegetables.
possible,
is
varieties.
Water
Squash
Prolific types;
Tomato
and cherry
for dwarf,
compact,
delivers water
hanging
baskets, containers,
and
100
feet or
more from an
minigardens.
Raised Beds
Home garden
praises of
will also
be able to
and
diseases.
easier to see
are near
at
hand.
A few minutes
it
viating compaction
and guaranteeing
hours that
In
some
cases, disaster
at
star-
oping problem
When
planning
rials
may
its
If
possible, plant
sunlight,
your garden a distance from trees and shrubs at least equal to their height. The leaves of trees and shrubs block and the roots rob the soil of moisture and plant nutrients that are needed for proper growth of vegetables.
Eggplants
Tomatoes
Cabbage
Peppers
Swiss
Broccoli
chard
Green beans
Green beans
Lettuce
tiMlJUUkXJt^
in a
Onions
The above drawing shows the vegetables that can be grown arrangements around the patio or in the home landscape.
be
Row number
1
First
Early
planting
peas
early peas (later varities)
Successive plantings
Snap beans
Lettuce, kohlrabi,
2
3
Second
Spinach
snap beans
4
5
12 12
12
Leaf lettuce
and radishes
Beets, carrots
Onion
sets or plants
Onions (direct-seeded)
Row number
Second planting
Early
Successive plantings
24
24
cabbage or
broccoli, cauliflower
Snap beans,
Turnips
Late
lettuce, radishes
chard
24
snap beans
cabbage
Row number
10
11
Third planting
Successive plantings
New
Tomatoes or peppers
Lima beans Choice of eggplant, summer sguash, cucumbers, or bush forms of squash and pumpkins
12 13
24
48
Plan for a small, intensive garden (30 feet long by 25 feet wide).
easier
on the backs
of pickers.
It
requires
much
extra
Plastic
trickle
effort initially;
less
much
irrigation systems
may also
is
annual
soil
The tops
and warm
faster in the
row
spacings, this
usually
more than
offset
by using
double or even
triple
more
may
and
total
produc-
fertilizer
and organic
amendments. No
is
traffic
occurs
tion. Studies
on the
beds, so
compaction
may
result in
per unit of
between them.
no
significant
change
in fruit size or
The addition
beds
of
amendments and
air to
quality.
some
soil types,
it
Experiments
at
Dixon Springs
Agricultural Center in
may be
fairly stable;
but in others
may be
Simpson,
Illinois,
or
some other
may
help considerably to
and heat-collecting
That
trickle irrigation
is
on the
6
size of
near-optimal conditions
well-documented.
not
may be
is
3 to
the heat
plastic,
of beds
and black
complete,
compaction
aeration.
soil
drainage and
raised beds reduces
when
free
water
APPROXIMATE
VOLUME
Pot
3V2
1
pint
Pot
5V2
3 pints
No. 10 can
6"
7"
3 quarts
Planter
8"
8"
V2 gallons
Planter
10"
9"
2^2 gallons
'/z-bushel basket
13"
9V2
4 gallons
5-gallon can
IV
12V2
5 gallons
-bushel basket
17'/ 2
IIV2
8 gallons
when
air
drainage stagnates.
fruits;
and
(3) varieties
little
as 6 inches also
improves
kinds, shapes,
and
wooden
containers
also
for drainage.
Homemade
same or
and those
originally
meant
for
problem
warming
in raised
some
root system of a
fertility
aeration
and
and
drainage, earlier
warming
of
soils,
and
this
appeal" rather than one best suited for growth and devel-
opment
on the
beds,
and
less soil
overcome the
initial
expenses in
many
a try.
situations. Indi-
Use a
fertile soil
light
may be an
advantage.
Container Gardens
Growing vegetables
deners
in containers
is
the mix.
Make
popular with garlarge
is
enough
who have little or no ground space, as well as with those who also have conventional gardens. Containers may be located almost anywherethe kitchen, patio, terrace, balcony, rooftop, or strategic locations
volumes of
tomato
at least 1 to
plants,
around the
yard
fertilizer,
water,
good drainage,
6- to
10-inch diame-
light,
and
chives,
6-inch diameters.
diameter, height,
and
is
amount
less
filled to
not
radishes.
All vegetables, or
shown
even
varieties of the
in the chart
on page 8
and give
are
minimums.
In general,
same
vegetable,
(see the
growing in containers
page
11).
and hard
to
toma-
choices.
You may
also use
for
soil for
the
growth stages
such as
once
fertilizers
one time.
and
rates suggested
at
Home,"
Some
pages 45 to 48.
or
10
of contents.
The weight
also
may be may be
indicated.
seller.
Name
of hybrid, resiswilts,
virus.
sale.
Date of germination
test.
Name and
address of
seller.
Back
General planting and growing instructions.
liability
guaran-
and
diseases.
11
Most vegetables
in containers
Vegetables
grouped
according to popularity
SUITABLE FOR
Container
MiniFull-sized
Changes
in
direction, sunlight
garden
garden
garden
intensity,
greatly
Croup
Lettuce
permait is
Bean, snap
X X
X (green)
X X X
Onion
Radish
Many vegetables
for
X X
X X
Tomato
variety
and kind of
container.
Croup 2
Beet
Broccoli
Remember
plants
still
need
X X
X X
X
X X X
Cabbage
Selecting Vegetables
Choose vegetables that you and your family enjoy and that can be grown
vegetables
successfully in your area.
Carrot
Cucumber
Pea
X X
X
X
Some
Pepper
Squash,
X X
X
X
make
summer
3
is
Croup
when
they
Asparagus
Corn, sweet
X X X X
X
an outstanding
Greens
Herbs
Kohlrabi
Parsley
any other
because
it is
often
grown
X
X
X X X X
its
much
higher
when
harvested fresh
taste
X
X
best immediately after harvest are peas, pea pods, asparagus, fresh herbs,
Rhubarb
muskmelons,
lettuce,
green beans,
Croup 4
Cauliflower
spinach,
summer
X X
X X X X X
X
X X
many
may
Chard
Eggplant
Leek
not be available
locally,
special enjoy-
at
home.
(see
X X X
on
this
page
Muskmelon
Potato,
irish
shows the
suitability of
containers, minigardens,
and
full-sized gardens.
The
most
Potato, sweet
X*
Pumpkin
Squash, winter
Turnip
X(bush type) X
are the
X(bush
type)'
X X
Watermelon
Hybrids
garden
is
and
Varieties
The job
An
by
increasing
number
hybrid,
which
to obtain seeds or to
vari-
tal lines
one important
characteristic.
Hybrids
you
will
know
uniformity of
resistance,
start yourself.
and
fruit type,
12
improved
quality,
and
vigor.
Hybrid seed
is
usually
more
itself
each
United
States.
The winners
by All-America
insects,
yield,
Award
in seed catalogs.
when
selecting a
new variety or
The
title is
garden.
who
The performance of
may be
(1)
influ-
climate
new varieties of both flowers and vegetables. A vegetable that wins an All-America Award
silver,
(gold,
and
and
ability to soil
summer, or
fall
and
fertilizer
treatment); (5)
new
method
of harvest;
and
(6)
intended
many varieties
that are
processing, or marketing).
may be
to
compare
new
varieties
favorites in
your
own
garden.
(1)
Limit the
try in
number
of
hybrids
that
you
any year.
location with uniform soil quality
Seeds
It is
drainage,
where
all
advisable to
buy
though
and
seeds of
cultural treatments.
some
may be
influenced by
or longer
when
clean, viable,
factors like trampling the plants, lack of competition, or
and
specifications.
Plant
all
the varieties
same way. Be
(4)
careful not to
Draw
map
you buy
received appears
moved, or destroyed.
offer seed for
yield,
growers
who wish
disease,
and
fruit characteristics.
you make
hybrids
may not be
it is
available
wise to purchase
if
Vegetable
Trials
trials.
University
Many
test
states
and
field stations
Seeds are
alive,
and proper
and
The
disease resistance.
Most of the
varieties in this
book
are
recommended
commercial
a
and those
companies use
test plots
number
change, and other heirloom gardens. In addition, commercial seed suppliers often have excellent test areas and
no more than
year old.
If
may be
close to
your home.
sow more
plants;
good stand of
necessary.
13
You may
store
most
onion, parsley,
If
and parsnip
Equipment
you decide
to store your
own
seeds, place
them
in jars
in a cool place
an unheated
for planting the
garage or outbuilding
or in your
may be
refrigerator.
o
J\-i
stored for
more than
fresh onion,
results.
buy
parsley,
for
good
Seeds
Seeds
may be
Bean
Broccoli
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Celeriac
Spade
Rake
Carrot
Corn, sweet
Chard
Herbs (most)
Kohlrabi
Cucumber
Eggplant
Leek
Lettuce
Endive
Kale
New
Okra
Pea
Zealand spinach
Muskmelon
Pumpkin
Radish
Pepper
Salsify
Squash
Tomato
Turnip-Rutabaga
Southern pea
Spinach
Watermelon
Do
It
also usually
does not pay to save seeds from varieties unless you have
a variety that
is
Wheelbarrow
Plants
at
home
Some
they
are transplanted
at
tages.
The
may be grown
home, or
able,
and
may be
summer
tion;
planting, have
and derive
satisfaction
and
and
gets
low
for proper
medium
and
and
home. The
results are
Do not buy
on the
on the
leaves,
toward the
light.
brown
lesions
stems, or knots
on the
roots.
on
starting
your
own
plants, see
pages 45 to 48).
14
Equipment
Have
all
EQUIPMENT
soil.
SUPPLIES
measuring
gardens.
stick,
and planting
or
Hoe
Rake
Dry garden
fertilizer
A wheel hoe
hand
cultivator
is
a practical
Marking
labels
stick or
seed
drill is also
desirable
Measuring
tape
Keep
all
tools clean
them
thor-
Trowel
them away.
Every gardener needs a good sprayer or duster to
control garden pests.
String
a sprayer or a
if
duster
is
effective
used
Compost, manure
Plant protectors
Respirator
Plant-growing mixes
most
Seeder
and containers
cultivator
Plastic
Wheel
mulch
film
Wheelbarrow
sprayers,
Rubber gloves
Seed protectants
Trellis
Hand-pump, compressed-air
are
which usually
in
made
and range
or fencing
capacity from
larger gardens.
most
satisfactory for
Wire cages
New,
any
size.
Empty and
rinse
it
hang
for
Compost shredder
Garden
tractor
up
to drain
and
dry.
Do
weeding
Plant-growing lights
Home
Power
greenhouse
Power sprayer
tiller
Seed-germinating
cables or mats
Supplies
Obtain
fertilizers, insecticides,
and fungicides
in the
spring so that
are needed.
may need
and
pots.
The following
checklist
17
Manure
gardens.
soil.
It
is
common
is
in
also fulfills
some
low
requirements of the
Because manure
1
in phosphorus,
you should
Soil Tilth
air,
add
water,
to iy2
pounds of superphosphate
to each bushel of
cattle
and
if
manure
the
feet.
support.
soil is in
should be used
on
when
dry or
when wet), vegetables do not grow and develop properly. Good soil is essential for a successful garden. A soil that is in good "tilth" (physical condition) is
sticky
loose
ity,
and easy
to work,
and
it
vegetable matter. To
in layers as they
make compost,
drainage,
and
aeration.
by
about
pound
wood
ashes)
and
and working
it
in before planting or
fertilizer to
material.
The mix
and 2
fertilizer
pounds of
fine limestone.
If
your
soil
pH
(is
wood
pounds of nitrogen
rial.
the 10-10-10
wood
chips, leaves,
and
the
This
fertilizer
fertility
of the compost.
may need
Do
soil
Material per
Organic material
Corncobs
Sawdust
00 square feet
(2 bushels) (2 bushels) (2 bushels)
-1 y2
V4-1 V2
V4-I V2
Wooden ips
Leaves
V2-I V2-I
pound pound
Straw
60 pounds
(1 (1
bale) bale)
Hay
Peat
60 pounds
moss
6-1
None
None None
cubic feet
feet
Compost
Lawn
*1
10-20 cubic
4 bushels
clippings
of nitrogen = 10
None
of
pound
pounds
of
10-10-10
fertilizer
or 3
pounds
ammonium
nitrate (33.5-0-0).
Previous fertilizer
Pounds to apply
Fertilizer
treatment
Little
per 1,000 sq
50
30
ft
or
none
3-12-12
or 5-20-20
6.0 6.0
6.0
6.0
Some
Heavy (established
gardens that have
5-10-10
30
1.5
3.0
3.0
10-10-10
13-13-13
15-15-15
15
12
produced
well)
10
18
Loam
soil
Fertilizer
Organic
materials
(left)
can be used for both for making compost and for storing
(right).
it.
and
fertilizer
pile moist,
Thoroughly mix the organic materials, and leave a depression at the top
to catch rainwater.
Taking a
Use a spade or trowel to remove a slice of soil 6 inches deep (left). Place a 1-inch section of this Obtain similar sections from other random locations in your garden. Mix the soil thoroughly in the pail. Remove about V2 pint of the well-mixed soil, dry at room temperature, and place in a container. Do not take samples where fertilizer has been spilled or manure has been piled. Do not include debris (such as leaves, sticks, or large stones) in your sample.
soil
sample
for testing.
19
hold
it
in place.
Water the
pile to
soil
keep
it
Fertilizing
Testing the
the
Soil
avail-
sionally turn
and decaying
soil.
up
to fairly
ability of nutrients in
soil tested.
is
after
well-
soil in
6 to 12 months, or
scattered locations in your garden,
much
mix the
soil together,
sooner
if all
dry at
speed the composting process.
room
Garden" on the
address,
as rye or oats,
soil tilth
name and
and send
fall.
you
for
your garden.
a soil
test, call
your
harrow.
local cooperative extension office.
The telephone
The amounts
of rye, ryegrass,
number should be
listed in
when
The
plowed under
phosphorus
for
to 30;
plow
root establishment
and
fruit
These
Ryegrass:
/2
pound
to 15;
plow under
Oats:
1
in early spring.
1
l
to
h pounds of
August to
soil
phoric acid (P 2
5 ),
fertilizer
marked
10-10-10 contains 10 percent nitrogen, 10 percent phosphoric acid, and 10 percent potash.
early September;
Do
in early spring.
PERCENT OF
Material
Nitrogen
fertilizers
^)
Phosphoric acid (P 2 O s )
Potash (K z O)
Chemical
Ammonium Ammonium
nitrate
sulfate
33.5
20.5
Muriate of potash
Nitrate of soda
16.0
16.0-20.0
46.0
48.0-62.0
Superphosphate
Triple
superphosphate
42.0-46.C
30.0-40.C
Urea
Ureaform
22.0
3.0
1.0
.7
Organic
fertilizers
Bonemeal (steamed)
Cottonseed meal
2.0 2.0
1.5
Garbage tankage
Manure,
cattle (dried) cattle (fresh)
litter)
2.0
.9 .2
1.3
.5
.8
.5
Manure,
2.8
1.1
.6
2.8
.9
.3
1.5
.5 .5
Manure, horse
9.0
7.0
in
6.0
1.0
.8
.1
Wood
gardens
5.0
with higher
pH
soils,
due to
alka inity)
20
fertil-
table-
When you
vegetable gardens.
your
soil
pour
the general
fertilizer
recommendations that
is
many ways,
mix
1
other
fertilizers.
Some
on page
One
or
more of these
needed
to use
necessary).
all
of the nutrients
need
it is
usually easier
and cheaper
amounts of
soil
fertilizer
the chemical
fertilizers.
than the
Fertilizer
(apply in a
can be applied
row 6
to 12 inches
from the
when
or
it
grown; and
when
tomatoes,
Nitrogen
fertilizer is best
it
as possible because
can be
from the
soil fairly
is
When
about equal to 1V2 pounds of 10-10-10 spread along a 25to 30-foot row.
Ammonium
It
may
a water-soluble fertilizer
be used
at
Keep dry
fertilizer
that
is
high in phosphorus
or cultivate the
Vegetable
Garden
Fertilizer
10% 10%
10%
Nitrogen
Leaf
development
Phosphorus
Potassium
Vegetable garden
(P), and potassium (K). For most vegThe numbers on the bag indicate the percent (by weight) of each of these nutrients. For example, a 50-pound bag of 10-10-10 garden fertilizer contains 5 pounds of nitrogen, 5 pounds of phosphate, and 5 pounds of potassium oxide. These nutrients are required for root growth and development, leaf growth, fruiting, and disease resistance.
fertilizer
is
"complete"
fertilizer
fertilizer analysis
and
K.
21
POUNDS OF LIMESTONE TO
Soil
RAISE
pH TO DESIRABLE
Loamy
120
soil
SQ
soil
FT
pH
Sandy
soil
80
120
160
160
200 280
4.8 to 5.3
240
SQ FT
soil
pH
Sandy
soil
Loamy
soil
Clayey
fertilizer
into the
soil.
make
roots.
the
fertilizer
more quickly
Soil
pH. A
is
neutral (pH of
If
6.1 to 7.0)
test
most
vegetables.
it
the
soil
shows your
6.1),
more
acidic than
should be (pH
below
stone.
When
they can
be corrected by adding
into the soil at the
Work
Changes
in
pH do
is
single application
making
additional applications.
The
table
soil
pH
to desirable levels.
To maintain
fertility in
pounds of 1 0-1 0-1 fertilizer per 1 ,000 square feet of garden area. An easy method for measuring the correct amount of fertilizer is to fill a 1 -pound coffee can (holds 1 '/a pounds of fertilizer) with 1 0-1 0-1 fertilizer.
duced
well,
apply
Spread the
fertilizer
feet
by
feet
tilled,
or spaded in spring
(100 square
feet).
With
fall
worked and
the spring
soil in
desirable
when
may be
erosion
harrow.
weeds from
vegetables.
problems.
Do
is
soil
when
it is
too wet.
smooth and
finely pulver-
good
test
to squeeze a handful of
a ball that
soil. It
should not be
easily.
sticky
crumbles
and
more uniform
stand.
Heavy
soils
low
in organic
fertilizer
added to the
soil after
plowinto
soils
till
fertilizer
soil structure.
the
soil to a
with a rake or
22
Double-digging refers to the process of aerating both the topand some of the subsoil by digging out the topsoil to the depth of a shovel, in a trench one-shovel wide, across one end of the bed (see illustration). This soil is set aside in a wheelbarrow or other cart. The next shovel depth (usually subsoil) is then turned, broken up, and aerated. Any soil amendments to be added may also be incorporated at this time. The topsoil in the next shovelwide band is turned, broken, and pulverized
soil
onto the surface of the completed subsoil band. Again, any amendments may be incorporated during this operation. These steps are repeated down the length of the bed, alternating so that the topsoil can be turned over onto the
recently
most
is
worked
subsoil section.
When
last
reached, the
that
soil in
moved
to
STEP1
STEP 2
STEP 4
25
frost-free date.)
Seed
Transplants
Asparagus (crown)
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
plant depends
in
upon the
hardiness
Kale
your
area. Certain
Kohlrabi
Leaf lettuce
Onion
Pea
Cabbage
Horseradish (root)
to their ability to
withstand
Rutabaga
Salsify
Onion
Parsley
(set or plant)
and hard
as the
frosts
without
injury.
Spinach
Turnip
Potato,
irish
(tuber)
soon
Rhubarb
(root)
lettuce seeds
even
may be
soil
planted in the
fall
on
late
snows over
prepared in the
fall.
These plant-
FROST-TOLERANT
(Plant 2-3
worked
frost-free date.)
Seed
Beet
Transplants
Cauliflower
Chinese cabbage
germinate in cool
soil
temperaChard
Mustard
Parsnip
last
Radish
known
nate in cool
frost,
and they
Warm-Season Vegetables
for Late-Spring Planting
TENDER
(Plant
are injured or
by
frost,
and
their seeds
in
on average
frost-free date.)
cold
soil.
They
Seed
Bean, snap
Transplants
Tomato
Warm-loving (heat-hardy)
of frost
Corn, sweet
and
cold,
and they
require
warm
soil
and
New
air
Zealand spinach
Squash,
summer
thrive
when
there
is
ample
soil
WARM-LOVING
(Plant 1-2
weeks
Seed
listed in
Transplants
Eggplant
Bean, lima
column according
to
whether they
are best
Cucumber
Muskmelon
Pepper
Potato, sweet
The
first
and the
Okra
Pumpkin
Squash, winter
maps on page
26.)
The
frost-free
Watermelon
more northern
and
regions,
frost-tolerant vegeta-
and southern
26
Frost-Free
The legend
Crowing Season
maps
gives the frost dates
in
of the frost-free
growing season
first fall
last
number
of the
frost
day
25 (May
5),
April 5), and chronological day numbers your area can be determined by subtracting the frost. For example, if the first fall frost is day 275 (Oct. 2) growing season is 1 50 days (275 - 1 25).
for
May 25
145
May
15
35
May
125
April
25
115
April
15
105
April 5
This
map shows
last
30 years, the
last
spring
as
frost has
occurred by
in
date for a given location. The actual date for a given year
may
much
2 weeks or more
either direction.
Sept 7
250
Sept
260
Sept 27
2 70
Oct 7
280
Oct
290
This
map shows
this
in
first killing
frost in the
fall.
About
over the
last
30 years, the
has
occurred by
date for a given location. The actual date for any given year
may
much
as 2
weeks or
more
either direction.
27
season
is
longei,
also
can be
hills
allow easier
hills also
tend
fall
which
is
the
Unfortunately, a successful
tional
fall
sown,
is
at a
when you
is
are busiest
row, either by
hand
usually necessary
summer and
early
fall
months. Weeds
grow quickly
free of
at this time,
mixed with
a small
amount
and
and
sow per
foot or
hill.)
A good
general rule
is
to place
a fall
garden
far
Cover small
l
seeds,
lettuce,
with
The planting
decide
about U to
beans,
'/2
inch of
1
soil.
when
and
peas,
conditions, cover
more
How to Plant
Storting Seeds
In starting seeds in the garden, follow these directions:
Cover the
seeds,
soil.
with your
Mark
control,
and make
easier.
cultivation, insect
a row, drive
and harvesting
ground
To mark
two
at either
draw
a string
made by drawing
hoe
deeper
blade.
string. For
There
is
a pointed
hoe designed
making
on page
30).
Many
plac-
means
The plants must be thinned to allow space for proper growth and development. Thin plants carefully while they are
thickly.
small.
To make a shallow furrow for planting seeds, draw edge of a hoe blade (right).
(left).
28
(See zone
SUMMER GARDENS
Zone 6: March 10-25 Zone 5b: March 25-April 10 Zone 4, 5a: April 10-25 Very Hardy Vegetables
Asparagus, crowns
FALL GARDENS
Zone Zone Zone
6:
5b: June
4, 5a:
-June 5
Tender Vegetables
Bean, snap
Brussels sprouts
Corn, sweet
Cabbage, direct-seeded
Collard
Kale
Cabbage, seed
Collard
New
Zealand spinach
Tomato, plants
Kohlrabi
Leek, seed
Lettuce, leaf
Kohlrabi
Successive Plantings
Lettuce, leaf
Pepper
Potato,
irish
Mustard greens
Onion, perennial Onion, seed Onion,
Pea
Potato,
irish
Mustard greens
Radish
Squash,
summer
Tomato
sets
6:
April
25-|une
Successive Plantings
Early
5b:
4,
Summer
Bean, snap
Radish
Corn, sweet
Warm-Loving Vegetables
Rhubarb, plants
Bean, lima
(~\
in
imhpr
Spinach
Midsummer
Bean, snap
Cucumber
Turnip
Eggplant, plants
Beet
Zone 6: March 25-April 10 Zone 5b: April 1 0-April 25 Zone 4, 5a: April 25-May 1
Muskmelon
Broccoli, plants
Okra
Cabbage, plants
Pepper, plants
Carrot
Potato, sweet, slips
Cauliflower, plants
Pumpkin
Squash,
summer
Okra
Squash, winter
Watermelon
Rutabaga
Cabbage, plants
Carrot
Cauliflower, plants
Late
Successive Plantings
Bean, snap
Kohlrabi
Summer
Chinese cabbage
Chard, swiss
Beet
Lettuce,
Cos
Carrot
Lettuce, leaf
Corn, sweet
Mustard greens
Radish, winter
Onion, plants
Turnip
Parsley
Early Fall
Parsnip
Lettuce, leaf
Radish
Salsify
Mustard greens
Radish, spring
Spinach
Successive Plantings
Kohlrabi
Lettuce, leaf
Radish
29
soil
from
are
also assures
good
seed-soil contact.
and the
be carefully removed
tic pots, plastic
when
may be
packs and
trays, fiber
homemade
below the
fertile
soil
peat pots,
Setting Plants
cubes,
and
soil blocks.
if
Some
necessary.
and tomato,
are
made
of
by means of
transplants.
You
frost
Homemade
when
from
Do
warm during
so
care.
bands, and
flats)
The
knife to get as
fully
much
soil as
To protect newly
collars
set plants
from pests
like
cutworms,
Keep a
may be
ball of soil
grown
in cell packs
and usually
worms
are thwarted,
is
plant to breathe.
Once the
removed.
Dig a hole
slightly deeper
If
enough
it
may be
set
may be
carefully
than
tall,
grew
benefit
them
deeply,
mulch.
setting
them on an
are put
fast start.
soil
around
Some plant-growing
Plant
V2 inch
them
deep hole
(right).
The surface
soil
is
(left). If only tall tomato plants are available, plant warmer, and the roots will reestablish themselves
30
Vegetable
Asparagus
Bean, bush, lima
when thinned
Do Do
3-4
6
Beet
Broccoli
10
2-3
Cabbage
Carrot
Cauliflower
15-20
18-24
12-18
1-2
Celery
8-10
4-6
1
18-24
6-8
Chard, swiss
4-6
12-15
9- 12, single
12,
s
Chinese cabbage
Corn, sweet
24
(3 plants Der
hill)
-2
in
row
plants; 36,
hills
24- -48
48- -72
30- -36 18- -24 12- -18 30- -36
Cucumber
Eggplant
Endive
Garlic (from cloves)
3 in
row
hills
(3 plants per
hill)
4-6
18-24
9-12
3-5
4-6
6-8
24 8-12
2-5
4 4
hill
18- -24
Kohlrabi
18-24
12- -18
12- -18
hills
Leek
Lettuce, leaf
10-15
10
3 in row, 4-5 per
Muskmelon
Mustard
(3 plants per
hill)
48- -72
12- -18
20
spinach
2-4
12
New Zealand
Okra
4-6
3
24- -30
12-24
1-2
36
12- -18
12- -18 12- -18
18- -24
10-15
10-15
2-5
6
Parsnip
15-20
10-12
2-A
Pea
Do
not thin
Pepper
Potato,
irish
18-24
Do not
24- -36, single plants; 72,
thin
24--36
36- -48
(3 plants per
hill)
Potato, sweet
1-2
in
12-18
hill
Pumpkin
Radish, spring Radish, winter
hills
84- 120
12- -18
10-15 10-15
1/2-1
2-4
12- -18
Rhubarb
Rutabaga
Salsify
4-6
10-12
36-48
6
36-48
18--24
18- -24
2-4
Soybean, edible
Spinach
Squash,
8-10
12-15
Do
not thin.
24- -30
12- -18
2-4
hill hill
summer
2-3
1-2
in in
24- -36, single plants; 48, 24- -36, single plants; 72,
hills hills
hill) hill)
36--48
Squash, winter
84- 120
36- -60 12- -18
Tomato
Turnip
1
6-8
5-1 8 (greens)
row, 4-5 per
hill
18-36
2-4
24- -36, single plants; 72,
hills
Watermelon
-2
in
(3 plants per
hill)
84- 120
31
(10'
x 20')
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32
Floating
production
is
Row Covers
innovation in early season vegetable
the floating row cover. These covers are
A fairly recent
made
of white, ultraviolet-light-stable,
plastic.
spun-bonded
Vegetable
Bean, lima
Bean, snap
Beets
polypropylene
They
Days to germination
7-8
weight, self-ventilating,
greater than
80
75-80F
65-80T-
7-10
7-14
50-80T
50-80F
on the crops
Cabbage
as
6-12
they grow.
Carrot
sort of
windy
locations, they
may
50-85T
50-80F
6-10
7-14
require
some
Chard
hoop
young crop
plants beneath
Cucumber
Lettuce
60-85F
4-8
3-8
45-70F
65-85F
75-85F
better
growing condifrost-sensitive
Muskmelon
Okra
4-8
7-12
and
Onion
Parsley
45-75F
5-15
10-15
When
60-85T-
and crop
earliness
can be
Parsnip
Pea,
60-75F
english
10-15
6-8 6-8 4-5
pod or
50-80F
until crops
Pea, southern
65-85T70-85T50-70F
and
require pollination.
They can
if
Pumpkin
Radish
neces-
4-7
7-15
Spinach
45-65T
70-85T 55-80T 70-85T 65-85T
frost protection,
which
in cool springs
Squash
4-5
much
earlier crops
and
in short-season areas
Sweet corn
Turnip
5-10
2-3
may make
These
fall.
Watermelon
5-8
to a 4F difference
on
frosty nights.
falls
on the
soil
harvest
and higher
early yields.
It
most airborne
insects.
ing early season fresh produce to harvest, especially in short-season areas or those with undependable spring
home
garden.
35
Mulching
Mulching
is
covering the
soil
moderate
soil
growth and
yield,
improve
soil structure,
and keep
vegetables clean.
to
Depending on the
effect
type, a
mulch may
and
soil
on the
soil,
some
soils
may need
and
for water,
when mulched
aerate the
soil.
fertilizer nutrients,
light;
soil
covering.
insects
large,
and
diseases.
weeds
become
cultivation or hoeing
moisture in the
soil,
water or irrigation. Mulches should be used in combination with other cultural practices such as stakes, cages,
trellises,
Do
many vegetables
easily
and
mulches
and
are
damaged
by a hoe or
may
and
carefully later
by keeping
allowing
Remember
tool
if
soil to
warm thoroughly
most important
you use
is
properly.
home
include plant
resi-
crushed corncobs,
(saw-
uniformly
at the
peanut
dust,
peat;
wood byproducts
wood
chips,
shavings);
many different
growth,
Many
as they
when
tilth
safe, effective
nearly
nutrients to the
activity,
drift
which improves
available.
soil structure
soil
They keep
and experience
plants.
If
Apply to a
down
weeds.
weeds
may be
may need
to
remove
a few
weeds by
hand.
Properly applied, organic mulches benefit most
soil
on
effect of organic
for
many vegetables.
damage
36
Vegetable
Bean, lima
Critical
Pollination
Bean, snap
Broccoli
Pod enlargement
Cabbage
Carrot
Cauliflower
Head development
Silking, tasseling,
Corn, sweet
and ear
development
development
Cucumber
Black plastic film keeps
serves moisture
Flowering and
fruit
the
and fertility. Anchor the film by covering the edge as well as the ends with 4 to 6 inches of soil. The soil should be well prepared, properly fertilized, and
moist
Eggplant
Melon
Onion, dry
Pea
and
early
development
when
the plastic
is
applied.
Bulb enlargement
Pepper
disadvantages
difficult to
handle,
Potato
Radish
and
(if
low in nitrogen)
fertilizer.
require side-dressings of
Root enlargement
nitrogen
Squash,
summer
Wood regard. Do
or soils
Tomato
not
Turnip
on poorly drained
soils
where water
is
standing.
Synthetic Mulches
Black plastic (polyethylene) film blocks sunlight
may be
kept in
from the
soil,
it. It
to
smother weeds
warms the
mulched
soil
shaded by
temperature
areas
may be
left
as that in the
unmulched
up
watch
for
by
foliage. This
high-temperature buildup
it
can burn
under black
plastic
An
old-fashslits
may be
in
the film,
raises
the
soil
temperature by
is
preferable
from garden
centers,
hardware
stores,
and mail-order
extra
3 feet wide
may
and
foil-paper combinations.
in plastic
New
colors
and potatoes.
that weeds
a problem, the
mulches
are being
clear plastic
is
available for
home
vegetable
weeds become
production.
should be removed
37
Watering
Adequate water
crops.
is
Trickle
essential for
Tubes
producing high-quality
season
start seeds,
continuous
produce high.
When to water.
dry periods (usually
when
less
than
inch of rain
falls
down many
needs
Single-wall
shown on page
36.)
Not waterminimize
midday helps
to
water
lost to
evaporation.
It is
How to water.
kle the
tive,
sprin-
garden lightly
at frequent intervals.
effec-
Canvas
down
plant.
About
desirable for
Ooze
amount
of water as the
easily
can be
measured.
Trickle
tubes
Trickle irrigation.
is
placed beside each row of vegetable plants (or between pairs of rows). The system
is
supplied by a clean water source from a main line (such as a garden hose or plastic pipe) to a header.
irrigation
Some
of the
new
trickle
systems require low water pressure, and the installation instructions vary according to the manufacturer.
38
To encourage deep rooting, thoroughly water the upper 6 to 8 inches of soil (left). Shallow watering (right) promotes shallow development of roots, resulting in poor growth and increased risk of injury under severe weather conditions.
method
of watering
fertilizer.
or 2 days.
If it
Water
is
applied directly
on the row by
a special tube or
hose, usually at
This treatment
now many
planting causes
complete crop
A trickle
the
may be
Some
sort of
of vegetable plants or
soil directly
may help
seedlings
to 2
soil.
exactly where
you have
identified
your problem
correctly.
plant's
different causes:
can be costly to
install.
nema-
If
the
soil
and weather
resulting
tions.
dry
when you
'/
to
inch of
Although
may be
certain pests,
to dry, lightly
work the
surface
as
one
day.
39
hybrids.
Beneficial Insects
and root
swellings.
The plants
Aphid
lion
(V2 inch)
growth. Remember
phosphorus
(P) is
well as stem
resistance. Proper
V4 inches)
Mulch
free
plants.
wasp
(Vs-2 inches)
Do not work
healthy plants.
Remove plant
with
not infected or
soil.
Praying mantis
(2V2 inches)
Each
your garden to
same
diseases.
If
any of
Lady beetle
OA-Vsinch)
years. For
exam-
two succeeding
years.
pupa
however, with
late beans,
and
turnip.
Insects
musk-
insects in
your garden.
Some
do not cause
and tomato.
snails.
upon
aphids,
and
para-
sitic
wasps feed on
caterpillars
and other
insects. Natural
rabbits,
questionable
if it is
worthwhile to purchase
them
for release in
your garden.
40
Destructive Insects
Insect
Aphids or plant
lice
Description
Tiny
(less
Crops attacked
Bean, broccoli, cabbage, cucumber, irish potato, muskmelon, squash, sweet corn, tomato, watermelon.
Symptoms
of
damage
Curled leaves; "honeydew" (clear, sticky substance on leaves and fruit given off by
aphids, turns black from
mold
are
many upon
a plant.
tiny, soft-
Blister beetles
Bean,
in
irish
potato, tomato,
Blister beetles
damage
foliage
by chewing and by secreting a toxin that causes wilting and leafburn. If unchecked, beetles can strip foliage from plants in
a short time.
Cucumber
beetles
Holes
ers;
in foliage;
chewed
flow-
stems, or
surfaces. Beetles
may
carry
Cutworms
cutworm
soil
plant
soil
beneath
tomato.
damaged
They also may feed on ripening tomato fruits, leaving small, round holes.
Flea beetles
due
to
in
green
plants
when
Grasshoppers
Vary widely in size, up to 1 V2 inches long. Color ranges from green to brown. Hop or fly. Young present in early summer, develop into large-
Most vegetables.
Holes
chewed
in foliage.
winged
adults by late
summer.
Leafhoppers
3 /s inch long. Green Wedge-shaped. May migrate from one area of garden to another. Hop away in large numbers when foliage is
Up
to
color.
irish
disturbed.
Maggots, root
Tiny (up to Vs inch long), white, legless worms. Found in tunnels in underground parts of vegetables.
Cabbage, onion,
rutabaga, turnip.
radish,
Numerous brown
nels
or gray tun-
throughout underground
parts of vegetables.
Range
in size
up to 2 inches
in
Most vegetables.
mucous
on
day-
and scarring
of fruit.
^j^ KfSh^^
light.
41
(2)
all
apply
it
at
(3)
thoroughly cover
above-ground plant
Fungicides
and muskmelons)
are discussed
under "Major
may be
They
are
most
effective
when used
as a preventive
many garden
crops are
measure
tions
on page
40.
By comparing the
in the
on the
Root-knot nematodes.
small,
by
you can
identify
many common
no
garden problems.
and
specific
recommenda-
rounded swellings or
and
which
on the
information are
listed
on page
170.)
grow
Diseases
Vegetables are subject to
die prematurely.
available to
may home
gardeners
is
to
are
damaging your
information on
analysis.
common
many vegetais
crops, ask
office for
how to
caused by
collect
for
nematode
Bacterial
and
Many garden
by
plants can
become
and
viral diseases.
These
disease-causing organisms
or,
mechanically, by rain or
and hotbeds).
level,
it
When
a seedling
is
attacked at
and
ground
collapses.
harvesting.
to a large extent
by planting seeds
with
as
soon
and watering).
and the
days.
develop on beans,
below 55F
in the
is
for
growing
sometimes also
may be
Many
fungal
and
is
an example of a
common
Some
fungal
diseases (fusarium
and
cucumbers,
and
recommended
To obtain
on these
crops,
you must
STARTING PLANTS
AT
HONE
45
Place a
Starting Plants
with aluminum
Set the
in the oven.
soil
oven
(as
at
at Home
Growing Media
It is
temperature
180F.
soil soil
Remove the
medium.
careful not to
hands, tools,
It is
or seeds.
mixes, potting
pellets
soils,
may be
containers, pots,
and
You can
and garden
catalogs.
free
from
use
part
insects, diseases,
fertilizer
wash
to dry
3 to 4
them
They
cial
justified.
Outdoor
soils also
may be
Sowing Seeds
The
traditional
aeration,
method
sow them
soil,
in shallow boxes
lightly
you
outdoor
you should
apart
fertil-
and cover
the
ize
it
and mix
in rotted
seedlings
come
before
you intend
to use
A good
soil
ing plants
simpler
method
of starting seeds
is
to
sow the
seeds
ingredients:
soil; 1
and avoids
transplant shock.
It
Temperature
most
You can
sure
common
diseases, weeds,
and
The temperature
rapid
of the
medium
is
important for
pasteurize soil at
home
making
and
medium
air.
germina-
tion, use a
thermometer with a
soil
probe.
The tempera-
PLANTING DATES
Vegetable
Broccoli
Zone 6
February
5 to
Zone 5b
March 5
to
Zone 4 & 5a
1
Cabbage
Cauliflower
March
March
March 25
to April 5
Lettuce
Eggplant
Herbs
March 5
to
March 15
March 25
to April 5
April
to April 15
Pepper
Tomato
Cucumber Muskmelon
Watermelon
April
to April
April
15 to April 25
April
25 to May 5
46
STARTING PLANTS
AT
HOME
less often, as
needed
It is
good
practice
plastic, or
that can
when
large
numbers
of plants are to be
young
plants.
grown.
The
table
Light
A window that receives sunlight only part of the day may not furnish enough light to grow high-quality plants. Many gardenVegetable plants need direct
light.
doors for
to 2
may be changed
light.
ers
when
no
natural light
coming through
window.
Watering and
Fertilizing
is
the
Some
may require special electrical circuits, and the wiring and ballasts may be separate from the fixtures themselves. Light fixtures may be purchased
Large lighting setups
as
and may
at
home.
If
you
are not
as
they grow in
is
fully
competent
an
electrician
at least
for help.
as
dangerous as underwatering
Your
soil
artificial light
systems
or growing
medium should
first
be
fertile
enough
garage, or base-
3 to 4 weeks.
Once
Make
supplement the
fertility
of the soil
fertilizer.
you want
by adding water-soluble
Use a soluble
An
tablespoon per
accurate thermometer
is
essential.
(a total of
Two
side
double-tube fixtures
side are preferable to
by
one
fixture
fluo-
more
(18, 24, or
36 inches) combined
to produce the
same
length.
inch fixture
is
light bulbs
is
superior to
may be
objectionable in a
room environment
hours per day.
12 hours.
Do
on
and
off
is
helpful.
STARTING PLANTS
AT
HOME
47
in
germinating
flats
or containers
flats,
(left)
and covered
lightly
with
soil
or vermiculite.
be
left in
after the
Make
by the
tip of
growing medium with a dibble (a pencil-like pointed stick). Hold the seedling to avoid damage to the tender stem (right). Insert the roots of the seedling in the hole and gena hole in the
firm the
A
a
can be
left
final
growth
distance of 6 to 12 inches
is
recommended. There
is
in grow-
twice as
much
away from
ing plants under lights varies with the kind of plants, the
Make
and
and
grow
in size.
The
total
weight of
lights, plants,
and grow-
Growing Time
The time required
to
ing media can be substantial. For this reason, be sure that the lighting fixture supports and plant tables are sturdy.
Before plants
grow plants to
a stage suitable
grown
inside
under
is
grown.
If
time
(3 to 6
shown
in the table
on page
48,
smaller,
may not be
ideal conditions,
You can
in a
them
is
helpful
upon
solar
energy
for heat) or
hotbed (with supplemental nighttime heat) can provide outdoor growing space for large numbers of plants and for hardening plants
in
grown
lation,
in
greenhouses because
light,
and moisture
are controlled
more
46
STARTING PLANTS
AT
HOME
Peat pellets for growing plants at home readily can be obtained through catalogs or from garden centers. The pellets, which are dry and compressed, can be purchased in a special plastic tray for easy handling (left). When you are ready to plant, expand the pellets by submerging them in water. Use warm water for best results. Seeds may be planted or seedlings may be transplanted into the expanded pellets (right). Use a dibble (pencil-like stick) to make a hole in the top of each pellet. Gently firm the peat mixture over the seeds or around the roots of the seedlings.
SEED GERMINATION
Optimal soil temperature, degrees F
70-80 70-80 70-80 70-80
70-95 75-85
GROWING PLANTS
Weeks before transplanting
5-7 5-7
5-7
Frost susceptibilty
Tolerant Tolerant Tolerant Tolerant
Vegetable
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Spacing Days for Optimal air for best seedlings temperature, degrees F transplants, inches to emerge
5 5
Cabbage
Cauliflower
4-5
5-6
2-5
Cucumber
Eggplant
6-8
Herbs
Lettuce
70-80 60-75
75-95
6-15
2-3
55-75
70-80
Very susceptible
Very susceptible
Varies
4-8
5-7
3-4
Moderately
tolerant
Muskmelon
Onion
Pepper
3^
4-5
7-8
6
Very susceptible
Very tolerant
Susceptible
65-80
75-85
60-70 65-80
60-75 70-80 70-80
8-10
6-8
Tomato
Watermelon, regular Watermelon, seedless
75-80
75-95
4-5 5-6
85-95
MAJOR VEGETABLES
51
paragus
Asparagus, Asparagus
officinalis
It is
(some-
Mr
is
a hardy perennial.
the only
Although
establishing a
requires considerable
A well-planned bed
Set asparagus plants 9 to
1
can
last
from 20 to 30
should be planted
it
at the side or
2 inches apart
in a
trench 6 inches
the trench
deep and
soil
2 to
will
(dotted
soil
line in
in
Asparagus
the spring.
one of the
first
with
during the
season.
The young
compact
The
list
commonly
own
new
predominantly or
all
male
usage.
variety selection.
common
and
new
seedlings,
no energy
into seeds
and have
crown bud
side up, in
no weedy
into
seedling problem.
line that
produces only
slightly higher
than the
Gradually
first
fill
some
truly
amazing
UC
157,
and
advis-
summer
ually
as the plants
grow
taller.
Asparagus has a
Viking
KBC
are
new
It is
soil surface.
Many gardeners
from between
for at least 15 to
20
years.
apply an additional
to 2 inches of soil
you
are starting a
new
if
bed,
you may
never get to
All
Care
As asparagus plants grow, they produce a mat of roots
that spreads horizontally rather than vertically. In the
and fusarium.
When
to Piant
first year,
is
become
older, the
sown
in a production
bed
male or
solely female).
and allowed
dug, the
soil
to
grow
for a year.
smaller in diameter.
52
MAJOR VEGETABLES
Harvesting
Asparagus can be harvested the third year after planting crowns, but for
season.
no more than
month
its
the
first
The plant
is still
expanding
root storage
system,
plants.
spears
weakens the
may be
appearance in the
spring through
May or June
(as
long as 8 to 10 weeks).
soil at
the
becomes
Cutting
free of fiber.
is
Either
method
is
acceptable. Cutting
often
next to the spear to be cut. Do not cut beyond the spear. You may damage other spears that have not yet emerged from the soil.
and snapping by
should be
home
harvest.
eties,
it
processed or refrigerated.
approximate
berries
summer. These
then
fall
the asparagus
on the
foliage.
Common
plantings.
If
Problems
commonly found in home numerous, they may be controlled by a
are
Asparagus beetles
ing
is
fertilized in
Questions
Q.
and Answers
my asparagus
spears to have loose
the weather turns hot, the growing point
the same
way
garden the
first
3 years. In
fertil-
What
causes
heads?
expands
A.
When
rapidly,
and the
The
of area,
the
asparagus
affected.
is
same amount of
but
delay application until June or July (immediately after the final harvest). This approach encourages vigorous
growth of the
"fern,"
stores nutri-
*Seed (4X)*
Seedling
Weeds and
asparagus.
problems with
spears,
make an
A
Spear
tip size (length
is
decrease yield
shallow
*X = times actual
the actual
size.
young plantings
shown approximately
MAJOR VEGETABLES
53
Q. Early spring freezes caused the asparagus spears in my garden to turn brown and wither. Are they safe to
eat?
A.
fleshy,
medium
Frozen
tips
yield);
Tender-
crop (55 days; long, super-smooth pods, held high off the
Q. Can start asparagus from seed? A. Yes. You can grow your own plants by planting seeds V2 inch deep and 2 inches
I
apart
when
the soil
to the per-
medium
up
to 3 feet but
own
but
green pods).
by being dug,
usually
is
Wax Bush
(yellow): Cherokee
Wax
than crowns.
mosaic); Goldcrop
Wax
AAS winner;
upright,
Wax
(50 days;
flat,
broad stringless
Pencilpod
Wax
Wax
Bean
is
a tender,
warm-season
home
gardens. Beans
may be
and
classified
by
(1)
growth
purple, snap,
Wonder
Wax
Wonder Wax
(68
amount
of work.
taste).
are
now
referred to as "snap
Romano Bush
style
deli-
Jumbo
varieties.
vulgaris,
flavor;
flavor);
They
Roma II (53 days; flat, broad pods with distinctive and Wax Romano (59 days; wide, flat, medium
Pole (italian):
purple,
Romano
Varieties
broad pods).
to
Romano
flat,
Lima Bush
(large-seeded): Burpee
Improved Bush
resistant to
heavy
yielder; resistant to
bean
mosaic).
AAS winner;
slim, tender,
Lima Bush
round,
flat,
54
MAJOR VEGETABLES
Horticultural
(6 inches)
Dry
beans
Romano
(7 inches)
*0
Snap or wax
Lima
(4 inches)
Asparagus
(12 inches)
(6 inches)
Wonder
when immature,
days; oval seeds,
when
ripe-
round
when
Lima
Garden (88
handsome
and
baby lima;
18 to 24
used mostly as green shellout bean) and French Horticultural (75 days; bush; bright red splashed
on yellow pods;
30 to 36 inches 30 inches
per
hill)
apart,
Dry
soup and
large,
Care
Seeds of most varieties tend to crack and germinate
for
poorly
if
the
soil's
moisture content
is
Mexican
cuisine; resistant to
and White
heavy
rain.
culti-
large,
roots,
Dwarf Bees
and
grasses.
fairly
weak
root
foliage);
delays harvest,
and reduces
yields.
and
Scarlet
Runner (70
young).
tasty
when
Harvesting
Snap beans. Harvest when the pods
are firm, crisp,
When
to Plant
frost,
and and
fully elongated,
dew
is
danger of
If
frost is past in
soil
and they
the
has
warmed
may
damages the
not
be
made
week
The beans do
which
are brittle
on most
bean
varieties.
to
form new
flowers
MAJOR VEGETABLES
55
at a
Lima beans
is
may be
eties
usually harvested in
two or three
pickings.
The pole
vari-
frost if
may be supported by
removed
two
hold
on the "baby"
limas,
which mature
heavy twine to
much
when
fully
earlier
than
them
in place.
When
home
as
snap
the vines
when
the
fall
garden or on a clean
start to split
floor.
When
seed
jars
is
and the
in
and
168).
^^v^
Bean
leaf beetle
Pole beans (as well as asparagus beans, cucumbers, gourds, and other vining vegetables) also may be supported by twine laced between two 9- to 1 2-gauge wires. The wires are fastened to 7- to 8-foot posts located at the ends of each row. Stakes or poles between the posts prevent sagging or breaking caused by wind or the weight of the bean plants. Beans may be harvested easily from both sides of the row.
jUP
Common
Problems
yellowish green and produce few or
(V4 inch)
Bean
on bean
when
a
leaves
Questions
Q.
and Answers
no pods. The
and
on
are usually
My beans appear healthy, but not very many beans have formed. Why not? A. The blossoms drop and fail to
form pods during periods of hot, dry winds.
irregularly shaped.
The only
diseases
is
to use mosaic-resistant
bean
varieties.
Bright yellow or
brown
spots
on the
leaves or water-
Q. Is it a good practice to plant pole beans at the base of corn plants for double cropping? A. No. Neither crop can
reach
its
and
cornstalks offer
maximal potential. Weed control becomes difficult, weak support when the beans are
best controlled
by planting
maturing.
grown
western
states;
avoiding working
all
Q.
plants;
Is it
in a different
area of the
and removing
the
soil to reinfect
56
MAJOR VEGETABLES
my
garden?
A.
Because the
even when
large; stores
bean
varieties usually
do not
cross-pollinated flowers. In
Q. Can use beans from my garden that have matured past the green, edible stage? A. Yes. Snap beans (pole or
bush)
lima beans
when
may be harvested for shellouts and for dry beans; and may be harvested for butter beans.
good
for greens).
Garden
good
Q.
A.
snap bean varieties have white seeds? Most bean varieties are developed for the canning and freez-
Why do some
ous; smooth,
tops,
medium, globe-shaped
ing industry.
When
is
cooking water
slightly off-color.
White seed
is
preferred
because
it
Q.
What
on
my bean
The
when
beetle.
and
most dam-
age. They are generally not a serious problem, but they occasionally reach
damaging numbers,
son.
Use a suggested
grow
large;
Mini:
Little Ball
size-
form smooth
and
Little
Mini
good
for greens).
all
slices of
known
as
is
States.
sweet,
mellow
flavor; bright
green
and the
are
C.
The tops
cooked
woody with
age);
Golden (55
days;
roots
may be
pickled
ing (65 days; round, bright red roots, good internal color
in cool weather; tops superior for greens).
The garden
and
beet
mangel. Mangels
When
to Plant
in the
area.
maps, page
26.)
Varieties
warm weather,
avail-
more
easily
under
3- to
continuous
later plantings.
Wonder
and
tender); Lutz
Several seedlings
deep red
may grow from each fruit. Some now singulating the seed for preci-
MAJOR VEGETABLES
57
in
outdoor
pits
if
freezes in the
fall.
Cut
above the
humidity.
and 95 percent
to freeze.
Questions
Q.
and Answers
What causes the beets in my garden to develop tops but no roots? A. The most frequent cause for beet plants' failing to develop roots
is
fruit.
and
Q. What causes my beet roots to have internal black spots and many of the bottom leaves to die? A. Beets are a
relatively
table-
The
seedlings
may emerge
00
feet of
Do
time,
lings.
making
and ages of
seed-
Some
is
relatively small.
soil test.
If
the
soil is
acidic,
Never apply
row
lime without a
a low
soil
pfi (acidity).
What
varieties should
grow
spe-
removed
as
soon
cial vigorously
growing
variety,
excellent
Hand thinning
thinning
for
If
to 3 inches apart.
can be used
thinning produces an
tall,
those removed
spinach.
may be cooked
Some cooks
it is
Though
may be
transplanted.
Some
must be taken
Care
Frequent shallow cultivation
beets
is
important because
especially
when
small.
Broccoli, Brassica oleracea var.
botrytis (also
coli,
Because beets have extremely shallow roots, hand weeding and early, frequent, and shallow cultivation are the
known
most
effective
in the rows.
and
calabrese),
is
Deep
damages the
fertile soil
family that
develops best
now
is
much more
this vegetable.
Improve-
Harvesting
Beets can be harvested
ments
desired
1
'/
size.
About 60 days
at
preparing this
tasty,
pickling, or
canning
as
whole
and
space.
With most
When broccoli
grown and
removed.
than 3 inches
and
fibrous. Beets
may be
head
is
Two
fall)
may be
58
MAJOR VEGETABLES
grown
in
most
New heat-tolerant
all
Remember
be produced in
but the
seed to transplant
is
recommended
more
quickly, so that
space allows
may be or may be
feet.
directions in beds.
Varieties
Hybrid: Cruiser (58 days to harvest; uniform, high
yield; tolerant of
Care
Use
starter fertilizer for transplants,
fertilizer
and
side-dress
for
nitrogen
when
ample
Green Comet
page
20). Provide
heads develop.
summer, or
fall;
tolerant of extremes);
Legend (60
Harvesting
The
edible parts of broccoli are
days; for
summer
or
fall;
compact
clusters of
Premium Crop
(65 days,
highly tolerant to
uniform; for
early;
downy mildew); Packman (55 days; summer or fall); and Southern Star (50 days;
var.
in
one
large central
head
heat tolerant).
after the
fully
many
Removing the
central
axils of the
Waltham 29
production).
Common
When
to Plant
Problems
page
40);
Aphids
(see
62);
and
remain too
long in seed
flats
fall
may produce
crops,
Questions
and Answers
planting. For
plant-
Q. How large should the central head of broccoli grow before cutting? A. Harvest the central head when the individual florets begin to enlarge
midsummer
and
develop,
and
to
before flowering
grow
be 4
to
6 inches
only
1
in
your
fall
transplants, count
may reach
to
in your area
inches in diameter.
Q. What causes small plants, poor heading, and early flowering? A. Yellow flowers may appear before the heads are
ready to harvest during periods of high temperatures. Planting
too late in the spring or failing to give the plants a
good
start
resulting from
extended
in
young plants, extremely early planting, holding plants a garden center until they are too old or too dry, and severe
drought conditions. Small heads that form soon after plants are
MAJOR VEGETABLES
59
set in the
result
from
mentioned.
russels
When
to Plant
prouts
Brussels sprouts, Brassica oleracea
var.
Transplant in early
summer
to
midsummer about
the
late,
long-season cab-
in a protected location in
seed
when
vegetable was
popular),
is
a hardy, slow-growing,
the
For
first-frost
fair
summer
harvest,
of an
success in
most
is
where there
winter.
may over-
more
(small heads that resemble miniature
axils, starting at
likely to
develop bitterness.
Fall
production
is
The "sprouts"
the
and grow
this require-
'A
to V2 inch
are
states,
summers
are
about
usually too
warm
for
3 inches
Do
out in
summer grow satisfactorily and mature high-quality sprouts when the fall weather begins to cool.
Varieties
Hybrid: Bubbles (82 days to harvest, dependable,
tolerates
Care
Brussels sprouts are
crops, cabbage
grown much
like
and
broccoli.
cation of nitrogen
are 12 inches
tall,
fertilizer (see
when
the plants
warm
weather, resistant to
rust);
and water
remove from
stalk
fails.
Insect control
is
also very
important
at this stage to
sprouts); Prince
tight,
sweet sprouts);
tip-
root damage.
(the space
above
it).
leaves to accelerate
is
home
variety)
and
sprouts;
garden.
better
if
Some
types).
from the
Two
or
60
MA30R VEGETABLES
expanded upper
to continue
Cabbage
thrives during
fall
seasons,
is
on top
Cabbage
used in
dishes.
may
Varieties
Green cabbage
is
Harvesting
The small sprouts or buds form heads
diameter.
1
grown
for slaw
and
stem when
mature
able for
later usually
grow
larger
suit-
inch in
mature
first.
The lowermost
leaves,
removed
already, should
be removed
when
marked OP,
Common
Aphids
Problems
page
40);
early;
(see
62);
and
and
Wakefield
Grand Slam
remain loose tufts of leaves instead of developing into firm heads? A. When the
sprouts develop in hot weather (after spring seeding or during a
Why do my sprouts
cold
Cup
warm
fall),
and maintain ample soil moisture. top growing point when the plant
in height. This practice
pounds; good
and Stonehead
stops leaf
growth and
In addition,
more
dependable
yields.
deep green
color,
good heat
firm,
good
for all
Ruby
pounds,
slow to burst,
resists
heat);
and Ruby
Cabbage
Cabbage, Brassica oleracea
capitata,
is
var.
fertile soils.
Head shape
varies
from the
have smooth
leaves,
easy to grow
if
you
and
select suita-
and
insect
man-
MAJOR VEGETABLES
61
Harvesting
Cabbage can be harvested anytime
after the
heads
they
when
hand
When
may
discovered.
When
to Plant
it
Cabbage
matures
for storage
must be
firm, mature,
and
free
diseases.
The
late varieties
Many varieties
are available,
can
and
168).
earliest
easily trans-
must
it
summer, but
weather of
develops
fall. It
may be
grow
in the axils of
in the garden. In
summer,
and
avail-
it)
later
when
firm.
direct
sun of summer.
and other
serve as a breeding
ground
for diseases
and
insect pests.
upon the
variety
and the
size of
head
desired.
The
Common
Problems
is
a relatively
common
and
die.
and
The
first
is
12 to 18 inches apart in
all
produce
4- to
1-
to
produce
Grow yellows-resistant
(YR) or yellows-tolerant
this tolerance or
inch deep.
varieties.
Keep the seeds moist, and thin or transplant the seedlings to the desired spacing.
and
die. Blackleg is
named
on the
Care
when transplanting, and sidedress nitrogen fertilizer when the plants are half grown (see page 20). Cultivate shallowly to keep down weeds.
Use
starter fertilizer
stem. The taproot often rots away. Black rot can be recog-
black. Soft
Ample
soil
moisture
is
Control
rot.
is
essentially the
same
for blackleg
and black
and
kill
especially
seed, transplants,
important in
fall
young
plants
insects.
Buy seed
summer and
Do
develop quickly.
spots
on the stems
62
MAJOR VEGETABLES
When you
Do
Rabbits. In
many
settings, rabbits
pile.
Avoid
poorly drained
soil,
and inadequate
they increase in
size,
possible,
grow
(see
black-rot-resistant varieties.
40).
rabbits as well as
Aphids
page
Apply
a suggested insecticide
in
row
number-one protected
garden
Imported cabbage
(1
worm
Questions
Q.
and Answers
I
V4 inches)
What can do
to prevent
is
my cabbage
solid.
heads from
splitting? A. Splitting
Cabbage looper
(1
2
and
twisting the
head
to
one
it
side)
inches)
splitting or bursting,
but
also
Q.
What
species of cabbage
worms
Cabbage plants
when
45 F)
for
Imported
The moth
this
commonly
smooth,
is
worms")
are
The cabbage
and then
is
Q. What is flowering cabbage? A. Nonheading varieties of cabbage (similar to flowering kale) have been developed for
ornamental
uses.
up
(to
form
a loop)
They have
moving the
and
is
front of
its
brown
Most
col-
most
active at night.
Diamondback worms
should be started
with
fall
in early
are
summer
to
on both
ends.
The moth
is
gray,
when
Why do
Those
butterflies fly
around
my cabbage
plants.
plants?
diamondback
butterflies (white or
The
larval or
worm
lay eggs
on the
damage by
worms that cause considerable damage unless conMost control strategies are aimed at the developing lar-
on the
leaves
are
worms
fairly
small
and blend
Q. What causes large, lumpy swellings of my cabbage roots? The plants also are stunted. A. Swellings and distorted roots
worms
if
are quite
even worse in
remains
in
on stunted, wilted plants may be symptoms of is caused by a fungus that the garden soil for many years once it becomes
It is
established.
soil
and
infect-
first frost
in the
fall,
moth
ed transplants. Other related cole crops (like broccoli and cauliflower) also may become infected. If you suspect that you have
clubroot disease in your garden, ask your local extension office
for help.
If,
and
caterpillar
numbers
finally
cally.
in fact,
in
chemical insecticides from the time that they are transplanted until harvest.
and
4 years
relatives of
cabbage.
MAJOR VEGETABLES
63
carrots);
Touchon (70
arrot
>
roots,
l'/2
as coreless as any;
good
for juice);
is
grown
for the
thickened root
produces in
its first
growing season.
when
at shoulder; toler-
much
more
carotene);
and Tendersweet
roots; rich
coreless).
They
of vitamin A)
and high
in fiber
Varieties
Small, Round: Orbit (58 days to harvest, good color,
few
piece)
days; 1992
AAS winner;
and
in
Nantes
(6-7 inches)
Half-long
round
good
(5-6 inches)
Round
3- to
4-inch roots,
/z
inch
(2-4 inches)
roots,
'/2
good
and Short
'n
rich,
Finger
good
for
heavy or poor
(3-4 inches)
soil).
good
broad
at the shoul-
tapered to blunt
When
to Plant
days;
heavy or shallow
They
soils).
may be
soil
soil.
The
and
der)
vers;
Dan-
inches to allow
roots,
smooth
roots; tops
withstand heat).
7- to
up
roots.
superior
recommended only
soil.
for
home
soil just
may affect
roots.
medium
top); Scarlet
Nantes
and twisted
and
64
MAJOR VEGETABLES
week
period.
Summer-planted
carrots
may be
left
in the
ground
Some
many areas,
heavy mulch
above the
root,
and place
may be
sand in an underground
a pit insulated
with straw
(see
may
and
be planted
/2
when
the
soil is
dryer
Questions
Q.
and Answers
my
carrots to turn green
is
single radish
What
causes
on the crown
It
A. This condition
Germination requires
lings
as
may
heavy
and dark green pieces in the cooked prodCut away the green portion, and use the rest of the root.
off-flavor
after sowing,
packing the
soil surface,
no
seedlings
1
may
inch
When
pulling a small
amount
of loose
soil
up
to the
when
40
to
50 days
after planting).
to
carrots;
Q. Why are my carrots misshapen, with forked and twisted roots? A. Forking may result from attacks of root-knot
to 2 inches
will
nematodes
(see
stones, from
cultivation, or
soil
that
was
be allowed to develop to
and be harvested
and
of seedlings.
mature
for
canning or
freezing.
Q.
What
causes
my
color,
and
Care
Carrots germinate best in warm, moist
soil.
viral
disease
Covering
diseases, "
known as "aster yellows. " See "Bacterial and page 4 7, for control recommendations.
the row with clear polyethylene film (see page 36) the
soil
warms
imme-
film
diately
when
it
seedlings appear.
To assure germination of
and summer
months,
may be
In the heat of
Young
It is
Cauliflower
Cauliflower, Brasska oleracea var.
botrytis, is a
essential to
few
Deep
cultivation
may injure
the roots.
Harvesting
Carrots can be harvested or "pulled"
are at least carrot tops
ally
l
pickled, eaten
raw with
dips, or
when
the roots
It is
more demanding
to
/2
tives in the
may
as
much
coli in
dry weather.
remove the
boom
in
"broccoflower," which
is
really a
diameter of
planting).
A inch (about 60
to 70 days after a 3- to 4-
MA30R VEGETABLES
65
Varieties
Open-Pollinated: Self-Blanche (71 days to harvest;
7-
crops)
Charm
row
head
quality);
Snow Crown
(60 days;
flats;
Snow Grace
permanent location
cell
grown
in
Snow King
packs suffer
much
shock
when
planted and
Care
Queen Hybrid
(70 days, purple head,
Purple: Violet
when
cooked).
II
(62 days;
no
damage) can
(65 days,
no
good
taste,
easy to grow).
When
spring
to Plant
is
soil
fertilizer (see
page 20)
Cauliflower
when
the plants are half grown. the head begins to form (shows 2 to 3 inches
and
fall
crops.
Do
When
growing point),
it is
ready to blanch.
maps, page
its
26.) Cauliflower
is
more
sensitive to
Tie the outer leaves together over the center of the plant
to protect the
cabbage-family
relatives.
It is
important
it
from
enough
that
it
matures before
it is
so early that
injured
named
for
its
its
by the
cold. In
seasons, that
compromise may be
Use
its
especially
when maturing
in the
fall.
Under cool
and tying
is
same time
as fall cabbage.
starter
page 20)
when
unnecessary.
grow
active trans-
Harvesting
The
cauliflower head's curd develops rapidly under
It
in flats
and held
grows 6 to 8 inches in
diameter and
is
firm,
fall
plantings.
if
become overmature
you wish
to
grow your
and develop
Once
individ-
own
Home," pages 45
to 48. For
may be
Plant seeds
66
MAJOR VEGETABLES
Common
growth
is
Varieties
page
62);
61).
If
may
not develop or
may
medium
smooth
semi-smooth,
by drought.
good
taste; resistant to
fusarium races
and
2);
Utah 52-
Questions
Q.
and Answers
in
the head and separation of the head into loose, smaller curds? A. These conditions are caused when cauliflower matures during hot weather. Try to
causes leaves
time maturity dates of cauliflower to minimize the
risk
What
solid,
compact,
of
numerous thin
stalks, full
Q.
Why does my
make
satisfactory
flavor)
and Leaf
Celery.
fall;
heads? A. Late plantings are sometimes difficult to grow. The young plants often do not become well established under hot, dry summer conditions. Give the plants ample water, and do
not plant late cauliflower plants too close together.
when
cooked).
Q.
lar
coli
Is
purple cauliflower
purple.
grown
in
the same
is
way
as regu-
When
and
flats
to Plant
size,
slow germination,
It
resembles cauliflower
appearance
head
turns green
are
about 3 inches
Q. What causes browning of the curd? A. This condition is caused by downy mildew. Downy mildew, which is brought on
y8 to y4 inch of soil,
weeks
by wet conditions, can be controlled through the use of a suggested fungicide. Raised-bed culture and any other cultural
sow seed
in February or March.
field,
takes 10 to
so count back-
soil
and
air
latest frost to
determine
when
to
from
this disease.
sow
may be
and seedling
difficult.
elery
Celery,
is
extremely
Care
Celery requires rich
soil
regular
Apium graveolens
var.
duke,
is
supplies of moisture
and
member
parsnips.
of the
It
same family
first
as carrots, parsley, as a
and
good
Various organic
soil
was
mentioned
mois-
was available
only a short
temperature, and
fertility.
it is
available
throughout the
year. Celery
is
grown
upright rosettes.
crop,
it
labor-, water-,
and nutrient-intensive
of the United States,
can be produced in
much
MAJOR VEGETABLES
67
mature
in
autumn
where
celery.
Weed
a poor competitor
and
is
ing
weed growth.
Harvesting
To produce celery resembling that found in food
stores,
var. cicla
known
as swiss chard),
is
member
It
of the beet
blanched
flavor,
may be
planted
which
moderate host.
for leaf
ible fresh
accomplished by
Chard
is
been selected
production
Chard produces
can be used
In the garden,
may be
blades.
The
prepared
like spinach,
and the
as
and check
at intervals to see
how blanching is
light greenish
midribs or stalks
asparagus.
may be cooked
is
in the
progressing.
When
stalks reach a
uniform
Chard
an
attractive
may be
harvested by cutting
Many gardeners
Because
chard because
well,
it is
become very
is
susceptible to rots,
soon
as
blanching
complete.
warm
seasons as
Varieties
encourages
tying
fully
very strong in
much
like
When
to Plant
soil
flavor.
where
beets, lettuce, or
may be
started inside
and
is
trans-
Common
Pink
rot,
Problems
early blight,
past,
but
and
garden in
may
attack celery.
Good
air circulaIf
infection.
problems
may be
necessary.
Check
to
far
Fusarium or yellows
is
a fairly
soils
common
by using
disease that
resistant or
(8 to
chard "seed"
actually
and makes
Questions
Q.
and Answers
plants sent
My celery
ducing
nice, tight
A: Plants
wrong?
up seedstalks rather than probunches of leafstalks. What went set out too early and exposed to too-cold
to seed.
if
An
alternative
method
then,
in
is
conditions
when
tall),
inches
problem
in
66
MAJOR VEGETABLES
Napa Pe
to early
good
for spring
summer
good
planting);
days; early;
disease resistance;
good
for spring,
fall,
fall
final
or winter crop);
heat resistant;
Harvesting
The most
and
soft rot).
to
cut off the outer leaves 1V2 inches above the ground
Pagoda
while they are young and tender (about 8 to 12 inches (hybrid-70 days; upright, 16-inch heads; cold tolerant;
long). Be careful not to
at the
rot);
center of the
rosette of foliage.
days;
good
petioles,
days,
medium
known
as celery
cabbage and
is
good
for
warm-season production).
wong
bok),
is
gaining
popularity.
misleading
is
When
to Plant
it is
more
mild flavor
may
more
sensitive to transplanting
Chinese cabbage
not related to
celery),
and
its
leaves
and more
delicate
than those of
cabbage. Unfortunately,
many
are
young
(4 to 5 weeks). (See
to
in
an extremely early
spring,
Varieties
There are two more or
less distinct
may not allow enough time grow before warm summer days stim-
forms: pe
tsai,
larger
and
denser,
a
like
form
two head
and the
shorter, broader
varieties are
usually
more
MAJOR VEGETABLES
69
useless.
and
in
is
an excellent vegetable
for Chinese
midsummer
crops, so
it
cabbage grown as a
crop.
Varieties
fall
which
will
acephala (also
cabbage),
is
known
as tree-cabbage or
nonheading
is
rich in
24 inches apart
broader
grows better in
warm weather
fall
for loose-leaf or
and can
tolerate
in the late
than
bok choy
types. For
l
l
fall
planting,
sow seeds
directly in
family.
Although
the garden U to
/2
Deep
it is
Keep
South,
moist,
Care
Maintain sufficient
soil
to collards.
Varieties
Open-Pollinated:
when
Champion
Harvesting
The pak choi type develops
leaves.
wavy
tall,
leaves;
slow to
bolt);
savoyed-leaf type);
The pe
heads.
tsai
and Vates
leaves).
smooth
pound
somewhere
in appearance.
They
are
Hybrid: Blue
Max
and an excellent
salad substitute
HiCrop
as
soon
as the first
good
taste, texture
warm
days,
Common
Aphids
Problems
page
40);
(see
62);
and
When
to Plant
summer
harvest,
and again in
midsummer
for fall
and
Questions
Q.
A.
and Answers
to form a
good
head
days.
it
/2
warm summer
them
grow
Dry weather accelerates the process. For best results, choose early varieties, start plants in individual containers, and transplant after the last hard frosts in the spring. Chinese cab-
between
plants,
for plants to
least
bage seeded
goes to seed.
may
be eaten. Allow at
become
large.
Care
If
soil
ods in the
collards
summer and
control insect
and
disease pests,
70
MAJOR VEGETABLES
types sweeter
varieties
eties,
field corn.
Sugary
have
once
home
practi-
The old adage was "start the water boiling, run to the
and husk the
corn, run back to the pot, cook
patch, pick
Harvesting
All
may be
when
wider
which
grown 6 inches
ground
level
varieties.
Higher
left at
initial
them
and be
taste,
when
The
tall.
This harvesting
tenderness,
method
and texture
home
all
gardeners because
Some
"loose head"
may be blanched by
the flavor in the
fall.
is
superior to
is
other types.
No
improves
necessary.
and have
SU
Common
Aphids
varieties.
The Sh gene
Problems
page 40); cabbage
much
(see
worms
longer than
SU
or SE types
and
routine.
The
Com,
Sweet
Sweet corn, Zea mays
rugosa,
is
creamy texture
and "corny"
not especially
affects the quality
on the
as
cob,
grown
grow-
easily in
It is
home
it is
gardeners because
it
when
soil
a stand of
mixed-age seedlings
summer
do not pollinate
Sweet corn
may be
(SE),
same time
is
to ensure sweetness
easily
and tenderness.
form with
Their pollen
types,
weak and
supplanted by other
to revert to a
and supersweet
(Sfv?).
a "sugary (SU)
and creamy
original
makes these
or more, especially
downwind.
MAJOR VEGETABLES
71
STANDARD
Yellow
Earlivee
(SU)
Harvest
58 days
7"
Ear size
Comments
extra early
1
86 days
82 days
4 rows 2 to 4 rows
6 rows
old
home-garden
variety
4 to
6 rows 8 to 20 rows
NK-199
Seneca Horizon
84 days
65 days
extremely
removed
6 to
8 rows
excellent quality
Sundance
69 days
7Vz" 14 rows
7 to
handsome
ears
White
Pearl
White
75 days
8"
2 to
6 rows
good
cool-soil
Platinum Lady
Silver
86 days
92 days
8V2"
4 rows
to 16 rows
Queen
8 to
9" 14
wilt
and Helminthosporium
Bicolor
Bi
Queen
92 days
75 days
8 to 9"
7"
6 rows
like a
bicolor Silver
Queen
4 rows
2 to
1
popular for
home garden
80 days
64 days
7"
Tlz
4 rows
Quickie
2 rows
to
1
SU
bicolor
Sugar
&
Gold
67 days
6V2" 1
2 rows
SUGARY EXTENDER
Yellow
Bodacious
(SE)
72 days
Champ
Incredible
68 days
83 days
8" 8"
8 to
8"
6 to 6 to
1
8 rows 8 rows
ability;
warm
soil
9"
8 rows
appearance, yield
life
Kandy Korn
Maple Sweet
Merlin
Miracle
89 days
70 days
14 to 16 rows 7y 4 to 6 rows
"
2
1 1
9" 20
9V2
7"
"
1
to
22 rows
1
size,
Precocious
Spring Treat
6 to 8 row 2 to 4 rows
1
1 1
good holding
good
tipfill
67 days
72 days
7"
7y2
"
4 rows
1
Sugar Buns
Terminator
4 rows rows
6 to 20 rows
deep
kernels
83 days
75 days
9" 20
7V2
"
1
Tuxedo
good
tipfill,
and smut
White
Alpine
79 days
8"
8 to
8"
6 rows
1
Argent Avalanche
86 days
78 days
72 days
9"
1
6 rows
good
white Incredible
6 rows
1
excellent eating;
1
good
ear appearance
stalks
Cotton Candy
Divinity
7 to
8"
1
6 to
8 rows
78 days
76 days
71 days
8"
6 rows
snow white
8 to
9"
6 rows
terrific
Seneca Starshine
7 to 8"
6 rows
soil
temperature for
74 days
8 to
9"
6 rows
79 days 65 days
71 days
7 to 8"
7 to 8"
4 to
6 rows
creamy
kernels;
texture; pretty,
compact
ears
Snow
Snow
2 rows
compact
plant
Sugar
Telstar
8 to 8"
9"
1
6 rows
79 days
6 rows
72
MAJOR VEGETABLES
SUGARY EXTENDER
Ambrosia
Calico Belle
(SE)
continued
Ear size
Comments
good
spring vigor;
fairly large, tasty ears;
75 days 79 days
71 days
8"
6 rows 6 to
1
D'Artagnan
Diamonds
&
Cold
79 days 85 days
74 days
8 rows
taste;
good
disease tolerance
6 rows
an early SE bicolor
tipfill;
8 rows 6 rows
1
sweet, tender;
good
attractive dark
like
green ears
a bicolor Incredible
Gem
Tell
8 to
9"
6 to
8 rows
on
Kiss
68 days
7 to 8"
4 to
1
6 rows
two
good
tipfill
Lancelot
80 days
73 days
6 to
8 rows
good
Medley
Peaches
6 rows 6 to
1
dark green
tasty,
flags;
good
& Cream
83 days
73 days
8 rows
protection
Seneca Brave
Seneca
Dawn
69 days
good
SUPERSWEET (SH 2 )
Yellow
Challenger
Crisp 'N Sweet
76 days 85 days
70 days
Vli"-
growing conditions
9" 8"
8V
"
2
8 rows
good germination,
Early Xtra
Sweet
6 rows
1
like
Excel
lllini
82 days
79 days
6 rows
Gold
Xtra Sweet
8V2" 1 6 rows
midseason supersweet
the original
excellent
large ear
lllini
Jubilee
Supersweet
8" 9"
8"
4 to
6 rows
8 rows
home-garden supersweet
on short
plant, outstanding eating quality
Showcase
White
Aspen
83 days
Camelot
86 days
It Is
9" 8" 8 to
8 to
1
6 rows
20 rows
How
Sweet
85 days 85 days
8"
6 rows
sensitive to cold
soil,
Pegasus
Treasure
8Y2" 1 8 rows
83 days
8V2" 1 8 rows
9"
vigor, seedling
emergence
Bicolor
Aloha
Dazzle
82 days
6 rows
6 to
1
excellent appearance
82 days
Pearl
8"
8"
8 rows
good-looking
1
ear;
good
disease resistance;
creamy texture
Honey 'N
Hudson
78 days 83 days
85 days
73 days
8V2" 1 6 rows
Phenomenal
Radiance
smooth,
tenderness
excellent eating quality, beautiful ears excellent seedling emergence, plant vigor
Varieties
When
varieties listed here (like nearly all sweet
to Plant
Most of the
warm
soil for
germination (above
55F for standard sweet corn varieties and about 65F for
and kernel
color.
The maturity
supersweet
standard sweet
number
corn should be
free date unless
made
at,
mean
frost-
you use
maps,
MAJOR VEGETABLES
73
OPEN-POLLINATED (SU)
Yellow
Ashworth
Harvest
69 days 82 days
Ear size
6 to 7"
ears,
1
Comments
2 rows
good
rich
cold-soil germination;
flavor,
good
flavor for
an early type
Golden Bantam
6 to 7" ears,
1
corn
sweet, tender
to
4 rows
White
Country Gentleman
96 days 00 days
7" ears,
kernels not in rows
Stowell's Evergreen
9" ears,
8 to 20 rows
big, juicy,
Trucker's Favorite
95 days
8 to 9"
ears,
14 rows
Bicolor
Double Standard
73 days
7" ears,
2 to
4 rows
first
good
cold-soil germination;
good
Black
Black Aztec
75 days
7" ears, 8 to
rows
in
roasting-ear
good
meal
com
throughout the
varieties,
summer, plant an
and
ple,
first
planting. For
exam-
to select
for the
second early
vari-
variety,
ety.
for the
main-crop
and
between
Make
late variety
when
three to
on the
eating quality.
made
week
of July.
Care
Cultivate shallowly to control weeds. Chemical herbicides are not
recommended
for
home
gardens. Although
at critical periIf
corn
is
and
warm, dry
soils.
Space
rainfall
is
more rows
pollination
good
and
ear development.
Allow 30 to 36 inches
between rows.
All sweet corns
ears,
tips of
page 20)
cross-pollination
flint). If
pop, or
12 to 18 inches
varieties
Removing these
yields.
Harvesting
Each cornstalk should produce
at least
one
large ear.
dom
ear.
from weeds,
insects,
and
diseases;
and adequate
a second
later
moisture and
fertility),
is
usually smaller
and develops
than the
74
MAJOR VEGETABLES
when
medicine dropperful)
ance of the
first silk
strands.
The
kernels are
smooth and
Corn rootworm
damage, which
may cause
extensive
silk
milky
when
interferes
where
corn
is
field corn,
when
the corn
is
infestation
is suffi-
browning of the
silks,
and
cient to
remove
silk
without a
full set
must be
To harvest, snap
firm,
taken as the
silk
downward
complete.
stalks, tassels,
soon
as possible. At
and
summer
As their
name
decreases
and the
starch increases.
plant;
after
and the
stalks
break over
when damage
is
severe.
Cut or
harvest,
immediately
pile.
Corn borers
also
may bore
and be found
compost
Cut the
stalks
after cooking.
them
to hasten decay.
when
Corn earworm
(1
soil.
Flea
V2 inches)
may carry
European corn borer
(1
inch)
Stewart's wilt
is
by the
flea
stunting,
Common
Problems
are a
eties.
The
and
more
Corn earworms
problem
states
not severe
when
resis-
with
good
resistance.
is
Smut
on the developing
they feed on the
or
on the
The
sometimes
down
into the
ear,
where
will
be
frequently
on white
varieties
often severe
just before
when
and
while
during tasseling. Remove and destroy smut they are moist and firm.
galls
worm
is
is
no
Do
galls in or
effective control.
before the
trol in
worms
enter the
smut
is
it is
unpleasant to handle.
ear.
heavy
infestations,
make
The remainder
is
Anything that
the
worm such
MADOR VEGETABLES
75
is
when
the
fungus
is
it
is
Questions
Q.
and Answers
Cucumber, Cucumis
tender,
satinis, is a
How long
first
does it take sweet corn to develop from the appearance of silks to harvest? A. About 5 days are
first silks
appear. Har-
about 20 days
after
first silking.
substantial space.
varieties
Q. The germination of my lllini Xtra Sweet is low. How can get a better stand? A. The seeds of supersweet varieties
I
Vertical training
now
are shrunken
readily in cold,
wet
soil.
Do
soil is
warm,
neces-
plots.
and
thin
if
Varieties
Long, Green, Slicing: Burpless (hybrid-62 days to
harvest; the original sweet, long, chinese-type hybrid;
out to the tips? A. Several conditions can cause poor kernel development at the tip of the ear: dry weather during silking and pollination; planting too close; poor fertility, especially lack of potassium; and poor natural pollination. These conditions may be overcome by
Q.
watering
(9 to
does well on a
trellis);
Dasher
II
short
recommended spacing 12 inches in the row); proper and planting rows in blocks of two or more for more complete
in
tance);
fertilization;
green, straight
pollination.
more 86
the best
the
Q.
What
vine; earlier
is
way
to
grow
than Marketmore
76);
Orient Express
and
inch
deep),
and cover
row with clear polyethylene film. Use 1 - or and cover the edges and ends to warm
The small plants can be
film,
left
around the
seeds.
under the
care-
plastic for
fully pull
to
or cut
slits
and
evenly
hot.
first.
It is
young
Sweet
10 to 12 mildews,
Q.
How can
my
sweet corn?
A.
It is
virtually impossible to
AAS
many methods
an electric fence made with two wires, one about 4 inches above ground level and the other at 12 inches. The fence must be operating well in advance of the time that the corn approaches
maturity Raccoons prefer to eat sweet corn
stage, just before
it is
crisp, sweet,
and
tender);
fruit;
green
ready to harvest.
on
dwarf,
bushy
great taste,
AAS winner;
high
yield,
resistant); Salad
fruit
on compact
plants; tolerant to
wide variety of
diseases);
on space-saving
good
76
MAJOR VEGETABLES
in containers or they
Pickling
do not transplant
(2-6 inches)
when
Slicing
(6-8 inches)
to
Burpless (Salad)
to
(10-14 inches)
system.
soil
If
you use
transplants,
them
carefully in
warm
fruits
with
Care
Cucumber
ample
soil
Lucky
fruit;
and require
medium
soil);
dark green
moisture at
stages of growth.
When
fruit
medium
green,
tapered
compost
or
straight, blocky,
medium
green
fruit).
well-rotted
to
manure before
planting.
Cucumbers respond
page 36) in
plastic (see
2- to 3-inch, nearly
round, spiny
is
fruit;
soil in
a different
combined
Lemon
(65
when
the
Cucumber
mild
flesh).
from the
"Common
may be
trained
on
a trellis
When
to Plant
are usually started
or fence.
When
Cucumbers
passed and the
by planting seed
danger of
frost
has
plants can
make
vertical training
has
warmed
soil is
maps, page
of seeds
26.)
Warm
Do
not handle,
are wet.
With ample
soil
moisture, cucumbers thrive in warm summer weather. A second planting for fall harvest may be made in midsummer to late summer. Cucumbers may be transplanted for extra-early yields. Sow two or three seeds in peat pots, peat pellets, or other
Harvesting
Pick
cucumbers
at
any
stage of
development before
are eaten
the seeds
become
hard.
Cucumbers usually
when immature. The best size depends upon the use and variety. They may be picked when they are no more than
2 inches long for pickles, 4 to 6 inches long for
6 to 8 inches long for slicing varieties.
highest quality
crisp.
dills,
is
to 2 feet to
and
of
A cucumber
1
Do not
when
it is
The
large, burpless
cucumbers should be
Some
larger.
Do
Remove from
fruits
continue
to develop.
size
The cucumber
grow rapidly
to harvest
MAJOR VEGETABLES
77
Common
cucumber
the
soil.
Q.
page
40).
erly? A. The
emerge from
male flowers that provide pollen. These flowers normally drop off after blooming. The small cucumber is evident at the base of
the female flower (even before
into
feres
yield,
it
may appear
kill
in large
numbers and
an
edible fruit
if
upcoming
section).
and
by applying a
and ham-
per bee
bees.
suggested insecticide.
(see
for
buildup of colonies
Q.
What
Cynoecious ("female-
and pickling
on the undersides
vine
tips.
these colonies
female
appear.
varieties. Usually,
the seed
company
pollinator.
beetles.
The
Q. How far away from melons should plant my cucumbers? am concerned about cross-pollination. A. Contrary
I I
The
beetles hibernate
among
on tender cucumber
to popular opinion, cucumbers do not cross-pollinate with muskmelons or watermelons and cause them to become bitter, tasteless, or off-flavor. Because cucumbers and melons require
When
enough apart
the vines wilt and collapse (usually about the
first
for
cucumbers
it is
Q.
What
causes
my cucumber
plants to be stunted?
fruits are
The
and the
is
blotchy
and
mosaic
Crow mosaic-resistant
varieties.
Questions
Q.
and Answers
small cucumbers are badly misshapen.
A.
Some
of
my
Q. What causes the white mold growth on the upper surfaces of my cucumber leaves? A. This condition is caused
Will they
No. They
is
may
com-
summer and
fall
plantings.
Crow
resistant varieties.
Side-dressing a
plete fertilizer
may help
later
cucumbers
to develop normally.
Q.
Why do some of my plants suddenly wilt and die? Dead or dying plants are scattered all over my cucumber
may be healthy, while another symptoms of the bacterial wilt disease. This disease is spread by cucumber beetles early in the season. The beetles must be controlled immediately when the
patch.
One
plant in a
hill
Q. Is there really a "burpless" cucumber? A. Yes. Burpless cucumbers are no longer considered novelties and are offered in
most garden
fresh.
catalogs.
is
crisp
when
The skin
tender
and
free of bitterness,
although
many
esculentum (also
is
known
as guinea
squash and
people peel
Most varieties are long (10 to 12 inches) and curved, unless grown on a trellis. These varieties are better eaten fresh, using conventional varieties for most pickling uses.
it off.
aubergine),
a long
warm
is
Q. What cucumber variety should buy for gherkins? A. Buy the West Indian gherkin. It is a close relative of the garden
I
eggplant
being
set in
all
danger of
frost
is
past.
cucumber used
inches long,
called "burr
for pickling.
The
fruits
to 3
and more
cucumbers" but are usually listed in catalogs as West Indian gherkin. They are grown in the same way as
varieties of
"
If
good
small,
and ornamental
can be grown in
what you want to pickle and call "gherkins, " then these named cucumber varieties serve the purpose well.
78
MAJOR VEGETABLES
Spacing of Plants
Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart in the row, or even
closer for small-fruited types. Three to six plants are
most
is
Allow 30 to 36 inches
all
direc-
(7-9 inches)
(3-9 inches)
Care
Use
starter fertilizer (see
when
and
the plants
after harvest of
fertility,
Varieties
All varieties are hybrids unless
the
first fruits.
sufficient moisture
designated
OP
(for
toler-
open-pollinated).
ate dry weather after they are well established but should
peak production.
Magic (72
high
Harvesting
Harvest the
fruits
quality); Black
when
days);
and
still
glossy.
6- to 7-inch oval).
Elongated
Jim (OP-70
when
peanut-sized;
good
when
and
Little Fingers
(OP-68
days; 6- to 8-inch,
When
Egg (52 days; small white,
the fruits
become
dull or
Ornamental
ornamental).
Fruit: Easter
mature
and
may be
well
bitter.
do not
store
When
to Plant
is
many
Eggplant
important to
early.
Do
Common
Problems
soil
has
warmed and
the danger of
more
Damage can be
severe, especially
on young
plants,
ing an insecticide.
Questions
I
and Answers
Q. planted my eggplants early, but they did not grow very well. A. They probably were planted while the soil was too cold. It is better to hold the plants (but keep them growing)
until the soil
warms.
If
maintain
help
vigor.
warm
the
row
covers can help with cool, early seasons as well as bar harmful
insects
MAJOR VEGETABLES
79
Endivecarole
Endive and escarole, both
Cichorium endivia, are closely related hardy annual
vegetables that have the
When
tions
to Plant
They grow
much
the same
manner
as lettuce
and
that
cupped
leaves.
They
respond well to
fertile soil
grow
and
better
during the
may be
grown
March or
to be
early April, or as
safely in
soon
as the soil
mellows
produced there
as a winter vegetable.)
enough
worked
your
area.
when blanched and used for salads or Even when grown under perfect conditions,
taste.
which
is
an acquired
18 to 24 inches apart.
When
seedlings are
inch
tall,
Varieties
All varieties of
may be
endive and escarole can be harvested
all
directions.
and minimal
fall
Summer
late fall);
planting for a
3
crop
Green Curled
/s
to
'/
sur-
Neos
(extra
frilly,
will
(small,
smooth, deeply
size,
King
may help
germinat-
ing seedlings get established in the heat of summer. Water frequently during the hot
is
very
blanching).
Escarole: Bossa
throughout the
(summer
or
fall);
Broad-Leaved Bata-
fall
months and
vian
(large,
smooth
leaves); Florida
Care
Unless blanched, the spreading plants are likely to be
very
bitter.
When
sunlight
is
and Sinco
around
heart, for
is
reduced, bitterness
decreased,
and
cool weather).
texture
and
blanched
next plant.
in the
fall.
Some
grown
tie
blanching,
Make
If
the leaves.
rot.
may
has faded, as
long,
may begin
to deteriorate
tied
up too
SO
MAJOR VEGETABLES
especially in hot or
may be
up
larger
and more
sooner,
matures tubers a
blanched
at
tied
month
making plants
over as
they mature.
It
produces
many
large,
Harvesting
After the blanched heads
for the
smooth yam
Long Red,
If
the the
summer or hard freezing is expected in the fall, cut heads. Then wash, drip dry, and store in a polyethylrefrigerator for later use. Discard the
bitter,
Smooth
Garnet,
Mammoth
outer leaves.
name "sun chokes" or "sunroots"), or from another gardener. Named varieties are still hard to
stores (under the
find
around
rior to
The improved
the
common
named variis
erusalem
lifliW
Jerusalem artichoke, Helianthus
tiiberosus (also
eties
is
amount
another
multiplies into
year. For
enough
to eat
and plant
for
own
tubers
and
set
bring in the
known
It
as
is
to
North America.
A perennial, it may persist in the garden as a weed. Any small piece of a tuber missed at harvest may
sprout to form a
to the sunflower,
When
to Plant
North America.
artichoke, related
soil
It
an entirely
different plant
(a thistle)
from the
in
with high
fertility,
grown
The
fleshy,
oblong tubers
into salads.
They have
also
made
yearly.
which
are
soil for
themselves.
them 24
to
30 inches
grow 6 impede
more
bers
with
larger,
smoother
tu-
3 to 4 feet
between
much
than the
older,
knobby ones.
rows (more
if
seem
to
down
is
when
who have
Varieties
The
improved seed-stock
variety
is
The most
common new
Stampede.
MAJOR VEGETABLES
81
Care
Early cultivation
and hoeing
are necessary.
little
As the
further
plants
care
is
become
established, however,
or
no
woody
may be
Harvesting
Dig the tubers anytime from September until the
to serving as ornamentals, kale plants are used for greens,
as a garnish, or in salads;
ground
starts.
freezes
and
dug
as
and
kale
may be cooked in
become
a popular
are,
Any tubers that are not harvested regrow and may become troublesome weeds in the garden.
Varieties
harvest);
Dwarf
Questions
and Answers
Q. What are the best storage conditions for Jerusalem artichokes? A. The best possible storage is in the soil where
they grew. Harvest small quantities as needed
Newer hybrid
(65 days).
and Winterbor
Ornamental
kale
is
sold in open-pollinated,
and a
larger
if
amount just
possible, store at
a temperature of 32 F with high (95 percent) humidity. Jerusalem artichokes do not form a thick skin like the
rapidly.
(all
in white or red),
and Osaka
may
be placed
in
there are
ornamental kales
recently.
enough sunroots for spring harvest, leave them in place. In most growing areas, winter does not harm the tubers, and it actually keeps them crisp and juicy. Begin to harvest as soon as the frost goes out of the soil in spring. If the bed is mulched heavily in late fall, harvest may continue through the winter by pulling the mulch aside on mild days and digging tubers.
When
to Plant
latitudes, plantfall
summer
into winter
ground
freezes hard. In
mild winters,
may
few
new
leaves before
it
blooms
second
year.
The
seedlings
may be
in flats in
late
acephala (also
known
as borecole),
is
June
is
fall
temper-
kale tolerates
fall.
summer
atures sweeten
and
The highly
curled,
on some
varieties)
do
Care
Kale
is
only normal
damage
kale
for
effect.
best production.
has
become
82
MAJOR VEGETABLES
Harvesting
The lower
leaves
may be
individually picked
when
may
is
improved by
freezes. Late-
summer
kill
when
greenhouse in
flats
to be trans-
Common
Aphids
Problems
page 40) and cabbage
(see
worms
(page
62).
some
Questions
Q.
and Answers
if
Do new
is
leaves develop
is
If
removed? A.
harvest
One or two late plantings can also be made in midsummer at the same time as late cabbage. In very hot weather, these seedlings may benefit from some shade when they are small.
the upper part of the plant where leaves are nearly expanded to
full
size
but are
point.
still
growing
y4 to y2 inch deep.
more harvest
is
them
Care
Plant in
fertile soil,
maintain adequate
soil
moisture,
known
as
stem turnip),
is
a hardy,
It
Harvesting
Kohlrabi has the mildest and best flavor (resembling
like
when
small. Unfortunately,
many
a rounded,
soil line.
is
sometimes misclassified
as a root vegetable.
and
it
may have an
when
the
inch
Varieties
in diameter.
Continue harvest
White
inches in diameter.
When
favorite, Early
White Vienna
Kolpak
grown kohlrabi
emerge
cooked
The young
leaves
may be
other greens.
When
Sow
to Plant
seeds in early spring.
Make
Common
an especially
early harvest,
61).
MAJOR VEGETABLES
83
When
to Plant
may be
onion
flat
so
porrum,
is
onion
leaf
may encourage
rots.
flat leaves,
but
composed
Care
Leeks can grow in any garden that produces good
onions.
When
may
or any-
where
and
rich flavor
can be
days to reach
to
many people
Varieties
may reach
diame-
thinner varieties
Flag,
may produce
soil
shafts of 15 inches or
more
American
Electra,
and
in length.
Do
not bank
for blanch-
ing until they are at least the size of a pencil. Early banking while the leaves are small causes the plants to rot and
die
some
A whole range
Some
become
by altering
soil
young
root system.
available
long been
popular.
Harvesting
Leeks
to harvest), a
may be
fall,
and harvested
early sort
an
mer and
the
soil
depending on the
To
harvest, loosen
good
summer
crops);
an extra-long, early
earliness, size,
variety);
and cold
digging
good
Unique (100
Cut
and
all
but 2 inches
in vege-
may be used
manner
soup stocks
or, if
tender, in the
of scallion
do not
shaft; stores
tops. Leeks
under
may be mulched
are
becoming
not frozen.
early
Spring harvest
is
March or
and match
growth and
send up a seedstalk.
In the second season, as the leek plant flowers, pollinates,
and matures
seed, the
a small
number
of cloves,
Allium ampeloprasum
tive of leek.
var. (see
rela-
normal garden
where leek
is
treated
is
treated as
an annual crop.
84
MAJOR VEGETABLES
is
an excellent
Why do my
soil.
leeks rot
where the
addition to salads and sandwiches. The butterhead varieties are generally small,
attached?
A. This condition
may be
tation in the
a suggested
soil
Stem
in early spring.
Choosing a well-drained
high
in
organic
is
used mainly
rots in leeks.
and Chinese
dishes.
Crisphead
supermarkets
varieties,
all
common
at
and moved
to the garden as
sensi-
soon
as the soil
tive to heat
hot spell of
summer
If
an unseason-
ably early
heat wave
fail.
hits
almost certainly
Lettuce, Lactiica sativa,
fairly hardy,
is
In
many locations,
to
better
crisphead lettuce
summer
when
the
weather of
fall
have a
much
between 60 and
late
70F. It
summer. At high
Varieties
and the
and
seedstalk forms
and elongates
Green
harvest);
Leaf: Black-Seeded
(frilly
Simpson
edges;
(earliest to
Grand Rapids
good
varieties of lettuce
There are
loose-leaf lettuce),
butter-
variety);
Oak
good
for
hot
resis-
on the
stalk.
Nearly every
cut,
garden has
at least a short
row of
leaf lettuce,
making
it
romaine
Red
bolt
resistant);
Prizehead (upright;
frilly
tipburn);
Red
Fire (ruffles
Red
Ruby
resistant to tipburn).
leaf,
Green Towers
(early;
and Valmaine
mildew).
(taller
than
Paris
Island, tolerant to
downy
no
more-solid heads);
Nancy
Red
Boston (rose-red-tinged
outer leaves,
medium
Summer
downy
mil-
dew); and
Tom Thumb
MAJOR VEGETABLES
85
(standard, holds
size,
warm
weather); Iceburg
(medium
tender
Care
Because lettuce has shallow roots,
it
and Sumbolt).
should be hoed
Stem or Asparagus:
heavy
soils,
can lead to
leaf
When
to Plant
Leaf, Cos,
and butterhead
lettuce
tem-
when
more
the
soil is
to produce quality
Two
or
lettuce in less-than-ideal
weather conditions.
well,
and
Harvesting
Leaf lettuce
month
fall
may be
cut
whenever
it is
large
enough
to
begin. Plant-
ground
cool
for
weather. Watering
germination and
also benefit
maximum
size (6 to
12 ounces) in 50 to 60 days.
establishment of seedlings.
summer
leaf types)
may be grown
and
which tend
extra care
is
taken about
Cos
varieties
and form
long,
in
medium-dense head.
store lettuce, wash, drip dry,
refrigerator. Lettuce
Head
and
lettuce
must be transplanted
most locations
To
and place
in a plastic
requires
more
bag in the
(see
set
them
in the
settles.
Common
Aphids
Tipburn
Problems
page
40).
is
become acclimated
will
under
(see
which they
and
can
results
be transplanted for
earlier harvest. In
and the
any brown
leaf tissue,
and use
later into
moderate
sites for
some
summer
lettuce.
prevent tipburn.
condition.
Some
soil
and
air
and 6 to 8
may be
destroyed quickly.
Questions
Q.
and Answers
lettuce seeds germinate? A. Failure of
is
Why didn't my
seeds to germinate
caused by
insufficient
moisture or old
it is
and
advisable to
obtain
gardens
in
Some
but
86
MAJOR VEGETABLES
finely
prepared
soil.
Care
then must be taken to keep the seedbed moist, but not soggy,
emerge.
Q. Seedstalks have appeared in the center of my lettuce plants. What should do? A. The formation of seedstalks is
I
warm
flesh);
temperatures,
Gold
Star
and
age.
When
immediately,
and
in
the refrigerator.
I
Q.
My lettuce tastes bitter. What can do? A. Lettuce may become bitter during hot weather and when seedstalks begin to form. Wash and store the leaves in the refrigerator for a day or
two.
Harvest
Queen (OP-90
powdery
Much
of the bitterness
will
disappear.
ium
days; resistant to
days;
medium
green
flesh);
flavorful).
known
as cantaloupe),
is
a tender,
days,
creamy
Honey Brew
sweet
Most popular
flesh (a
few
7 to 8
pounds; thick,
juicy,
flesh);
Morning Dew
powdery
light net-
have green
name
ripe fruit.
sweet
flesh);
Morning
"Cantaloupe"
the
name
muskmelons
The
and
Crenshaw (90
days);
Honeyshaw
(85 days,
salmon
known
in the
pink
flesh, delicious);
days; casaba
United
States.
(all
Cucumis melo
sometimes referred to
is
as "winter
When
to Plant
directly seeded or started as
soil are
a Chinese vegetable.)
Muskmelons may be
transplants.
soil
If
not
warm and
danger of
the
muskmelons. They
have
smooth rind
ripe,
surface,
do
when
and
lack as distinc-
soil
has
warmed and
dried. (See
earliest varieties
may not
ripen
the maps, page 26.) Gardeners in northern climates or other short-season areas
fully in the
tier
of states.
who want
early production
may
Varieties
All varieties are
for transplants 3 to 4
OP
(for
open-pollinated).
you
MAJOR VEGETABLES
67
quality depends
upon the
texture of the
on the
vines.
ripe,
the
separates
("half-
Do
Do
become too
not be as high
or stunting
media
stored in the developing melons
up
to the
moment
the
seedlings.
system).
and
Space rows at
and softening
fruit.
Care
Fertile soils usually
after
grow
a fine crop of
muskmelons
"slip" at maturity.
(become
for a
soft
and mellow)
kept at
room temperature
ripe,
when
few days.
is
When
the blos-
Muskmelons
benefit especially
som end
Common
Problems
bacterial wilt
plastic, espe-
mulch can be
by feeding
installed
when
When
and
leaf diseases
such as
Make
alternaria blight.
through the
Use
page 20) to
Questions
and Answers
Q. Why do the first blossoms drop off my muskmelon plants? A. The first flowers to appear on the vines are male,
need not be
naturally.
The female
flowers,
which open
later,
removed
fruit.
weather threatens.
develops.
Muskmelons
(too
suffer
from extremes in
soil
moisture
is
Q.
A.
What
The
fruit set
much
rain or
an extended drought).
Irrigation
failure of
recommended
when
the
result
wet weather
and the
fruits are
developing. Trickle
and planting
when
high,
A.
How can grow muskmelons in a small garden? Muskmelon plants can be trained to a fence or trellis. Soon
I
period,
when temperatures are warm but not excessively and when the weather is comparatively dry at the
be supported with
weight
time of maturity.
structures, or their
68
MAJOR VEGETABLES
Q.
A.
Do muskmelons
melons cross-pollinate
Cross-pollination
readily,
not
following year.
Q. What causes poor flavor and lack of sweetness or fruits with smooth rinds? A. Poor soil fertility (especially low potassium), cool temperatures, wet or cloudy weather, choosing a
poorly adapted
variety, loss
Care
Mustard should grow rapidly and without stopping.
Give ample
periods.
fertility,
Harvesting
Harvest the leaves
when
Do
tire
not use wilted or yellowed leaves. You can cut the enplant or pick individual leaves as they grow.
The
leaf
texture
flavor strong in
summer.
known
as
leaf
mustard, and
Common
Aphids
Problems
page 40) and cabbage
white mustard),
(see
worms
(page
62).
Deep South,
it is
Questions
Q.
and Answers
and northern
causes flowers to develop in my spring musMustard is a cool-season vegetable that naturally flowers during the long, warm days of summer. Pull and compost (or chop and work the spring planting back into the soil) when hot weather arrives and, preferably, before flower stalks
What
A.
tard?
Varieties
Florida Broadleaf (45 days to harvest, large leaves,
develop.
slow to
leaves);
bolt);
frilled,
green
What causes mustard leaves to have yellow blotches and be misshapen? A. This condition is caused by downy
Q.
mildew.
It
fungicide.
leaves;
good
in
warm
fall);
best in
curly,
crumpled
leaves;
mild
flavor);
When
date)
to Plant
Okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (also
later.
(See the
maps, page
26.)
Plant from
midsummer on
known
as
gumbo),
is
a tall-growing, warm-season,
as hollyhock, rose
mature under
most
locations.
and
hibiscus.
table.
The
hibiscuslike flowers
in height)
(3 to 6
to
/2
feet or
more
for back-
yard gardens.
MAJOR VEGETABLES
69
Questions
and Answers
fe
Seed
(2X)
Seedling
Q. Should remove the old okra pods? A. Yes. Maturing, older, tough pods sap strength that could go to keeping the
I
plant producing
new pods
daily.
Why doesn't my seed germinate even after soaking? Okra seed does not keep well. Buy fresh seed each season, or save seed of nonhybrid varieties yourself by allowing a few pods
on your best plants
begin to
split
Varieties
to mature.
When
the pods turn brown and them and shell the seeds
for several days, then store
cool,
dry place
next season.
smooth
Q. My okra plants grew over 6 feet tall, and the pods were difficult to pick. What should do? A. Choose one of the new dwarf or basal-branching varieties, such as Annie OakI
pods);
Clemson
AAS
something novel,
ner,
new
ley,
that
grow only 2 /2
]
to
feet
tall.
may deserve
Q.
When
soils,
to Plant
What causes yellowing, wilting, and death of plants in midsummer? A. These conditions are caused by either verticilHum or fusarium wilt. Okra varieties, unlike certain tomato variare not resistant to verticillium
eties,
and fusarium
wilt.
Rotate
has
warmed
in the spring,
in
your garden.
at
your
area. (See
inch deep in
hills
12 to 24 inches apart.
thin
all
When
tall,
wrapped
to accelerate germination.
Onion, Allium
cepa,
is
a cool-
Care
Okra usually grows well
in
soil.
Shal-
may be
method,
tilled in
grown from
sets,
Harvesting
The pods should be picked
are tender
varieties).
Good
fertility,
adequate
and immature
(2 to 3 inches
every
irritate
Onions
start
bulb formation
when
is
may
and
most
common varieties
(for
fall
into
one of two
the plant.
When
the stem
is
difficult to cut,
long-day
pod
is
southern
onion
varieties
that are
grown
them. Four
families
enough okra
for
most
bulbing alto-
unless
you wish
to can or freeze
some
90
MAJOR VEGETABLES
High temperatures and low humidity are advantageous during bulbing and curing. Onions have shallow
roots
"bolt"
stalks.
The small
sets (smaller
for
grasses.
Timely
when
sets to flower.
flat
produce
onions; elongated or
french
and
pickled.
They
sets
in combination with
vegetables
and meats.
method
for the
home
gardener.
The plants
becomes
strong.
Onion
sets
may be
bulbs,
though production of
requires
sets.
Allow 12 to
really
methods described
sets are
ment
Varieties
Several varieties are used for
varieties are
little
is
ing plants.
onion
sets. All
of these
home
gardener has
Care
Keep
free
sets are
varietal
name, merely by
sometimes
soil
toward the
tall.
Do
sets early
growth
may cause
dark environment
Harvesting
Pull green
tall.
onions anytime
sets
may
and increasing
cooking
when
they are too strong to eat raw. Though leaves are traditionally discarded,
all
parts
edible.
Remove any
for
when
Round
set
Flat
onion
fallen over.
fall
do not keep
as well in storage.
Pull the
bulbs to
air
On
a
sunny
this
may sun-
burn.
On days when
is likely,
remove onions to
Round onion
Green onion
(3-4 inches wide)
place
on
MAJOR VEGETABLES
91
bunches. Tops
hanging. Full
for
may be
2 to 3 weeks
is
necessary
on the
bulbs, as they
enhance
size),
or
the keeping
ability. It is best
drying, as this
may
as a green onion.
After the bulbs dry, cut the tops iy2 to 2 inches long
(at
directions in beds.
over),
and apply
cup
good
air circula-
Do
cut, or
Care
Weeds and
nutrients
grass
under
for
onions
larly
may
keep until
late winter,
Remove
izer (see
all
by
diligent
and repeated
fertil-
page 20)
may be
necessary.
the
method
most
Harvesting
The
July,
earlier varieties are usually
later varieties
shown
ready to harvest in
with
When
from garden
stores
may be
and dried
(see "Harvesting,"
variety,
poorer keepers.
for best
performance in
traditionally, the
may perform
acceptably
North
if
is
required
may not
development from
offer Yellow
and
and the
from the
varieties),
Yellow and
a red variety
The
varieties),
and
from 5 or 6
varieties
may or may
not be
named
may be
may
ground
is
fall
and then
may
to overwinter
and mature
method
(really a
and Texas
in Hawaii.
Another method
popular
is
become more
and may be
as
starting
onions in
bedding plants,
much
can judge
this cost
is
new variety.
early,
start
more
92
MAJOR VEGETABLES
March or
April,
Indoors, seed
flats,
may be sown
cell
fairly thickly in
cell in a cell
small
weather. This
or
pack. In the
is
cells,
once germination
leaves, as
soon
as the soil
can
grown
far
own onion
when
replanted in their
own
row.
good crop
if
varieties are
matched
Care
Especially with onions that are direct-seeded, grasses
When
the seed-
Dry Onions
tall,
thin to y2 to
inch between
most
varieties of dry
between plants
for
draw
much
as
inch of loose
tall.
soil
Dry Onions
Red Globe.
(red, long-day):
Do
it
not pull
up
to the
bulb decay
(yellow, short-day):
later in storage.
Dry Onions
Grano
Granex hybrids,
"Vidalia" (really a
a "Vidalia"
is
3
and
Harvesting
Harvest green onions whenever the base of the plant
/s
Granex hybrid
Vidalia, Georgia).
inch or
larger.
Dry bulbs
Sets,"
page
90).
When
stored under
(scallions): Beltsville
until spring.
Common
Problems
latitude, root
maggots may
root
suggested
planting
if
mag-
inch deep
(10 to 15 seeds per foot). Allow 12 to 18 inches between rows. Plant as soon as the garden can be tilled in the
spring. This allows the plants to be as big as possible
Questions
Q.
I
and Answers
my onions in late summer, and they began Why? A. Onions may rot at either the base or
may be caused by soilborne
and
handling, but
it is
harvested
fall.
when they
form bulbs.
to rot by
fungi or
carelessness in harvesting
usually caused
by damage from root maggots (see page 40). If onion bulbs rot at the neck, either they have been cured insufficiently before storage or the leaves have been severely infected by fungi during
the growing season. Onions that were "hilled" or covered with
soil
Many of
them from
MAJOR VEGETABLES
93
Q.
A.
They
result,
Q.
My
parents
braided?
a
dry,
A.
Onions are
braided for curing and storage. After the tops are air dried, they
and
sheltered location
with
good
may be
Q. My grandparents grew winter onions. Can grow these? A. Yes. Hardy through most of the country, winter onions (egyptian or walking onions) are planted from sets
I
in
soups,
and
stews;
may be divided in
in
early spring
(March or April)
side or
dipped into a
vegetable.
light batter
and served
as a french-fried
and transplanted
the
same manner
be sure
bed at the
parsley.
The moss-
end of your garden because these onions are perennials. Sets are available from a limited number of seed houses and can
usually be obtained from other gardeners in the area.
and
is
frequently used as
Q. How do grow multiplier onions? A. Multiplier onions (sometimes referred to as "potato onions") are planted and
I
on
restaurant
are
Ital-
plates
and
seldom
eaten,
handled
in exactly
the
same manner as
like
shallots (see
page
142).
Good
cooks, especially
difficult to
obtain,
know
its
to stock these
neapolitanum,
root
where the
If
real flavor
is,
both
and
leaves.
an
attractive
It
edging
or garnish
is
may be
parsley
desirable to
The
plant
is
prized for
may be grown
and other
var. tuberosum,
which
63),
is
is
grown
in the
same manner
as carrots (see
page
and added
to soups
and
stews.
is
can be stored
like
Parsley
is
a green leafy
a sweet,
herb that
is
is
grown
as
an annual but
is
really a biennial.
It
other vegetables. the most widely grown herb for garnishing and flavoring. Rarely, parsley seed
may be
used in cooking. To
little
Krausa,
Giant
ian.
Italian, Italian
Ital-
blend
flavors, parsley
may be
basil,
summer
Sugar.
savory,
and
a small
amount
of sage.
The combination
acts as a
flavor.
unit, rather
Parsley
is
94
MAJOR VEGETABLES
ley leaves,
wash them,
jar in
drip dry,
and place
in a plastic bag
or
widemouthed
may be
You
4-
to 6-inch pots,
and continue
to
grow them
in the
house
The
and ample
light.
When
to Plant
spring.
If
they are
the leaves
become tough
seedstalks.
and strong
Parsley
is
in flavor,
frames or
ley
is is
window
hardy,
soon
as the soil
results,
you
are
growing a choice
warm
most consistent
some
of these seedstalks
If
may be may
start
page
Parsley transintact.
moved
one
short-lived,
and
fresh seed
is
new
seed should be
year. Plant
no more than U inch deep. Seeds germinate relatively slowly, so be patient and do not overwater. Because parsley seeds are slow to germinate, they
is
as a full-season
for
its
white
its
carrot.
is
directions in a bed.
because
flavor
not
2 to
Harvesting
Parsley
is
4 weeks in the
fall
and
early winter.
The
starch in the
by
Whole
plants can be
admired by
many
if
the plant
is
allowed to
varieties will
Most
Varieties
All
green leaves
ing season.
may be
and
American;
(high sugar;
Once
Harris Model;
and
cut regularly
Hollow Crown.
many gardenOnce
dried,
fall.
When
that
is
to Plant
and stored
do not
lose their
May
very short-
lived,
each spring.
When
the
summer supply
(see
is
may
MAJOR VEGETABLES
95
tilling
pound
1
pound
each).
Common
Low
Problems
is
soil fertility
common
problem. However, in
well-maintained garden
soils
fertilizer, this
be a problem.
If
the prob-
is
June
(see
will
good
be grown, avoid
matter,
fertilizing
slow to germi-
diseases.
the furrow to
Once parsnip
radishes
up and growing,
pull the
to 2 to 4 inches apart.
Care
Keep young parsnip plants
hoeing or cultivation. Watch
caterpillars,
free of
weeds by shallow
for swallowtail-butterfly
carrot
family.
Handpicking the
week
in periods of
summer.
Pea,
Pisum sativum
var.
Harvesting
Parsnips should remain in the ground until the tops
freeze in late
fall.
sativum,
is
wher-
types
may
reach
down
may be
classified as
garden peas
peas).
and
carefully, trying to
to safely undercut
varieties
seeds.
and
as
stored, or they
needed.
may be harvested may be left in the garden to be used Gardeners who do not have storage facilities
so that they can be
The smooth-seeded
varieties
varieties.
The wrinkled-seeded
for
often
dug
home
to
use.
more often
beans and
make
split-pea soup.
and
quality.
Once growth
really gets
under
Snow
flat,
tender pods
desired.
Like beets
and
may be
stored in out-
(cowpea)
that
(see
is
is
an
entirely different
warm-season vegetable
door vegetable
pits or
underground
cellars or
under
refrig-
manner
as
beans
page 53).
96
MAJOR VEGETABLES
Varieties
GARDEN
The following
varieties (listed in order of maturity)
Edible
podded
(3 inches long)
20 to 24 inches
25 inches,
good
smooth
seeds);
days,
22 inches, dark
resis-
tant to
days, 15 inches,
English
(4 inches long)
to fusarium,
Little
Snap pea
(3 inches long)
24 inches; pods
to fusarium race
t
later plantings. Peas
soil
24 to 30 inches, with-
When
cool,
to Plant
stands
some
duce
than
may be
45F
sticking to
temperature
till
is
at least
its
powdery mildew);
Early
and the
garden
soil is
dry enough to
without
Ann
(60 days, 16 to 20
tools.
inches, sweet);
days; 24 to
Honey
Daddy
made
in
fall
28 inches;
midsummer
days. Allow
listed
to late
summer,
to the
to
mildew); Sugar
less);
more days
than the
fall
number
days
do the
long,
SUGAR,
Pisum sativum
var.
macrocarpon
triple
pods in
and
inch apart in
II
double rows in
pairs.
powdery mildew);
Mammoth
Super
and
yield).
MAJOR VEGETABLES
97
Care
The germinating seeds and small
seedlings are easily
early
varieties
may be
shelled
and used
as
are self-supporting.
The
taller varieties
Bolero) are
when
no
the
soil,
reduce moisture
loss,
soil rots.
Some
of the snap
Do
not
stir-fry
is
too intense.
heights of 6 feet or
supports.
more
Pea pods can be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for 2 weeks. Unlike fresh green peas, pea
rate
pods deterio-
when
stored.
Harvesting
Garden
peas.
When
Common
The
first
Problems
signs of
and
when they
are fully
filled
on
well-drained
quality, espe-
sweetness
(like
aeration and
rapidly.
ture earliest.
is
made
after the
Questions
I
eties,
may be canned
snow
and Answers
or frozen.
teria
Q. Should inoculate my peas with nitrogen-fixing bacbefore planting? A. When peas are planted on new
land,
or 2 days, similarly to
peas, to get
peak
first
you
may increase
when
the pods
large.
At
less necessary. If
an estabyou are
is
pods snap
like
doubt, inoculation
is
pod can be
Sugar snaps
eaten.
Some
have
to develop
tough
fiber in the
and used
as other
and snow
as
taller
long as
Snow peas.
when
quite
These
grown
full
Pepper, Capsicum
annuum
still
(also
known
as
mango),
is
a tender,
all
warm-season
peppers are also
This stage
is
flowering.
Snow
known
as "chiles,"
annuum,
C. chinense,
and
C. frutescens)
more
usually are
be
stir-fried,
95
MAJOR VEGETABLES
Variety
Color progression,
comments
Days to maturity
Boy
green to red
70
Camelot
Cardinal
green to red
green to red
67
70
green to red green to red green to red green to red green to yellow
67
70
72
Lady
Bell
North Star
66
72
72 72 76
71
Canary
Klondike
Bell
Marengo
Orobelle
Dove
Gold Finch
Ivory
72
70
Corona
green to orange green to orange green to orange green to orange green to orange
66
76
74
75
Orange Grande
Oriole
Peppourri Orange
Valencia
72 73 72 74
75
Blue Jay
Islander
Lilac
immature purple (lavender) to red immature purple (lavender) to red immature purple (lavender) to red
Lilac
Peppourri
Blackbird
immature purple (lavender) to red immature purple immature purple immature purple
(black) to red
(black) to red (black) to red
73
Purple Belle
Secret
70 70
75
Chocolate
Bell
Hybrid elongated
Clovis
Elisa
bell
peppers:
green to red
green to red
68
72
72
Marquis
Ori
green to red
green to yellow
70
Pimento peppers:
Super Red
Sweetheart
Yellow Cheese
70
75
73
65 65
Gypsy
Key Largo
66
70
Sweet Banana
MAJOR VEGETABLES
99
variety
Comments
Days to maturity
Hot peppers:
Anaheim
Cayenne,
large, thick
78
70
73
small,
round
75 75
Cold Spike
extremely hot!
85-90
70
Wax
Hybrid
mild
80
70
Mexi
Red
Belle
Chili
84
Serrano Chile
75-80
75
mild mild
65-70
(to green harvest) 57
Zippy Hybrid
slowly,
and
are
cayenne,
for food,
spices, or as
Bell
ornamentals.
varieties of peppers, especially the bells,
far
The sweet
(4-5 inches)
Elongated
bell
traditionally
have been by
(6-8 inches)
United
States.
They
and
are used
and
pickling.
New
ties
Hot pepper
varie-
creatively.
Many
at the
pepper types
listed in
(5-8 inches)
Many people do
not
realize that
6
Spike
in
much
of this
and transplanted
Do
not confuse
Cherry
(172 inches)
(4-5 inches)
not
related,
his arrival
in the Western
in the
language.
When
to Plant
late
and
air
have warmed
in the spring.
The
plants can-
100
MAJOR VEGETABLES
not tolerate
frost
in cold,
wet
soil.
To dry
When
plants
grow
may
before frost
and hung
in
an outbuilding or basement
flowers drop
floating
peppers to
warm and
when handling hot varieties, because skin, noses, and eyes may become painfully irritated. Plastic or rubber gloves may be helpful when picking or handling hot peppers.
to dry. Always exercise caution
when
cool weather
may persist.
Earlier,
more uniform
Common
Spacing of Plants
Set transplants 18 to 24 inches apart in the row, or
Grow
resis-
14 to 18 inches apart in
plants, including
all
directions in beds.
possible.
(see
Watch
branch
sticky
If
for
accumulation of aphids
page 40) on
many colors,
flavors,
and types
available,
When
is
present,
leaves
and
fruit.
Bacterial diseases
may be
on purchased
Care
Peppers thrive in a well-drained,
fertile soil
that
is
well
any
leaf spotting or
stem cankers.
fertilizer
when
trans-
fertilizer (side-
Questions
Q.
fruits?
and Answers
flush of peppers
is
is set.
Because a
Why do my
essential
pepper plants grow large but not develop They are dark green and do not appear to be disA. Several
irrigate
eased.
fruit set
of
soil
may prevent
fruit set.
The most
with
winds and
common problems later in the season are hot, dry warm nights (above 70F). Periods of extreme heat, or without wind, may prevent fruit set, especially in some
Although
overfertilization, especially with nitrogen,
is
is
varieties.
luxuriant,
fruit
when
developing
er
fruit
appearance because
go
into producing
damage
is
done
the
bell
leaves
and stems
instead of fruit.
pepper
flavor
fruits
may be
left
on the plant
What causes small, dry, sunken black areas near the ends of the peppers? A. This condition is blossom-end rot, a condition more commonly associated with tomato. It is caused
Q.
and ripen
brown; or
(in-
they
may be
Some
by drought, uneven water availability, or pruning roots through improper cultivation. Blossom-end rot is more severe on some
varieties of peppers
and purple)
are colors
fruits
and
immature
fruit
help to prevent
when
caused by a calcium
Hot peppers
stage;
seldom
The problem
is
one of calcium
soil.
are also
required for
some
recipes.
Some
dishes
may
actually call
flavor varies
more from
was
previ-
ously appreciated.
MAJOR VEGETABLES
101
Green Mountain
noted
for
its
is
great taste.
it
Due
all
to a fairly high
number
of
misshapen
tubers,
has
Mountain
is
worth the
is
Yukon Gold
Potato, Solarium tuberosum,
is
new wave
of
in
yellow-fleshed varieties
now
available.
Long popular
wheat and
rice as
more moist
flesh,
human
referred to as
Yukon Gold
tive tubers
is
Many
some
this
now
feature
temper-
atures
between 60 and
the
soil
The tubers
fail
to
form
market potatoes
suits
you,
when
When
to Plant
tier of
Potatoes are
among
maximal
yield
and
quality.
may
be planted in
March
Varieties
There are more than 100 varieties of potatoes. Whiteskinned (actually very light brown) and red-skinned
eties
damp, cold
soils
makes
more
March
frosts.
also
vari-
may be
Plants
common
in
home
are also
gardens.
Some
russets
commer-
when
soils
may do
the
as well as
produced
in the
United
is
States,
extremely
er over
too
warm and
late varieties
may be
planted as
late as
first
of July.
smooth tubers
use anyway.
and good
yields.
taste, texture,
home
The following
conditions.
If
adapted to a variety of
possible, use
from true
seed.
may be
1
l
small whole
k- to 2-ounce
good
size, attractive,
soon
after cutting.
Be sure that
smooth);
Irish
Cobbler
(light
brown
there
is
at least
Some
larly shaped);
Norgold Russet
and Superior
(light
brown
skin; often
irregularly shaped).
Red
Pontiac (red skin, deep eyes); and Viking (red skin, very
productive).
Late: Katahdin (light
brown
skin;
smooth;
resistant to
some
(light
and Kennebec
viruses, late
brown
skin,
smooth;
resistant to
some
blight).
102
MAJOR VEGETABLES
sell
to 2 inches in
size,
to
weigh
less
may
home
gardeners.
dug
in
August or early
and cover
in a
winter in a dark
room
at a
40F with high humidity (see pages 167 and 168). Check
periodically for spoilage. Temperatures
internal
damage
to the tubers.
Care
The
soil
should be
fertile
soils
"Straw Potatoes"
Potatoes
grown by
a special cultural
method
in that
The seed
pieces
production.
Mulching
down
weeds,
soil (see
page
35).
Some
gardeners cover
if
decom-
page 36) to
the
soil
warm
the
soil
is
and promote
early
growth
lie
on
when
temperature
low.
When the
plants
addition to
weed
tem-
perature
water
loss,
gradually build
up
soil
by cultivation
be-
usually
more rewarding
is
which may
come 4
to 6 inches high
ment.
tion in exhibits
method
shape,
size, color,
and
and smoothness.
Use extreme
when hoeing
easily cut
and
ruined.
Irrigate to assure
A uniform
moisture supply
by secondary growth.
Common
Harvesting
Harvest potatoes after the vines have died. Handle as
gently as possible during harvest. Because the rubers
Problems
brown
The
first
spots
and yellowing
if
The
entire plant
soil surface, a
shovel
becomes infected
blight
is
the disease
is
best controlled
summer ("new"
potatoes)
when
may be dug
When
6 to 8 inches
tall.
MAJOR VEGETABLES
103
(indicated
by scabby, rough
is
not develop
Plant resistant
5.6 or lower.
Colorado potato
and leafhop-
umpkin
Pumpkin
(Cucurbita pepo, C.
a
Questions
I
and Answers
maxima,
C. moschata,
and
C. mixta)
is
warm-season
of the
at
Q. Should save some of my potatoes for seed? A. No, unless you are saving seed of an heirloom variety not commercially available. Saving your own seed potatoes can lead to a
buildup of viruses
United
States. Besides
and
diseases.
free
potatoes
certified to
be
potato plants flowered and formed green fruits that resemble small tomatoes. What are they? A. These small seed balls are the fruits that contain the true seeds. They are not edible. Except for breeding purposes, growing potato
Q.
plants from the true seeds in these
fruits is
My
and
fried as a delicacy.
The
immature pumpkin
prepared
like a
fruit (before
may be
summer
may be
The
either
a troublesome and
as a buttered
unrewarding
exercise.
and
fried.
Q.
causes green skin on my potatoes? A. The green areas on tubers develop where the potato was exposed to the sun. This condition occurs when the potatoes were not planted
What
immature pumpkin
is
strips
and
Varieties
Small Cucurbita pepo pumpkins are grown primarily
Q.
How should
potatoes that are cut into seed pieces be They can be cured by holding them for a week at
higher). This
for
fall
is
home gardener.
They vary
in size
from
less
than
Q. Can make chips from homegrown potatoes? A. Yes. Almost any potato variety can be used to make chips when the
potatoes are freshly dug
chips are
produce more
made from
plant energy to
carefully handled,
to preserve starch
and
Intermediate and large C. pepo varieties are used
primarily for jack-o'-lanterns, for stock feed, and very
rarely for cooking. Recent variety
made
low temperatures
Q.
in
Can
use grocery store potatoes for planting? A Probmay have been treated with a sprout retardant,
will
developments have
pumpkins so
that
if
much
fewer
rounder,
flat sides.
more
produced with
and
is
While
may be acceptable,
up more
the
risk
of introducing a
much
per plant.
are
seed potatoes.
and they
pumpkins
"pumpkin"
pies.
look more
like buff-colored
104
MAJOR VEGETABLES
Triple Treat
(naked-seeded)
Connecticut
Field
Sugar
Pie
(7 inches long)
(8 inches long)
their C. pepo cousin's picture graces the can; but the true,
pumpkin
pies
comes from
and
at least
one
Because the
Jumbo
C.
tion.
or
by
maxima have
begun
to attract
much
attenfor
While these
varieties
fairs,
much more vulnerable to soil insects or to rotting in damp soil. Soil should be thoroughly warm and reasonably well dried to get these types to germinate acceptably
exhibits at county
at
annual weigh-offs
now
take place
numerous
and through-
and
may be
medium
is
every-
The
better
and
larger the
pumpkin your
seed
when
better your
chance of producing a
whopper
giants
some
on
and
a reliable source,
and
try
your
They
hand
have
at
Where
space
maxima but
is
limited, they
may be
trained
on
a fence or other
habit
pale
and
size of
regarded as ideal by
some pumpkin
painters. Flesh
though almost
as durable. Produc-
tion
is
fruit
per plant.
The following
pumpkins
and
Cushaws
at the
The bush
in
Golden Cushaw,
solid flesh,
are C. moschata.
grown
preferred
by some people
The
large size
and
STANDARD ORANGE
Baby Bear
(C pepo)
Baby Pam;
typically
species.
Oz
smooth
skin,
heavy stem,
England
Pie
immature yellow
color); Small
Sugar or
New
common varieties.
come from
with-
MAJOR VEGETABLES
105
unique netted
skin).
Autumn Gold
(hybrid, yellow
when
immature);
Funny Face
(hybrid); Harvest
Moon
and
Young's Beauty.
Large: All 15 to 25 pounds, 100 to 110 days to
harvest:
large);
When
to Plant
is
Big
Autumn
when immature);
Big
Tom
Pumpkin
The
seeds
do not by
germinate in cold
frost.
are injured
is
Do
danger of
frost
past
and the
Happy Jack
(uniform,
soil
Howden
ween from
they
May
20
years);
extremely southern
early,
pumpkins
rot before
compact vine
heavy,
habit);
Jumpin' Jack
dark orange,
may
soften
and
Halloween.
tall fruit);
and Pankow's
large,
a C.
maxima type
deep
red-
Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting Vining pumpkins require a minimum of 50 to 100
square feet per
seeds per
hill).
hill.
It
Plant seeds
feet
pumpkin and
sometimes sold
Allow 5 to 6
feet apart.
between
spaced in
pumpkin.
rows 10 to 15
SPECIALTY
Processing: All C. moschata, tan skin color, widely
and thin
to the best
hill.
Allow 4
feet
between
hills
and 8
1
feet
between rows.
and
Kentucky
Rows should be 6
to 8
Jumbo:
giants
All C.
much
Max; Big
2 feet
their
1
first
true leaves.
(1
come from
size,
inch deep
(hybrid;
most
Allow 4 to
most dependable).
White Painting:
C.
Casper, Lumina,
and Snowball
(all
Care
Pumpkin
plants should be kept free from weeds by
Irrigate (see
maxima); and
Little
Boo
(C. pepo).
Cushaw
Cushaw
pages 37 and
Cushaw
(all
C. mixta);
and Golden
Pumpkins
weather
Naked-Seeded:
pretty well.
Bees,
which
and
pumpkins,
may be
by
insecticides.
When
insecti-
noon
or early evening
when
(taller,
no longer
As
darker orange);
fruit); fruit).
Munchkin
new
safe
and Sweetie
medium orange
sprays.
106
MAJOR VEGETABLES
Harvesting
Pumpkins can be harvested whenever they
solid color (orange for
are a deep,
is
most
varieties)
hard.
If
How can grow pumpkins that weigh more than 100 pounds? A. Use one of the jumbo varieties. Plant in early June, and allow 150 square feet per hill. Thin to the best one or two plants. High fertility, proper insect control, and shallow cultivation are essential. Remove the first two or three female flowers after the plants start to bloom so that the plants grow larger
Q.
I
with
develop,
and
them
in a moderately
more leaf surface before setting fruit. Allow a single fruit to and pick off all female flowers that develop after this
Do
down
at
until Halloween.
carefully,
developing
because these
varieties de-
and so large that they may actually break from expand on a vine anchored to the ground.
pies with a green-striped,
still
many broken
fruit
or missing "handles."
well.
Q.
My grandmother made
Is
is
Wear
long-necked pumpkin.
The variety
texture,
this variety
available? A.
it
Yes.
when
harvesting
because
has a unique
some cooks
for custards
and pies.
Q. Will pumpkins, squash, and gourds cross-pollinate and produce freak fruit if interplant several kinds in
I
my
garden?
A.
name
is
in
varieties within
may be referred to
as pumpkins,
Common
Problems
causes a white,
Powdery mildew
can
powdery mold
growth
species
Field
do
Howden's
leaves. This
members
of the
same
fruit.
powdery mildew
ripened.
grown and
(see
current season's
fruits
Crosses
show up
only
if
page 40)
are saved
and grown
all
pumpkin could
be grown
in
Cushaw pumpkin, and Big Max the same area without crossing
different species.
in
Because
cide.
Be
suburban
summer,
fruits,
many gardens
fruits
must be
vari-
mar-
desired.
is
less likely to
keep properly.
Q.
What
all in
what you
the difference a pumpkin and a squash? call it. Varieties of each of the four species
popularly called "pumpkins, "
"
A.
It is
dis-
cussed
and
var-
Questions
and Answers
ieties
more by
tradition
than by
is
Q. The first flowers that appeared on my pumpkin plants did not form fruits. Why not? A. This condition is natural for
cucurbits (such as cucumber, gourd,
system. In
a pumpkin. Two
variety called
same
species, C.
maxima, hold
muskmelon, pumpkin,
flowers are almost always
attracts bees
vines.
is
squash,
squash
is
gray to green,
first
them
and
By the time
well estab-
the
first
lished
and
is
flowers
by the
bees.
Male
flowers
bloom
one
may predominate
pumpkin is pinkish to orange. Shape may vary slightly, but these two freely interpollinate and are botanically pretty much indentical. Unless you are dealing with specific rules or regulations at a show, you can pretty much interchange the words squash and pumpkin, though you can expect a fight with purists, no matter what you do.
The table on pages 113 and
eties of pumpkins,
1
under certain
14 shows
many common
vari-
them. There
flower stems.
and gourds belonging to the botanical species ofC. pepo, C. maxima, C. moschata, and C. mixta. This table is meant to classify many of the diverse varieties of these four species. Not all varieties listed in the table are recommended in this book.
squashes,
MAJOR VEGETABLES
107
*fr
Radish, Raphanus
sativiis, is
Garden
Garden
(172 inches)
Icicle
grown wherever
there
is
V
Winter
(8-9 inches)
(3-6 inches)
usually
grow
some later-maturing
use.
ter
can be planted
for
summer
bet-
The
up and grows
if
water
is
sup-
commence
to late
in late
fall.
summer, to mature
in the cooler,
more
moist days of
summer, much
They
are slower to
Seed
(6X)
Seedling
remain
and
Varieties
Spring: Burpee White (25 days to harvest; round;
later for
smooth white
red);
skin);
Champion
red,
window
box, or con-
Cherry Queen
house or on the
mix
recommended
summer
the same
harvest.
much
longer time to
at
medium
tops; resis-
Plum
midsummer
to late
summer).
and
Snow
smooth).
For Spring or
Summer Use:
tip)
seed
% to
'/
and
Winter
(for storage):
days, white);
for
On
beds,
square-shouldered,
Black Spanish
radishes
may be
Round
2 to 3 inches apart in
directions.
and Tama
Care
Radishes grow well in almost any
well,
is
soil
that
is
prepared
When
soil
to Plant
ture maintained.
in taste
and woody
for
approaching maturity.
106
MAJOR VEGETABLES
Harvest should
size
commence
as
soon
ness, or seedstalks
Harvesting
Pull radishes
when
size (usually
starting
when
relatively
known
as pie plant),
is
and avoids
disap-
Although considered
fruit in pies, tarts,
a vegetable,
rhubarb
is
used as a
Winter
varieties
and
same
location,
it
should
it
be planted
will
soil
at
fall fall
prepare the
each
year.
enough rhubarb
and
still
maintain excellent
quality.
Winter radishes
Varieties
Red
Petioles (leafstalks):
Canada Red
(long, thick
Cherry Red
and
out);
Common
Problems
(see
Crimson Red
(tall,
plump
petioles);
MacDonald
(tender
Root maggots
page 40)
may runnel
into radishes.
common
inches,
good
flavor).
Apply a suggested
soil insecticide
Green
ing
if
been
a problem.
When
Questions
Q.
to Plant
and Answers
my
radishes to crack
What
A
causes
and
split? A.
The
plants are
still
is
not recom-
mended
also
try because
roots to burst
and
split.
Try to avoid
uneven moisture
Q.
availability.
do not come
true to color
and
tops with no root develseed planted too
the
size.
opment?
thickly
There
seedstalks,
leaves,
outside of the
and plants not thinned (though some roots along row usually develop fairly well even under
in cool
moderate to
light seed
do best
weather),
and
really severe to
com-
Q.
What
causes
my
A.
The "hot-
soil.
Good garden
drainage
is
their size.
MAJOR VEGETABLES
109
stalks
manure
home
during the
late
cause
it
normally produces
pieces.
Each piece
must have
leaf size,
lish a
to freeze
many gardeners divide the old plants and estabnew planting after at least 5 years of full harvest.
Dig the roots of the most vigorous, healthy
on the
roots to prevent
from subzero
thoroughly
chilled (about 45 to
50
days), take
them indoors
as a cellar or
plants to establish a
new bed
planting
is
to be discarded.
them
moist.
The
ideal temperature
is
55
when
tall,
Care
Cultivate shallowly as often as necessary to
remove
bright pink.
1
is
about
fertilizer
before growth
tea or
month.
It is
manure
(see
other high-nitrogen
fertilizer in late
sites,
June
page 20).
moderate
soil
during
or
An
application of
manure
comcover
beneficial in late
fall
or early winter.
Do not
the crowns.
Common
Rhubarb
the
first
Problems
curculio, a snout beetle, bores into the
It
year of plantstalks,
Newly
set plants
need
also attacks
all
may be
harvested for
for 8 to
or 2
(a
prevalent in
many
areas of the
year,
and
10 weeks
only
when
after
from the
plant,
and trim
The
leaf
Questions
Q.
and Answers
damaged my
rhubarb. Can
I
safely
producing
leaves
If
well,
No. The
leafstalks will
be of poor texture
the leaf
and
from a plant
flavor,
and
oxalic acid
blades.
seedstalks
soon
as
Why do my rhubarb plants send up seedstalks and produce small leaves and leafstalks? The petioles are not as large as they have been in previous years. A. These conQ.
ditions
named varieties usually have been selected to produce many fewer seedstalks than cheaper, seed-produced
plants.
may result
soil fertility.
The
(maximum
are highest
and tenderness)
have
in early spring.
They should be
if
crisp
and
and quality
full size are
petioles that
just
reached
high-quality planting.
110
MAJOR VEGETABLES
Salsify,
Tragopogon
porrifolius,
and Black
cooked
foliage
Salsify,
known
as
Care
Salsify
shal-
low cultivation
It is
free
and withstands
well established.
and
scor-
Harvesting
The
flavor of salsify
is
and scorzonera,
hard
like that of
parsnip,
improved
after several
frosts in
the
fall
may be
April.
Top
tender
may be
To
cut
and used
leaves
1
like asparagus.
The tapered
roots (V2 to
made
into a
chowder or cooked
as a salad vegetable.
The
roots of salsify
facilities
may mulch
the
If
allowed to grow a
up
a seedstalk
and bloom.
may be
is
reputed to be a
fly.
Varieties
Salsify:
vest;
Mammoth
days,
When
to Plant
is
It is
grown
in early
Salsify
and scorzonera
are
both grown
in
much
the
spring or late
summer days
making
it
cause
it
same way
prepared,
unus-
spinach
is
grown
it
in the
seasons in
Savoy (crinkled)
soil parti-
When
the seed-
by
rainfall.
This
If
slightly "gritty"
when chewed.
you
MAJOR VEGETA6LES
111
again in late
summer for fall and early winter harvest. summer or fall plantings in the refrigeraweeks before planting. In southern
loca-
plain-leaf
particles,
grown
in hotbeds,
many soil
and wash
tion
is
on organic
eral content,
inch
When
inch
tall,
thin to 2 to 4
is
Varieties
satisfactory
Choose the
planting.
when
may
and
method used
for
may be thinned
all
direc-
necessary.
wintering).
days; semi-savoy;
2,
downy mildew
races
and
tolerant to
resis-
fertile,
downy mildew,
fall,
fall);
Tyee
tal fertilizer is
needed.
growth
is
downy
with nitrogen
(page 20).
mildew; spring,
very savoyed;
or winter);
days;
mediumraces 1
to long-standing; tolerant to
as well as spinach blight).
Horvestina
The
large
downy mildew
and 2
plants
may be may be
smooth
enough
Late thinnings
eaten.
at or just
if
below the
soil surface.
summer
harvest).
Spinach
of best quality
Two
or three
When
The
to Plant
first
planting can be
If
made
soil
as
soon
is fall,
outer leaves
when
the
was prepared
snow cover
remaining crop
when
and germinate
112
MAJOR VEGETABLES
Common
garden, or start
leaf diseases are a
them
in
moist
Some
resistance
is
tion. Raised
which
may
Questions
Q.
and Answers
ing
on how
stalks)
causes spinach to develop flower stalks (seedbefore a crop can be harvested? A. Spinach bolts quickly to seed during the long days in late spring or summer.
What
Warm
temperatures accelerate
this
are "long standing" or slow to bolt are best adapted for spring
planting.
Q. What causes yellowing, stunting, and early death of plants? A. These conditions are caused by blight disease
Harvesting
The young, tender
leaves
and
tips of
shoots (3 to 4
(cucumber mosaic
virus).
Grow resistant
varieties.
may be
new
fall.
New Zealand
New Zealand
salads or greens.
different species
It is
Spinach
is
As
same
summer
heat and
is
used for
uninterrupted.
grown
it is
warm-season substitute
for
similar in taste
and
texture
and
tolerant to heat
large,
quash,
Varieties
This vegetable green
is
indeed native to
New Zealand,
"New Zealand
pepo and C. maxima (also
is
Summer
bita
and
it is
listed in
Spinach." There
some
named
varieties are
seldom,
ever,
ian marrow),
a tender,
When
to Plant
Because
New Zealand
The
is
marrow
is
of
commonly grown in the United States, where summer squash varieties are virtually all bush types. Summer squash differs from fall and winter
immature.
not squash in that
rind hardens
it is
and the
matures.
It
grows on bushfall
and
well-
MAJOR VEGETABLES
113
Botanical species
Cucurbita pepo
Pumpkin
Aspen
Summer squash
green elongated
Ambassador
Black Beauty
Winter squash
acorn type
All-Season
squash
Apple
Bicolor
Autumn Cold
Baby Bear Baby Pam
Big Big
Crown
Orange
Pear
of
Thorns
Nest Egg
Autumn
Boss
Classic
Field
Tom
Sweet Sugar
Connecticut
Early
Cocozelle
Swan White
Table Ace Table Gold Table King Table
Shenot
Cousa (Lebanese
zucchini)
Elite
Spoon
Frosty
Fiorentino (hybrid
cocozelle)
Queen
Tay-Belle
Moon
jack
Field
Greyzini
Halloween
Midnite
spaghetti type
Orangetti
Pasta
Tivoli
Happy
Milano
Napolini
Pale face
Howden
Jackpot
Jack-O-Lantern
(compact plant)
President
Jumpin' Jack
Senator
Pie
delicata type
Delicata
New
England
Spineless Beauty
Pankow's
Field
Viceroy
Heart of Gold
ProCold 500
Seneca Harvest
Zucchini
Honey Boat
Sugar Loaf
Moon
Spirit
green round
Garnet Globe
Sweet Dumpling
Spookie
Spooktacular
Ronde de Nice
Scallopini
Tallman
Winter Luxury
Wizard
Young's Beauty
yellow elongated
naked-seeded
Lady Godiva
Mini Jack
Blondie
Butterbar
Classic
Sugar Treat
Trick or Treat
Triple Treat
Condor
Crescent
Early Prolific
Straightneck
Eldorado
Jack-Be-Quick
Munchkin
Sweetie Pie
Medallion
Seneca
Sundance
Super Spike
Superpik
Supersett
Sunburst
114
MAJOR VEGETABLES
Botanical species
Cucurbita
Pumpkin
Atlantic Giant
Summer squash
Winter squash
All
squash
Aladdin
Turk's
maxima
Season Bush
Big Big
Max Moon
Turban
Mammoth
Mammoths
Lumina (white)
Mammoth
Rouge
Vif
Prize
Prizewinner
Honey Delight
Kindred
d'Estampes
(also called
Cinderella;
flattened, dark
Marblehead Mooregold
orange)
Snowball (white)
Sweet Meat
Cucurbita moschata
Buckskin
butternut type
Butternut
Early Butternut
Cheese
Dickinson Field
Golden Cushaw
Kentucky
Field
Hercules
Hybrid Butternut
Patriot
Palomino
Ponca
Puritan
Supreme
Ultra
Waltham
Zenith
Cucurbita mixta
Green-Striped
Cushaw
Japanese Pie
Sweet Potato
Tennessee
White Cushaw
Varieties
number
appears in
of varieties
is
on
Summer squash
and flattened
many different
fruit
is
page
far
from complete)
listing
round
of varieties.
Recommended
varieties of
summer squash
include:
(best-
known summer
if
depending on
the
stem end
is
straight or bent),
which
is
usually yellow;
and the
as zucchini, cocozelle,
and
caserta,
which
are usually
The
varietal
changed
in recent years,
expanded
new
interest,
hybridization,
and introduction of
disease resistance.
The
MAJOR VEGETABLES
115
and Goldbar
(hybrid;
Pan
when immature,
AAS
may be
harvested
like
summer
soms
Straightneck
for largest
4-6 inches
(hybrid,
creamy yellow,
may be
som
Zucchini
attached).
When
to Plant
4-6 inches
until
midsummer.
(See the
maps, page
Some gardeners have two main plantings one for early summer harvest and another for late summer and
<*?
Patty Pan
Scallopini
fall
harvest.
3-4 inches
3-4 inches
48 inches
apart.
Cover
inch deep.
When
2 to 3 inches
Black Beauty (slender, with slight ridges, dark blackgreen); Cocozelle (dark green overlaid with light green
stripes; long,
tall,
no more
very slender
fruit);
Care
Any well-drained garden soil produces excellent yields of summer squash. Certain mulches (see page 36) increase earliness
color,
medium
medium
and
(medium
Harvesting
Because they develop very rapidly after pollination,
open
plant);
flecks;
upright
spine-
summer squash
and tender
when they
plant);
less petioles).
Most elongated
varieties are
Golden Zucchini
deep gold
straightneck).
picked
when they
and
not a
when
fruit
may be
them
for
stuffing.
These larger
fruits
heavy
yields)
skin).
and Sundance
in breads
and other
items.
smooth
to
Prolific
become
large, hard,
Straightneck
fruit.
116
MAJOR VEGETABLES
skin,
Varieties
Go
or 2 days. Squash
grow
The following
varieties of
rapidly, especially in
and
produce
fruits.
Because
gardens.
when
still
some
of these varieties
and scratch
easily.
Handle with
care,
may be
The
in
listed as
pumpkins by
when
picking
summer
distinction
mainly
and
irritate
Acorn
(C. pepo):
possible.
Some
creamy smooth,
tasty flesh);
Ebony
(early; glossy
dark
when dipped
in a batter
and
flesh;
sweet
Common
borer (page
fruit;
Gold (OP-compact
bush
may also
be
harvested as
Questions
and Answers
Table
type);
and
Q. Will summer squash cross with winter squash? A. Summer squash varieties can cross with one another, with acorn
squash,
1
known
as sweet-
and with jack-o'-lantern pumpkins. (See table on pages and 1 14). Cross-pollination is not evident in the current crop, but the seed should not be sown for the following year.
13
dark green
stripes);
like Delicata,
flesh);
tan
Summer squash
very sweet
stripes,
elongated
(flattened round,
Squash,
Inter
Winter squash (Cucurbita pepo,
C.
fruit,
improved
flavor); Stripetti
taste, stores
yellow, uniform
3 to 4 pounds);
and Vegetable
fruit).
maxima,
C. moschata,
and
C. mixta), in
is
warm-season
It
Butternut
early, 1- to
(C.
grown
dif-
2-pound
winner,
early,
early,
medium
size,
high
yield);
Ponca
(extra
in the
when
matured
rind.
tough
When
of most varieties
early,
can be stored
Waltham
and
Winter squash
pies;
may
rice.
made
into
fruits);
and
it is
high
yield).
sweet potatoes, or
batter
Squash blossoms
may be dipped
(C.
maxima):
All
Season (bush;
and
fried in the
same manner
as
pumpkin blossoms
8 or more small
fruit
per plant);
MAJOR VEGETABLES
117
Butternut
9-12 inches
varieties, see
"Pumpkin" (page
103).
When
to Plant
is
Squash
The
seeds
do not by
soil
germinate in cold
frost.
is
are injured
is
Do
danger of
frost
past
and
thoroughly warmed.
Delicious
Turk's
Turban
10-12 inches
8-10 inches
Plant seeds
feet
Allow 5 to 6
between
When
the
young
best
two or three
Allow 7 to 12
1
feet
between rows.
best
hill.
Allow 8
feet
between rows.
1
inch deep
(1
6-8 inches
Cushaw
18-30 inches
of row),
5 feet
and thin
between rows.
Banana
Care
Squash plants should be kept hoeing and shallow cultivation.
free
from weeds by
page 37)
if
for fine-
Irrigate (see
pounds;
large,
fruit,
smoother
minimal care
which
and
pumpkins, are
by
insecticides.
If
insecticides are
flesh quality);
Gold Nugget
(5-inch,
bush
evening
Hubbard
skin; 8 to
Harvesting
Winter squash can be harvested whenever the
fruits
flesh; excellent
have turned
is
hard.
2 to 3 pounds); Sweet
Mama
heavy
frosts hit
your
area.
slate
gray
Fruits
118
MAJOR VEGETABLES
had
Q.
soon
as possible
Turban an edible squash? A. Yes, but it has relaand is more often grown for its ornamental value than for cooking. (See "Gourd," page 7 38, and the table on pages 1 1 3 and 7 14.)
Is
Turk's
tively
poor
flesh quality
is
between
50 and 55F (see pages 167 and 168). For prolonged storage,
do not
pile
fruits
deep.
It is
preferable,
where space
other. This
rots.
Common
vines,
They can be
batatas,
is
an infestation of
a long frost-free
roots.
cal
It is
cucumber
beetles in early
in tropi-
beetles can
and subtropical
Squash bugs
begin to
set
fruit
and
increase in
late
Commercial production
in the
United States
is
mainly in
travel in groups,
which seem to
glory,
proper insecticide
when
grow on
at the
varieties
with shorter
may be
Questions
and Answers
limiting.
Q. Can squash varieties cross-pollinate with one another or with pumpkins in the garden? A. Yes. Any variety of squash or pumpkin
table
in
Though
common
the
7
same
species
on pages
1 1
and
4). Cross-pollination
cated people.
Some
still
available,
come
Q. Does squash make as good a pie as pumpkin? A. Yes. Most people cannot tell whether pumpkin or squash is used in a
pie. This finding
is
grown
as
baskets, in planters,
and even
names pumpkin and squash. Many cooks prefer winter squash to pumpkin because they make a nonfibrous pie, much more akin to the C. moschata processing pumpkins commonly bought canned. (C. moschata Is closely related to buttion of the
The sweet
are often used
potato
is
rich in vitamin A.
It is
though
two names
ternut squash.)
interchangeably.
I
The
true
yam, Dioscorea
sp., is
an
tropics.
Q. have vine borers in my squash. Can control them with insecticides? A. No. Vine borers cannot be controlled
I
damage
Varieties
Beauregard (100 days to harvest, light purple skin,
dark orange
flesh,
the plant
some
ability to
Some
success in control of
carefully splitting
larvae.
an active infestation may be achieved by open areas being fed upon and removing the
State University);
vines,
copper
skin,
heavy
yield);
Centennial
skin, flesh;
good keeper;
resistant to
internal cork, wilt); Georgia Jet (100 days, red skin, orange
flesh,
somewhat cold
orange
MAJOR VEGETABLES
119
flesh,
good
Sumor
(ivory to very
wise
damage the
the
roots.
may be
closer
very
skin,
ple).
warm
regions);
flesh,
orange
compact bush
is
young
down
the
Commercial production
currently dominated
by
and Beauregard
in Louisiana.
fall sea-
on the
for
When
to Plant
"slips."
ground
for
warm room
possible) for 10
slips as
soon
as the soil
warms up
after
the
to allow the
period. Always
free roots.
and
bruising. In case of
To grow your
1
own
frost,
Add another
inch of
sand
when
it
soil in
Do
allow
to
soil
temperature
because they are quickly ruined. For best quality, use the
potatoes as soon as possible after they have been stored.
between 70 and
about 6
tall).
You
Common
Problems
varieties
more
are desired.
The sprouts
(slips) are
with multiple
and
Spacing of Plants
Set the plants 12 to 18 inches apart, preferably
At certain
sites,
problem by
but also
mound and
commence. Check
measures
as
needed.
Questions
Q.
and Answers
I
My
sweet potato roots are covered with black What can do to prevent this conA. This condition
is is
Care
After early cultivation (which
is
known
not necessary with
as "scurf" that
still
The
good
although they
may not
in storage.
Check
down
little
weeds.
Once the
is
Q.
Why did my
weeding
required. Irrigate
an extended drought
3 to 4 weeks before
rain,
irri-
occurs.
Do
last
hot, dry
Harvesting
Early roots
Q.
A.
Heavy
rains or too
3 to 4 weeks before
if
may be
harvest
may cause
the roots to
split,
conditions
and
carefully
remov-
a period before
late
some developing
place.
Q. Are sweet potatoes ruined if the vines were frosted before digging? A. No, but they should be harvested immediately.
time of the
in the
fall.
Use
a spading fork or
may be
stout shovel,
and be
reduced,
roots
and some
and
quality of the
120
MAJOR VEGETABLES
o
Globe
(2-4 inches wide)
Beefsteak
(6 inches wide)
Tomato, Lycopersicon
sicum,
is
lycoper-
America. For
many years,
and were
(1
8
Pear
V2 inches wide)
grown
Roma
(2 inches wide)
(1
Cherry
-1 V2 inches wide)
and
when
Some
some
tomato plant
is
a tender,
mature plants.
varieties are listed in order of maturity in the
is
grown
as
over the
Tomato
table
fall
freezes limit
122.
Most of the
varieties listed
Varieties
are
now available
in size, shape,
home
gardener.
and greenhouses
varieties are
large selection of
tomato
varieties;
best
one or two
varieties
can be extremely
Evaluate
northern
areas,
where the
cooler.
your
They have
types,
and
are
Tomato
plants
fall
into
one of two
which
Toma-
to stop
terminal
and production
Fruit size
is
characteristics of the
is
grow
taller
and
improved, as
quality.
The
tomato
late in
MAIN-CROP
Most of these main-crop
to large fruit,
tively free
varieties bear
maturing. The
real
medium-sized
have adequate
fruit
foliage cover,
and
are rela-
from
They
cages, or
quality to
modern indeterminate
varieties.
They
still
tend
on
trellises.
stakes.
As the
Many of them can be pruned and trained to name implies, they should make up the
power
in the garden,
successive plantings
to keep the harvest
may be
and
fruit
of
high quality.
MAJOR VEGETABLES
121
Variety
First-early red
Disease resistance
Days to harvest
Plant type
Weight
Comments
Sub
Arctic Plenty
45
VF 55
det.
ind. ind.
ind.
3 to
4 oz
fruit
concentrated
in
center clusters
Early
Cascade
4 oz
5 oz
Early Girl
V
VFFNTA
54 60
Quick Pick
4 oz
Medium-early red
Champion
Mountain Spring
VFNT
VF
65 65
ind.
10oz
solid,
smoth, large
det.
9oz
globe, very
smooth
Main-crop red
Celebrity
VFFNT
VF
70 70 70
det. det.
ind. ind.
10oz 10oz
large,
productive
Mountain Delight
Fantastic
9oz
12oz 10oz
12oz
Better
Boy
VFN
VF VF VF VF
72 74
75
easy-to-find plants
Mountain Pride
Floramerica
Burpee's Big Girl
det. det.
ind. ind.
smooth,
flat
globe
bright red
AAS winner,
78 79
16oz
12oz
Supersonic
crack resistant
77
over
1
lb
world record (7
extra
lb
Supersteak
VFN VFN
80
81
to 2 lb to 2 lb
meaty
Beefmaster
Yellow or orange
Mountain Gold (OP)
VF 70 72
72
det.
ind. ind. ind.
8oz
7oz
Lemon Boy
jubilee (OP)
VFN
8oz 8oz
Golden Boy
80
few seeds
Pink
Pink Girl
VF
76
ind. ind.
7oz 12oz
smooth, crack
large,
resistant
juicy,
Brandwine (OP)
80
rough, heirloom;
great taste
85
85
78
ind. ind.
8oz 8oz
6 oz
creamy white
flesh
and
skin
flesh bright
ind.
orange
skin,
orange-red
flesh; solid,
80
ind.
4 oz
lobed,
lemon
yellow,
shaped
like
pepper;
2 to 3 oz
early
Roma
type,
Roma (OP)
San Marzano (OP)
Viva
Italia
75
2oz
3oz
80
deep
and dry
VFN
80
3oz
122
MAJOR VEGETABLES
Variety
Small-fruited salad types
Super Sweet 100
Disease resistance
Days to harvest
Weight
Comments
VF
70 65 70
ind.
ind. ind.
red, cherry-sized fruit in large clusters red, sweet, crack resistant; large clusters
Sweet Million
Yellow Pear (OP)
Large Red Cherry (OP,
)
FNT
clusters of yellow,
solid,
pear-shaped
fruit
70
ind.
1
1
deep
Mountain
Belle
VF
65
det.
y4
in.
and
Dwarf
container types
Tiny Tim
45 45
55
55
fruit
Cherry Cold
Red Robin
Yellow Canary
Pixie
mild taste
fruit
Hybrid
II
52
65
2 oz
3 oz
compact dwarf
Patio Hybrid
fruit,
Small Fry
72 VF
det.
ind.
in.
red,
good
in
hanging baskets
extended harvest
68
70 72
6 oz 6 oz
dwarf
VF
VF
ind.
and
Pink;
ind.
6 oz
smooth pink
fruit
A = Alternaria;
and
2;
virus;
V=
Verticillium
EXTRA-LARGE RED
These
varieties are relatively late maturing.
PINK
The
fruits
These
varieties always
may be
rough
When
advantage of extra-large
almost never about total
novelty of huge
size.
size,
though,
yield,
some
may
still
Some
be
at
with
much more
consistent shape.
YELLOW OR ORANGE
Contrary to popular
varieties are
belief,
have experienced
a resurgence of
popu-
larity,
outlets
have competed to
offer the
red tomatoes,
and they
can or process.
they have
classifica-
They
"taste" sweeter
than red
varieties because
tion have
much
earlier
Red Paste
Paste tomatoes are usually used for
paste,
characteristics
making
catsup,
solid,
tended to be
big, sprawling,
and
late
maturing.
for
MAJOR VEGETABLES
123
some
up
of
them
are
becom-
ing trendy and popular for eating fresh. These are usually
short plant types that tend to set
a short time
at once.
some
fruits
and
usually seen as an
advantage to have
The
table
on
mended
varieties in
listed classifications.
bonus
for paste
tomatoes because
lots.
When
gets
to Plant
early,
start in
the garden
when
toma-
These
growing and
warm weather
in
and
it
productive.
They vary
in size
from
to 1V2 inches in
toes
may
be
when
there
a high risk of
damage from
freezing. (See
become
to be
tedious.
Whole
clusters
may sometimes
your
area).
Be
overnight to protect
more
though newer
them from
frost.
mulch and
plant
floating
row
minimal
risk,
when
the
soil is
Dwarf/Container
These tomatoes are popular
for use in containers,
warm, soon
For
fall
your
area.
harvest
and
late plantings
mid-
limited. Because
live
where
early diseases,
fruit
improved
colors
as well.
They have
spring plantings.
Time
maximal
red
and
Greenhouse
Gardeners interested in growing greenhouse tomatoes
should
for this
Spacing of Plants
The space required depends upon the growth pattern
of the variety that specific varieties have been developed
know
and method of
culture. Space
dwarf plants
now
routinely
list
these types,
for the
most
satisfac-
and
trellised or
apart.
Some
may need
Heirloom
particularly large
number
of heirloom
tomato
vari-
nonhybrid
varieties
produce plants
fairly identical to
the
parent plant.
Many
have resurfaced
lately
self-saved varieties.
usually large,
sprawling,
eties.
and
late
to current
commercial
If,
vari-
Disease resistance
may also be
suspect.
however,
124
'MAJOR VEGETABLES
.^m^wwi
-"**"<*
tomato row. Once
a
week, or
about every 6 inches of growth, weave another string back and forth between the stakes in the tomato row to hold the plants and developing fruit upright.
Care
Apply
20).
starter fertilizer
when
is all
Hoe
the smallest of the dwarf types. Most nate tomatoes easily grow 3 to 4 feet
modern determitall,
recommended,
and indetermifall,
gardeners
who
easily
mulching
(see
page
35).
soil
Delay application of
has
them
fruit-
steel posts to
keep the
summer
so that
growth
is
cool
soil
windstorms.
Trellis-weave systems have recently
for
Water the plants thoroughly and regularly during prolonged dry periods. Plants confined in containers
been developed
just as well in a
may
fertilizer
(ammonium
first
pound
row (equivalent
to
tablespoon
size
Make
tall
enough
to
accommodate the
sure they are
varieties,
and make
ammonium
later. If
pounds of 10-10-10
fertilizer.)
much
tions 3
and 6 weeks
the weather
dry following
Do
not
forth
between the
off the
on the
leaves.
up and
Many gardeners
trellises,
train their
tomato plants to
stakes,
is
Not
all varieties,
The
fruit is
cultural
shown
in the table
on page
125.
is
more
designs.
large
enough
and removed
MAJOR VEGETABLES
125
(left)
fruit off
when
the wire prongs at the bottom are pushed into the ground. Taller cages require a stake, post, or wire for
cucumber
plants) they
mesh permits easy harvest. Tomato plants must be tied to supporting stakes or a trellis because do not support themselves with tendrils. Loop ordinary soft twine, cord, or cloth loosely around the
them.
tie tightly
Cultural
system
Plants allowed
Variety
All varieties
Pruning
not
Mulching
highly
Advantages
high yields (15-25
Disadvantages
most space; sunburn, ground spots, and
rots
to sprawl
on
are suitable.
recommended
recommended
pounds per
least
size
plant);
ground
work; normal
and maturity
Plants tied to
Use
stake or
trellis
recommended
vining types.
highly
intermediate yields
more
fruit
cracking
rot-
recommended
and blossom-end
may
use
single-stem, double-
stem, or multiple-stem
pruning systems
Plants
grown
Most
varieties
not generally
highly
inside wire
are suitable.
recommended; some
gardeners prune early
recommended
pounds per
plant);
and handling
latest to
of cage;
cage
intermediate space;
best ripening
in
mature;
and allow
plants to
hot
size;
grow
in
naturally later
weather; normal
foliage
the season
no tying necessary
Harvesting
Tomatoes should be firm and
of highest quality
daily
fully colored.
when
is
They
are
On
the
when
killing freeze
is
expected, harvest
all
green
summer temperatures
(air
is
When
fruit that
fall.
Wrap
accelerated
They continue
ment
hot
is
weeks.
Whole
plants
may
summer
tered locations,
where
fruit
126
MAJOR VEGETABLES
Some tomato
Tomato hornworm
(2-3 inches)
varieties are
much more
Problems Tomato hornworms are large (2 to 3 inches long when fully grown), green caterpillars with white stripes
on the body. A horn protrudes from the top
the
rear
Common
Poor color and sunscald occur when high temperatures retard the
end of
development of
full
feed
on the
leaves
and
fruit,
worms on one
fruit.
whitish area
a
on the
fruit
It
ate
it
becomes
problem when
foliage has
been
lost
through
and stems,
they are
difficult to see.
Handpick
insecticides.
you
see
hornworms with
small, white
Questions
Q.
and Answers
my tomato
is
them
pupae of
parasitic
What
up?
plants to
hornworm
is
population, and
roll
a physiological
them
already
doomed.
and
and fusarium
and pruned.
It
persist in gar-
Q. What causes the flowers to drop off my tomato plants? A. During unfavorable weather (night temperatures
lower than 55 F, or day temperatures above 95
usually disappears as the weather improves.
F
are
is
with drying
hot winds), tomatoes do not set and flowers drop. The problem
Q.
What can do
I
to prevent
my tomatoes from
cracking?
Early blight
is
characterized by dead
leaves
brown
spots
A.
variety.
on the lower
Upon
close inspection,
you can
Keep
soil
most
resistant varieties to
minimize
this
problem.
severe
on the
leaves,
it
Q.
What
severe defoliation. In
some
seasons,
you
under the
my
tomatoes.
A.
may need
and high-quality
Supersonic) are
Certain varieties
(Roma and
more
Q. What causes the young leaves of my plants to become pointed and irregular in shape? noticed some twisting
I
of the leaves
first
and stems
Septoria leafspot
black spots
characterized
by numerous small
time.
A.
seem
likely
that
on the
leaves.
The
turn white, and tiny black dots appear in the white centers.
in
The
disease starts
on the bottom
leaves
and may
weed
control in your
'/>
mile or
more away
use extreme
become
can
injure
this reason,
for control.
caution
is
when
Blossom-end rot
blossom end of the
a dry, leathery
brown
in
rot of the
fruit
plantings.
is
fruit
that
is
common
some seasons
and wide
seldom
the
is
on tomatoes.
It is
The problem
is
especially
bad
help,
though
foliar
calcium sprays
may minimize
Make
designed for
result.
damage could
tomato? A. The treelike plant sold as a "tree tomato, " Cyphomandra betacea, is a different species from garden tomatoes. It is a woody tree that grows 8 feet or taller and bears after 2 years. The tree tomato is a tropical plant and does not overwinter outside anywhere the temperature drops below freezing. The fruits are small (1 to 2 inches in diameter) and are used primarily in stews or preserves rather than in salads. Some of the common, vigorous, indeterminate garden tomato varieties that are suitable for training and prunQ.
a tree
ing (such as Ponderosa) are also sold as climbing or "tree
What
Pruning causes
may
stores.
MAJOR VEGETABLES
127
known
as
swede or swede
turnip),
and
if
sown
They mature
You may wish to prune staked or caged tomato plants to stimulate early maturity. Be sure that your variety is suitable for pruning (see list of varieties). To prune the plants properly, remove the shoots (suckers) when they are 1 to 2 inches long. The shoots develop in the axil of each leaf (the angle between the leaf petiole and the stem above it). Breaking off the shoots by hand is preferable to cutting them. Bend the
shoots
in
in 2
either in
The
summer
use.
The
fall
is
which
is
and of higher
quality,
fall
crop.
The
opposite directions
until
and the
or to pinch
the growing
severely
tip (terminal) of
Remember
the
turnips. Rutabaga
most
more
you prune the foliage (for example, a single stem rather than two or more stems), the more you limit plant growth, including root development. Double-stem or
multiple-stem pruning systems sacrifice
commonly grown
in the
northern
tier
of states
and
is
fairly well
anywhere there
or early winter.
autumn
some
of the earliness
and
and
sunburn.
Varieties
What
is
"potomato?"
commonly
A.
intergrafted, the
"potomato" (sometimes
is
roots,
advertised
and planted
the
same
hill.
The
uniform,
flavor,
not
likely to
be particularly
successful.
smooth
almost
like a rutabaga);
Golden
Market
Q.
My grandpa grew a
I
yellow
flesh);
was thick and meaty, yet juicy with great flavor. Grandpa's gone, and can't find a source for the seed. What can do? A. Fortunately there are a number of seed
that
I
Express
(earliest,
38 days
for
baby
roots); Purple
Crown
flesh;
exchanges
rah,
Seed Savers Exchange, RR #3, Box 239, DecoIA 52101, which have been finding and rescuing old varilike
fast
eties.
More
old
and heirloom
from
white
some
Queen (hybrid-45
those you
remember from your grandfather's garden. As a guess, the variety sounds like one called Oxheart, which used to be fairly commonly offered and has recently become rare.
smooth white
get pithy);
flesh, resistant to
downy
mildew, slow to
all-
White
126
MAJOR VEGETABLES
smooth
tops).
are large
enough
to
use as greens.
If
for greens,
when
Top (open-pollinated-40
only);
Shogoin
good when
are not
sown
in succession
time
Rutabaga (yellow-fleshed): Altasweet (92 days; purple shoulders, light yellow below; mild, sweet flavor);
may
Improved Long
Care
When
more shallowly
roots. Pull
left
uniform
may be
become too
in field later in
fall);
days).
Harvesting
When
For
when
the roots
size.
Harvest
fall
roots starting in
are of
autumn
or as needed. Turnips
and rutabagas
are of
first
medium
3 to 4
weeks
later.
Fall
fall
No
and may,
in fact, be
necessary, but
you may
an outdoor
or in an underground
turnips
may be dipped
in
and
left
when
warm
wax
vacant by
earlier
crop harvest.
Common
Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting
Plant seeds
'/
Problems
(see
Root maggots
where
previous year. The
inch deep
(3 to
necessary to germinate the seed and establish the seedlings (especially for
seedlings to 6
summer sowings). Thin rutabaga inches apart when they are 2 inches tall.
and
flavor. In
southerly locations,
whenever that
may be
in
your area.
MAJOR VEGETABLES
129
Varieties
Early (70 to 75 days to harvest): Golden
flesh,
Crown
Sugar
(red
when
ripe);
ermelon
j
tender,
Baby
Baby (hybrid-
yellow yellow
(red,
20 to 25 pounds);
grown
atures
warmer temper-
Cotton Candy
(red, 15 to
(red,
by warming the
(see
beneath the
14 to 16 pounds);
Honey Heart
(yellow flesh, 8 to 10
Floating
row covers
(red, 11 to
13 pounds); King of
(red, 15 to
plants, providing
some
frost protec-
Nova
17
(red,
12 to 16 pounds); and
develop normal-looking
seeds.
fruits
The
them
produced by
cross-
When
frost
soil,
is
to Plant
is
all
danger of
state.
The seeds
produce plants
that,
when
pollinated by
can be increased
normal
plants,
significantly
by mulching
soft,
white,
are eaten
virtually
space. Plant
an extremely
relatively
is
inch deep in
hills
often
that
it is
recommended
set
closely controlled.
lar
Once
transplanted, cultivation
is
simi-
Home," pages
peat pots, or
plants. For
cell,
pellets,
fruit,
normal seeded
cell packs,
and thin
to the best
one or two
seedless melons.
The
start
too
Because
noticeably
more vigorous
130
MAJOR VEGETABLES
Growing transplants
inside requires a
warm
temperature,
Questions
Q.
and Answers
starter fertil-
page 20)
when
transplanting.
If
you grow
seed-
My watermelons are not very sweet or flavorful. Is the low sugar content caused by the watermelons' crossing with other vine crops in the garden? A. No. Although
watermelon
year.
varieties cross with
one another,
cross-pollination
is
alongside.
fertile
The
seedless
melon
varieties
and planted
the following
may
from wilting
in
vines,
high
rainfall,
cool weather, or
a short
Care
Watermelons should be kept
low hoeing and
deep
roots, free
growing season
from weeds by
shal-
cultivation.
is
The
and watering
for a
What can do to prevent my watermelons from developing poorly and rotting on the ends? A. This condition is probably caused by an extended period of extremely dry weather when the melons were maturing. It may be aggravated by continued deep hoeing or close cultivation. Mulching
Q.
I
experienced gardeners
irrigation,
may find
floating
row
covers, drip
in
the plants with black plastic film helps to reduce this problem.
and black
plastic
mulch advantageous
Q.
What
in
the tops of
my wateror
melons?
other
made by pheasants
wildlife
Harvesting Many home gardeners experience difficulty in determining when watermelons are ripe. Use a combination
of the following indicators: (1) light green, curly tendrils
of attachment of the
melon
brown and
(3)
turns dull;
tion
(4)
melon (where
on the
soil)
turns
from
much more reliable than "thumping" the melon with a knuckle. Many watermelons do not emit the proverbial "dull thud" when ripe. For these, the dull thud may indicate an over-ripe, mushy melon.
Common
plants.
row
modif
may also be
left
excluded
may be
in place until
flowers.
MINOR VEGETABLES
133
compound
Minor
Vegetables
Amaranth Greens
Amaranth
Amaranthus
greens,
when exposed
to hot
same time
fall.
as
Amaranthus
and other
Sow
know
as tampala, Chinese
seeds
'/
to
Thinned
as
may be added
to salads or
mixed greens
they
after
Tampala
is
a broad-leaf variety,
which
is
most often
avail-
Starting about 6
weeks
may be
Remove
flowering plants to
germinate until
may be made
every 7 to 10 days
as the plants
may be
eaten, composted,
like spinach;
cooked
and
the taste
at
is
similar,
summer
Few
greens have
more
iron
kale, chard,
though
it is
spinach, or collards.
common
pests of
The shoot
about 3 weeks
regrow
tips
and young
after
Bean
Adzuki bean, Vigna
angularis,
flower, at
which time
new
planting
may be made.
well through the
for the year.
warm
end of harvest
Arugula
Arugula,
sugar,
vesicaria var. sativa,
is
and easy
to digest
and have
<\
^^^^r
\ _S
t
Emca
also
know
and white
Many of the
States are
recently,
when
this
169).
or boil
Some gardeners harvest the immature pods, saute them briefly, and eat adzukis as a fresh vegetable.
is
past.
Successive plantings
Rich,
is
may be made
apart,
Arugula
is
commonly used
in
mixed
taste
loamy
soil is best,
inch
salads or as a
summer
or
though
it
zest
and
Arugula
is
Fava bean,
quickly
cut,
broad bean, or
it
cooked
as
snow
peas.
Young
134
MINOR VEGETABLES
fresh beans
may be
and eaten
shelled,
like
may be
and the
much
deep
like
to 2 inches
after all
danger of
frost
is
past
and the
more
like
soil
has
warmed
height,
depending on the
30-inch rows,
seasons, plants
may be
warm weather
strings,
make
for green-
The stems
are twining
and
will
climb
manure
soil building.
first
when
Italy,
eating
wires, poles, or
most other
is
common
supports. Culture
is
without supports
to be
a gorgeous plant
offer
them simply
as fava
meet, or where
Mung bean,
popular
An
Garbanzo bean,
eaten as a
known
that
is
when
and egyptian
a tender annual
It is
when
which
are dried or are a long-
grown
and
salads.
Garbanzo beans
United
States,
where
mung beans
sprouting, seeds
are
may be
common
listed as
States.
They
number
of seed houses
Commonly, no
name
in
is listed.
may be
and planted
in your garden.
vari-
side-dress
sometimes
locations.
They
are listed
simply as
seed catalogs.
Plant
grow about 2
short,
White flowers
are followed
mung beans
inch apart.
free of
weeds
formto
cultivation.
The beans
tall
start
beans,
and
when
and begin
flower.
field,
Mung beans
Tie the plants in
Africa, in the
United States
the plant
Its
more often
is
appearance
somewhere between
trifoliate leaflets are
well-ventilated.
easily shelled or
a pole bean.
The
flailed
They
pointed.
tall
20
feet
can be stored
year. See
where the
season
is
long enough.
is
The most
more information
or sprouts.
mung beans
max
(also called
may be
to six seeds,
is
which may
most
parts
be
red,
food naturally
prepared as
high in protein,
it is
MINOR VEGETABLES
135
a fresh vegetable. in
sesqui-
soybeans more
and
palatable.
Envy, Fiskeby
varieties of
V,
Prize.
These garden
Burdock
Burdock, Arctium lappa (also called gobu in Japanese
or
They
also
mature
earlier
and
when
ngau pong
immature, also
flavor
and
and grown much
like
relieve arthritis.
is
Burdock
is
that
grown
as
forms the
ible in
first year,
danger of
frost
has
warmed.
(See the
maps, page
Allow 24 to 30 inches
between rows.
Edible soybeans reach the green-shell stage of maturity in
you had
bad experience
eat,
then
when
gobu.
sow
Because nearly
when
the
soil
has
warmed
the beans are the same size and maturity, you can pull
may
flower in the
the entire plant and pick off the beans in the shade.
spring without
making
a root big
enough
to use. Seeds
difficult
them
them
for
to 3 minutes or steaming
(somehow
them
in a covered
pan
for 5
may
speed germina-
comparatively easy
are not ready to use
task.
you
may be
for
fallen.
to 2 feet apart.
Almost any
where weedy
When
completely
dry,
they
as
same manner
compost or
fertilizer
helps
make more
grow
spectacular results.
roots the size of
Some
may want
to
baseball bats
to
many of them
spontaneously popping
burdock plant
may
spread 2 to 3 feet in
all
directions.
is
not smoth-
this
is
may grow
up
to 8 feet
tall.
dew
still
may
may be
2 feet or more in
Winged bean,
stony or heavy
soil.
drawn much
atten-
its
the
soil
may
and
can be eaten.
is
and
pull cautiously to
planted 2 to 3 feet
rows 4
feet apart.
sowing in most
grow
grown on wires
too large
harvesting of
tips, leaves,
of the roots.
136
MINOR VEGETABLES
down
some
Some
gardeners
mulch the
cooking
utensil.
two
Cook
pound
of
until tender,
slightly stringy.
stir-fry
It
can be used
they
an ingredient in oriental
dishes or
combined
is
brown
in color, the
and
stews.
Chicory
Celeriac
Celeriac,
var.
Apium graveolens
(also
rapaceum
known
as
is
celery root,
knob
celery,
and prepared
german
as a coffee substitute or in coffee blends.
celery.
It
a novel
form of
The
grown
The
leaves
as potherbs. Witloof
is
and
forced as
from
pests. Celeriac,
sold at high
popular with
is
many European
cultures,
prices in
and cooked
in soups
and
The following
stews.
Celeriac requires a
minimum growing
period of 120
(cut-leaf).
Chicory Root:
when
forced;
Smooth Prague
Zoom
hybrid.
new
introductions
now
include
/2
When the
tall,
thin to 9 to 12 inches
and
greens,
and 3
to 4 inches apart
roots,
and about
Thin to a
least
tall,
have
at
frost for
two
true leaves.
When
may
Though the
plants later
become very
robust, the
same manner
and
when
cele-
grown
is
as a long-season
in Michigan, but
easily
grown under
a variety of climatic
and interruptions
fall
5 to
The usable
periods of drought.
root
Celeriac does not attain
until after the
celeriac
first frost
its full
fall. is
remove garden
in the
Forcing chicory.
forcing roots.
If
Do
may
be
left in
you
large or
develop flower
stalks,
for fore-
MINOR VEGETABLES
137
ing.
to
VU
soil.
crown
When
winter for
becomes
and cut
about
Harvest in the
fall
when
size.
Cut
just
cellar.
may be
left
and go
bitter
to seed.
If
become
and
are of
poor
quality.
The
cultivated sorts
if
become
just as
weedy
is
desired.
allowed to reseed
freely.
Some garden-
Some
and some
sheet of
makes the
and
less bitter.
soil
Cut
uniform
Garden Cress
Garden
cress,
Lepidium sativum,
is
is
a hardy, cool-season
box or other
container.
Fill
soil
named
sifted
rapidly (12 to
20 days to
harvest).
It is
used as a garnish or
Upland Cress
in
between 60 and
70F.
an aquatic
Water thoroughly
after
One
moving water
necessary. Forcing
home
l
gardening.
When
Sow 10
soon
cress
the sand or sawdust. With a knife, cut off the head at the
in the spring.
is
summer
at the
heads keep
after the
heads develop
you plant
fall
main chicon
may
made
disappointing
exhausted.
The
soil
and cool
in protected cold
Dandelion
Dandelion, Taraxacum
officinale, is a
when
at
hardy perennial
any
whose
lion
Dandewild
is
may be
cultivated in the
The
Garden Huckleberry
Garden huckleberry, Solatium melanocerasum
(also
The named
varieties,
and growth
characteris-
known
as
wonderberry or sunberry),
is
a tender,
warm-
highbush
blueberries,
which grow
on a woody,
berries are
and overwinter
in the garden.
in
not eaten
138
MINOR VEGETABLES
Sow
and
has
warmed
Crown
maxima (ornamental
and 2 to 3
They
are
Swan
gourd);
Drum; and
Ital-
same general
ripe (usually
when
first
turn black).
The
ripe
New Guinea
and
berries are V2 to
clusters.
A inch
in diameter
and grow
in loose
The
green,
immature
berries are
not edible.
L. cylindrica.
Chinese Okra.
Plant seeds
1
rows 6 to 8
most vigorous
between
to 12 to 15 feet
trellised.
When the
seedlings
one or two
has passed
and the
soil
has warmed
In
Gourd
"Gourd"
is
short-season areas,
in advance of settled
warm weather
(see
the
name commonly
applied to certain
ripened
fruit.
pumpkin and
confusing.
members
soil.
free
from
family Cucurbitaceae,
common
is
nomenclature can be
used to describe members
the C. pepo types are bitter and not eaten at any stage,
(see
page 36) to
Some
the
of the Lagenaria
warm
the
are eaten
when
fruits are
immature,
control weeds.
The
utility
when
the
grown on
a fence or
trellis.
for
mat
the
of tissue that devel1
soil
surface of
some
The
fruits
fruit
and has
(less
is fre-
than
a variety of scouring
and cleansing
uses.
The Lagenarias
are the
most widely
raw
week
after blossom).
pubescent
tures)
fruits
are the
art.
Both Lagefences,
hold
soil if
allowed to
lie
on the ground.
until
trellises,
development of the
this fashion
if
summer
or early
fall,
when
fruit.
C. pepo types
develop hard
lighter,
space
is
and
shells
to
125).
slightly yellow shades.
The following
growing
in
varieties of
The
not
pumpkins,
summer
on
Handle gourds
punc-
and
deterioration. Cure
MINOR VEGETABLES
139
conditions.
Wash
dirty fruits,
and
rinse in a
weak bleach
end
slightly elevated,
and cover
with a ridge or
mound
may be
in shellac.
with
Utility
feet tall,
and the
roots
make
on
some
surface
grow
as a perennial
it
weeded by shallow
is
better
horseradish
Once
dry,
gourds
may be made
and
nitely without
any
care.
Apply water
if
size suggest.
late
summer and
late fall
killing frosts
and
early
fall.
The
roots
use.
Some cooks
(after a
hard
frost) until
the spring.
Some
in another row.
after dig-
begun to develop
They may be
may
left in
the
hard
frost
When
and used
as
needed
(see
removed. Cut
seeds,
and
free
between
servings.
Even under
ideal condi-
may
and
meet
their
Society, P.O.
immediate needs.
Horseradish
is
a newsletter
on
varieties
grown commercially
as
an annual crop.
The
set roots,
which
and the
Horseradish
Horseradish, Armoracia rusticana,
perennial. As a condiment,
it is
a very hardy,
its
plants are
dug
in the
fall.
is
a practice
savored for
hotness
that removes the side roots from the upper portion of the
set root, forcing
when ground
pork,
or grated
dishes.
and mixed
main
and beef
root.
These
1- to
2-pound roots
are sold to
commercial
readily
sets,
fresh pungency.
is
roots.
production of horseradish.
most garden
may
Husk Tomato
Husk tomato,
pruinosa (also
Physalis
as
"common"
taller
horse-
radish
leaves.
crinkled,
rounded
known
and have
a suit-
ground
cherry, strawberry
makes
a tender,
warm-season annual
Horseradish
is
started
plant
It is
grown
cuttings. Plant as
soon
as the soil
The plants
also are
grown
140
MINOR VEGETABLES
The
varieties offered in
when
listed
Do
but
named
varieties
may be
'A
under
Physalis.
warmed
hill,
the spring.
Sow
seeds
to
/2
Hand
pull
weeds
after
in the row.
The
The
it
can be
shaken
husk.
When the
and
plants in an
open
shelter
in a
where they
will
not
freeze, or
may drop
is
when
by hanging them
for a
week. After the plants have dried, shake off any remaining
soil,
and
come
to
prominence in
mesh bags
main ingredient
is
of the authentic
Mexican green
salsa.
Culture
When
roast.
spac-
ing to develop
fully.
made
Raw
pea-
Peanut
Peanut, Arachis hypogaea
(also
sometimes grown
for their
ornamental value
as patio or
known
is
as
goober pea or
earth nut),
warm-season
clover.
Popcorn
Popcorn, Zea mays
var. praecox,
also
fully in
even
can be grown in
food and in most
in
and require
minimum
eties of
and
storage,
homegrown popcorn
kernels).
achieves superior
flavor
size (30 to
40 times the
Jumbo
Virginia,
husk
on
large ears)
and
to V/2 inches
deep
in hills
10 to
smooth and
large,
whole
hulls
when popped.
little
rapidly
tall.
In extreme
The
which
leave
or
no
by
and
are prized
March
or early April
is
and transplanted
to the
home
past,
without disturbing
and white
the roots.
OP
refers to
the
Keep the
loose
and
hilled
open-pollinated varieties.
include:
Recommended
varieties
soil.
White
and do not
require that
light covering (1 to
producer);
Snow
White
MINOR VEGETABLES
141
rice kernels);
in the garden,
and the
rice kernels).
and
Yellow
Creme
of
some
varieties, particularly
fall
may become
ears. If
good popping
quality);
weakened and
this
Purdue 608
and should
damage
and
less
or sprouting caused
soil.
Tim (100
and Tom
ears).
Thumb
Red
(OP-heirloom with
varieties:
yellow
Popcorn normally
dries to
stalk in the
large ears,
high
yield,
deep
red)
not
round
both ornamental
damage popcorn
kernel moisture
green or the
and
tasty popped).
is
days,
above
mixed
colors
on each
ear);
20 percent.
Harvest by hand, shuck the
ears,
If
ears, solid
ears, calico);
dry.
ears, calico);
back, but not removed, they help wick moisture from the
ears
6-inch ears, calico); and Seneca Mini Indian (103 days, 3to 5-inch ears, calico).
ears
can be strung in
to dry in a dry
and hung
well-
area with
good
air circulation.
same time
maturing
beam. Popcorn
dries naturally
varieties for
moisture
If
stored in a heated
room
possible,
and popcorn
damage may
occur.
starchy,
much more
easily
When
l
may even
start to
Some
gardeners check-
on the cob
it
as fully as possible
is
of
with the
hills
spaced 40 inches
absorbs as
much
of the
two
method permits
down
it
and
dens, the
first
method
is
preferred.
damage
that
when
the
Many gardeners
two
them, further
air
week
or
tall.
if
Cultivate or
hoe shallowly,
necessary), shell
and
ear developfield
corn
may
around the
may be
and
damaged
in
some way
hybrid
varieties.)
The
resulting cross
may have
little
or
eliminate
uct
later.
many unpopped
no popping
ability.
142
MINOR VEGETABLES
indefinitely in the
home
freezer.
Package in
-pound or
late fall,
let
small heads
as
needed.
and both
are tolerant to
summer
heat.
is
Radicchio
can be grown on a
Two
or
and
overfertil-
and
forth
with nitrogen.
Ideally,
plant seed in
enough. Judge by
If
when
chaff stops
coming
some
reason,
1
you can
When
by adding
tablespoon of
between
water to a
tainer,
free of
weeds through-
Shallot
Shallot, Allium cepa var. aggregation,
is
mold
a hardy
member
is
of the onion
its
Radicchio
Radicchio, Cichorium
intybus (leaf chicory),
is
family that
prized for
flavor.
delicate,
meaty, onionlike
Many gourand
the
met
unique, tangy-flavored
vegetable that has long been
much
same manner
as onions.
grown
in Italy
and only
Although there
many
variegated,
may be
Yellow, French
grown
all
The heads
grilled.
as a fall vege-
which resemble
1
large, fat
l'/ 2
onion
sets.
still
be
tricky, in
first
any season.
developed for
to
The Giulio
variety
was the
strain
spring planting,
ing.
It
and
it is
can be
tilled,
eties.
may
be
planted in early summer, consistently produces winecolored, uniform heads with white midribs.
Red Treviso
and
slender, spear-shaped
if
there
is
If
good snow
Shallots
cover.
Day, cut off the leafy top to an inch above the crown, taking care not to injure the growing point; and in the
cool weather of
fall,
may be
when
their
tight, attractive
depending on the
known
loose, green
down
naturally in
as
in the
same manner
weather of
fall.
Some people
prefer to cut
them back
in
may be
placed in a
MINOR VEGETABLES
143
conditions.
If
the shallots
attractive
may
may be
pulled and
shelled for
end
of the season
and
are stored
may remain
grown
in a
harvest.
same
as cowpeas,
Onion yellows
bers of the
mem-
onion
vining. All
members
is
and multiplier
weather. Seed
beans,
when
the
first
pods
forms the
ters in
the bulbs.
implies long
fruits,
when
year, insects
/s
inch in diameter,
sharply.
as
any onions
and
still
when bent
stir-fried
houses or others
of
who
They
is
are cut or
or steamed.
It
freedom from
this disease.
best to keep
them picked
regularly,
maybe
freezing the
excess, rather
Southern Pea
Southern Pea, Vigna unguiculata
(also
down
or stops addidaily
known
is
as
tional
pods from
setting.
an impor-
Two
one
red-
allowed to
member
sites.
of the bean
may grow up
to 3 feet long.
When
family and
adaptable to
all
they reach this length, however, they are past the best
stage for cooking as snap beans.
Southern pea
may be harvested as a green shellout vegetable or as a dry bean. Many people eat black-eyed peas and rice on New
Year's
is
may be
several
shelled
and used
in the
same manner
as
southern
Day
for
good
luck.
The yardlong
or asparagus bean
is
weeks
if
when immature.
eaten as a
Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash (also
known
and
as vegetable spaghetti)
is
a C. pepo
Brown Crowder,
Califor-
variety that
is
oval, yellowish,
It
8 to 10 inches long.
manner
squash
(see
"Winter
When
boiling,
cooked by baking or
The peas
when
the
twice a week.
3 to 8
variety.
Pods
mature
first
of the plant.
Many
for fresh
gardeners harvest
want
144
MINOR VEGETABLES
Sunflower
Sunflower, Helianthus
left
in out-of-the-way
garden.
animus,
is
When
a
is
a tender,
also
warm-season annual
that
is
may sow
few seeds
in
unusual locations
if
sun-
grown commerand
flower seed
care
wildlife food.
Home
which may be
like salted
grass
and
is
no danger
of
damage
to
as
background
tall;
Vine Crops
The vine crops family (Cucurbitaceae)
of plants, including
all
is
Some
varieties of sunflowers
grow extremely
a large
group
Most
varieties of
which we
are familiar.
Mammoth
tall
grown mainly
Most members
amounts
of space in the
fruits
single heads.
varieties are
may have
of different
and
size
varieties of vine
to 6 feet
tall)
may be
multiflowered
crops
grown
and
Bitter
for
its
grown
smaller
attractive foliage
and
fruit.
The
fruit
has a definite
bitter taste
this flavor
rapidly acquired
bitter
mental
in areas
where
melon
is
taller varieties to
full
24 to 36 inches
apart. Sunflowers
soils
consumed.
Bitter
its
melon
is
usually trained
crop,
after frost
danger
is
past in the
is
spring
The
tall,
When vines
brown
fallen;
up
a trellis or fence.
fruit, as
and
dry;
petals
they are
Mature yellow
may be
foot
below the
starts to
is
common name
by hand,
dry,
and
Sunflower seeds
may be
heads
grown
The
size,
usually longer.
in color. Fruit
many
areas,
may need
to be bagged (after
Heads also
may be
picked
The most
when
common
and has
a
form of the
fruit
flattened a bit
on the
may
"volunteer," that
is,
color
is
come up
light
MINOR VEGETABLES
145
The
which
is
have
a continuous,
varieties.
develop a bitter
taste. If
fruits harvested,
much
frost
like
members
tender crop,
easily injured
by
and
but are
all
members
of the Chinese
danger of
least 60F.
past
to at
cultural
Chinese okra
or aegyptica
fruit of
common
varieties of
(L. cylindrica), is
the immature
much
past this
fall
crops
may be
and
sometimes
luffa
is
far
north as 40 degrees
earlier, cultural prac-
grown
Angled
L.
acutangula,
is
common
kinds of
I. cylindrica or L. aegyptica.
squashes.
The plant
warm months
Both
luffas
as
food items,
which
is
useful as a rough
and scouring.
species
must be
The two
all
are
somewhat
similar in appearance.
Both
pollinated
years.
upcoming
Other members of
When
production
all
on the same
females.
rather large
tary,
The male
which occurs
in clusters,
is
and bright
yellow.
is soli-
with the
tiny, slender
fruits are
ovary attached.
like
Mature Luffa
shaped
cucumbers but
are
Chinese cucumber,
Cucumis sativus (kee
chi),
larger, 1 to
exterior
is
green.
The
interiors of
many
varieties.
luffa
"burpless" varieties,
ter
which
diame-
and
raw
like
cucumbers.
Some
Some
of the
more common
than others.
Because Chinese okra requires
much growing
space,
cucumber
are the
frost
same
as
about 3 to 4
or provide a
along a fence
danger
is
Prepare the
soil
and
fertilize as
you
past
soil is
would
the
for
fruits
touching
the ground or
Fruit
on fences
soil
may
helpful.
grown on supports
1
and
straighten Plant
seeds
siceraria, is a
vining,
musky-
growing
areas,
they
may be
started
146
MINOR VEGETABLES
It
has
when
fruits
size
you choose
similar to the
that raise
harvested. In
only in the
young, immature
stage, usually
to about 10 inches in
They
As
is
similar to
Size
smooth
surface.
melons
a
like
name might
imply, cucuzzi
is
a popular Italian
from
Many varieties
Drip, Takii
are
tomato sauce.
if
available, including
Shape
it
varies, especially
fruit
is
not
trellised to
keep
off the
fruits are
routinely
up
to 3 feet long
and
3 inches in diameter at
If
hill, 1
grown
Melons
danger of
frost
and
twisted;
past
when grown on
The
seeds,
supports,
most
and
Knowing when
knack that
is
enough
to harvest
is
is
one of
many
the pleasant,
which
uniquely shaped.
One end
of the seed
is
pointed, while
fruit is easily
vine; the
honeydew
types
do not
slip.
members
as
(also
known
vigorously, climbing
on anything within
give
it
plant
is
plant's
appearance
somewhat
like
may
stretch to 25 feet or
more
and
vines.
The
fruits are 1 to
Trichosanthes
is
turning yellow
when
cucumber
are really
var. chieh-gua
(mao
which
Cucumis
sativus.
Production
is
same
ner,
species.
manner
as
cucumbers
but the
fruits
may be
used
like
summer squash
or
in
hispida
is
and
stir-fries
may be
cut in half
grown with
great success
is
and
cultivated the
same
as
and
stuffed.
fruits
commonly known
as
wax
It is
zy coat that
removed by and
first
fruit
grown
and
relish tray.
train
up the supports
The seed
requires
warm
soil
outdoors or
may be
two
when
fruits are
4 to 6
seeds
fruit
may be
most
is
prized.
When
mature,
it is
like
a whitish
is
wax
when
use or
the melon
fully ripe.
The
fruit is
are also
may be
as a vegetable.
is
another warm-weather
apart, after all
sow
seed,
frost,
danger of
frfcn,.
1t
HERBS
149
soil
that
is
suitable for
Herbs
A
fun,
vegetables.
The
soil
should be moderately
fertile
and well
is it is
Good
soil
soil
drainage
is
incom-
essential for
most herbs.
If
your
drainage
poor,
preferable to
pots.
grow herbs
and rewarding
as
to use.
Most of them
are as easy to
in
Even
if
you
a
grow
beds
may be
good idea
page
5).
It is
from
grown most
successfully
from plants or
easily
Although some
crafts,
from
dyeing,
when
on
baked
still
some
seed,
potato,
and
many
herbs
if
at all.
especially herbs
started
from
with
nothing
too,
and you,
basil,
cuttings or division.
The
finest-flavored varieties of
most
fresh
nutri-
Once you
some
come
and the
future crops.
relatively
few problems
last
from
tastes
insects or diseases.
Many
and
made
a breakthrough in
popu-
off or discourage
insects.
Good
soil
and
air
ously in
demand only
and
of disease control.
some
have
now
"arrived."
Herb books and recipes are abundant today. hundreds of plants used over the centuries
Among
as "herbs,"
may be
even death
if
know
in
used
it
what you
are buying.
Do some
reading to under-
is
unique because
flavors.
and
not
when
they
recommended.
Herb gardens may
be formal, informal, limited to
individual specimen plants, or integrated into other,
larger
feet
under
and
flavors.
tain
good quality
Although the
may
intense.
Use
less
dried product by
may be incorporated around the patio or terrace, and also may be worked into a rock garden. Some herb plants
can be grown successfully indoors for use throughout the
year.
Tender perennial
varieties
either in a
sunny location or
in a
home
greenhouse.
many varieties
150
HERBS
Anise
Anise, Pimpinella anisum,
is
amounts
are required. As
your
tastes
become more
in
sophisticated,
somewhat
an annual,
is
grown commercially
easily
in Europe, that
larger quantities.
adapted to conditions in
much
of
An
Italian
members
of
and then
seed.
bolts
up
to a height of
oregano, fennel,
chives).
and
A Mexican
will
24 to 30 inches, producing
assortment would contain cilantro
and
tomatillo. Because
you usually
good plants
quality.
spotty.
The
than several of
lesser
the seeds
covered to a depth of
'A
inch.
The following
in U.S. gardens.
are the
needed
for
weed
control.
as
Angelica
Angelica, Angelica
archangelica,
is
soon
as plants
become
stalks)
established.
The
fruiting
umbels (seed-bearing
seeds begin to turn
should be harvested
in the
when
brown
biennial of the
When
thoroughly
may be
used
rated
may be candied, roots may be cooked like a vegetable, and seeds may be used in
in salads, stems
The
seeds
They blend
espe-
cially well
ies
salads.
The seeds
and candy.
by
seeds.
If
Anise Hyssop
Anise hyssop, Agastache foeniculum (also called licorice
mint),
is
removed before
flowering, the plant remains vegetaa fragrant 3- to 4-foot perennial plant in the
mint
family.
spikes are
is
some degree
in future years
If
if
a blend
sow
of anise
A inch
name). Clumps of
tall
herb
commonly grow
3 to 4 feet
soon
and
to 2 feet across.
at least
sown
sow seed
each
year.
Stems are
bitter
they taste
like parsley.
when
or they
cooked,
direct-seeded
'A
to
'A
has
and vermouth.
will
ral
good
flo-
showing the
first year,
especially
started early
Zone
5,
especially
Mature leaves
may be
may
and dry
HERBS
151
warm greenhouse
condi-
If
picked or
if
damage
often plant large ares with this herb because bees turn
are suitable.
is if
readily self-seeds
some
on the plant
where
flowers abun-
some amount
plastic
with black
dantly the
areas
first year, it
it
can be treated
as
an annual in
works very
well.
there
is
need
winterkills.
is still
some
sort of
support to keep
basil
is
You may
still
your original
Mammoth, Dark
Opal,
handsome and
search.
and Cinnamon
basil.
and Green
Ruffles are
is
a dependable producer of
Basil
Basil,
fine-textured,
low-mounded
plants that
make an
ideal
Ocimum
species,
basilicum
and other
low border
for beds.
Ocimum
and
is
an aromatic,
and produces
arrangements.
attractive foliage
Bay Laurel
Bay
laurel or
basil
won an AU-American
Its flavor,
bay
tree,
Laurus
offers
nobilis, is
ornamental gardens.
for
a bit strong
native to Mediterranean
climates. Because
it
most
palates.
does not
to 18 inches
tall.
tolerate frost,
many basil
species
variations in
country
it
featheriness.
all
To
plant that
winter.
brought inside
for the
flowers in
bud
make
attractive edible
and dried
cooking or everlasting
garnishes.
may be
used
to
produce
easily
new
warm
and unusual
flavor.
parts of the
Plants
may be
started
from cuttings or
it
Basil plants
may be
buy
started plants
from your
may be
leaf
and dried
frost,
for
it
extremely sensitive to
first freeze.
and
slowly, too.
Many gardeners
As long as plants are protected from the cold, they should thrive for years in their pots or tubs.
ing to shape plants,
Single leaves
in containers or
When
prunto dry.
may be
also
one of the
is
easiest to
grow once
its
the key. In
152
HERBS
Bergamot
Bergamot or bee balm, Monarda didyma,
ornamental perennial plant with
colors.
is
sauce. a popular
Young
leaves
may be
spinach or
summer
apart,
squash.
'/ 2
a range of
blossom
Plant seeds
Bergamot
is
and the
leaves
"Oswego
The
Through the
leaves contain thymol. Oil of Bergthis plant
grow
die
tree.
may be
down
started indoors
spring to send
seed, in flats for transplanting into the
up
garden
when
summer.
When
on
When
become thoroughly
dry,
Where
autumn number
as well
(grown
as a winter annual).
and
of sources
to seed the
may be
made
now offer an
it is
them
in ice
cube
trays,
same year
planted.
freezing. Leaves
may
be
replace
mint leaves
as a flavoring.
Catnip
Catnip, Nepeta cataria,
is
a coarse-leaved, gray-green,
Borage
Borage, Borago
officinalis, is a self-
/\o*
settlers
to
and
become
vivid,
An occa1
may be
inch
when
Mature plants
settle.
may be
Protect
newly
which
very
brittle
and
easily
broken
over.
Young
leaves
tolerated.
is
The
colorful blossoms
make
summer when
the plant
to drinks,
desserts,
and
and
salads or candied for cake decorations.
more
regular tea.
Caraway
Caraway, Carum
seeds.
carvi, is a
grown
for
its
Dried leaves
may be
vegetables.
Celery
Celery,
Some cooks crush the seed with oil and onion juice to make a mixture used in roasting pork. Roots may be used when young and tender. They are
like parsnips,
Apium graveolens
(see "Celery,"
page
66).
prepared
HERBS
153
Chamomile
Chamomile, the famous
herb,
is
may be sown
in
tea
actually
two
when
tender.
different plants
flavor.
same
erect
One
tall,
annual reaching
Chives
Chives, Allium schoenopra-
2 to 3
tita,
commonly known
other,
as
german
sum,
is
chamomile. The
Chamaemelwn
nobilis),
nobile (Anthemis
is
of North
roman chamomile,
(3- to
low-growing
clumps 8 to
and
12 inches
tall.
The
attractive violet-
and
flavor.
Chamomile
in Greek
means "ground
seeds,
apple."
it is
from
though
The
roman
(perennial)
chamomile from
offshoots or divisions.
Sow tiny
They
are planted in
(see
the same
manner
as
onion transplants
in the
to
page
91).
fall
or
chamomile
and
early spring.
may
also be
and
sunny
number
of
when
the petals
Separate the
If
florets.
made when
flowers from the stems, as the stems have a bitter offflavor that spoils the flavor of the sweet blossom. Tray
tea.
The tender
leaves
normally
Chervil
Chervil, Anthriscus cerefolium,
is
amount
of leaves
you need,
is
being
The
flavor
is
similar to
subtle.
and
plain-leaf types.
The
The bulbs
flavor of
both
is
between anise
others
Some
and
and parsley
chop them
freeze
them
Many gardeners
place
dig a
clump of chives
in late January,
bolts
up
to flower
and
set seed.
them
in a pot,
in the
house
for
and whole
and
tions for salads
many
added
at the last
minute to soups,
bitter.
stews,
and
leaves
add a
deli-
sautes.
and
sauces.
The
flowers should be
removed
to ensure greater
growth of
is
best.
It
Sow
the green edible portion. The flower heads are very popuin a trench without soil
lar edible
garnishes
covering,
and mist
on
chopped
dependable
leaves as
an ingredient. Chives
When
Sow
another
member
and
of
flat
garlic.
154
HERBS
The
flavor
is
very
much
taller
like garlic,
are
when
and grows
method
is
when most
of the
weedy
seedlings.
and
tie
them on
Cilantro
and
together. Clean
it
Coriander
Cilantro and coriander, Conun-
the fruit by
winnowing
in containers. Cleaning
drum sativum,
are
two products
off-taste.
same
The seeds
plant. In fact, coriander
is
and
the
an herb. Cilantro
many
is
when
When a
Dili
Dill,
Anethum graveolens,
is
level,
is
common
the seed that
very
much
is
forms
when
and mature.
mexican
cucumber
plant
pickles.
The
a tall-growing,
which
is
pars-
depending on
is
who
is
feathery leaves
and open,
salsa
umbrella-shaped seedheads.
States today.
The plants
varieties, bolting
With some
cially in
easily
grown
types
summer. Other
varieties, like
from
of
seed.
It
it
all
soil;
but
These types
may give an
extra
week or two of
leafy
conditions. To prevent
a
from becoming
weed
in
do not
reseed.
it
may be
difficult to
starts.
Cilantro plantings
as corian-
to 2 inches
tall),
thin
that get
them
der seed.
summer
fall.
for
abundant
plants should be 3 to
By
contrast,
if
seed,
is
as
dill
is
desired. Coriander
an annual plant
which the
that
is
found
It
flower heads are preferred. Cut the stems with the flowers in full
and odor of
its
dried seeds.
in the
in early spring in
rows 20
on page
the flowers to mature (usually 2 to 3 weeks after the blosappear), then cut
Whole
by
and
tie
the plants.
when
made abundant
to
may be
The flowers
are
borne
in flat
umbels resembling
at
its
best
when
is
queen anne's
more
subtle
and more
useful for
HERBS
155
way
to keep
flower,
and
weed
recently intro-
rapidly
become top-heavy.
grow
3 to 5
duced variety
feet tall,
vari-
feathery
an especially good
a steady but
dill
foliage.
ters
in flat-topped clus-
home
gardeners
who want
not over-
whelming
weed may
green, succulent,
size. If
seed
is
desired,
dill,
when
it is
small. Like
Many gardeners
dry the
self-
seeded
fall. It
dill
weed
weed
is
Garlic
Garlic, Allium sativum, a
onion
family,
Fennel
Fennel, Foeniculum vidgare,
is
fully
a licorice- or anisedill; it
United States in
is
home
gardens.
usually
Garlic
is
started
by planting small
one of two
distinct types.
seeds,
The
first
grows
tall
and stemmy
and produces
and
type
a flattened
may
contain a dozen or
variety;
more
cloves,
depending on
each clove
is
planted
second
separately.
The
becoming more
where
mature bulb
at harvest.
Do
and once
in a great while
its
restaurants,
a real treat
smooth,
fresh,
is
and
Garlic
member
is
comlike
sausage
act as
is
also said to
monly
herb.
sold as a vegetable,
though
its
use
is
more
an
Its
sources differ
on
this point.
bolt to
that
is
it
might
red- or bronze-leaved
is
also available.
easily.
Although
sion
garlic
is
a perennial,
it
needs annual
divi-
Fennel
grown from
seed,
which germinates
and replanting
mon on the
garlic at
all,
started in cell
not
really a
moved
soon
as frost
as
garlic bulb.
soils that are fertile
danger
is
past.
on
friable
loam
and high
grow good
soil,
when
they are as
per
100 square
dry,
feet.
The bulb
is
small
if
if
the
soil is
excessively
They
When
frost,
hot
manner for a limited time. summer days come too soon after the last
and
it is
irregular in
shape
the
soil
becomes
compacted.
may be
the only
Throughout
the country,
fall
all
way
be
to get
good bulbs
to
planting
preferable.
Dry bulbs
are
fall.
fall
weather. Fennel
grown
and begin
for seed
may be
enough
156
HERBS
well
from stem-tip
types.
cuttings,
which root
most
sometime
in October. In
Some
come
rather
and growing
true
from
ground
luxuriantly.
If
danger of
frost
leaves as needed.
Some
of the
lemon-,
so
rose-, apple-,
and peppermint-scented.
are
you
development.
Fall
preparation of the
soil is desirable
become
bitten
hundreds of
types available.
whenever
it first
Horehound
Horehound, Marrubium
vulgare,
is
them
to a depth
between rows, or
raised beds.
a hardy,
bushy
directions
on
when
up
to 2 feet
tall.
is
of this herb
as a
soil
may
syrups.
It
also
makes an
attrac-
Sow
Thin
about
pers
five
green leaves remain: This assures good wrapdried bulbs. Place the bulbs
seedlings to stand
on the
with
Horehound
also
may be
a
divided to produce
new
plants. Unless
is
shed,
weed
hung
for
months.
is
removing the
the culture of
leaves,
and quickly
An
interesting recent
development
horehound
second
just
should be
fast
and
garlic in the
form of
planted
cleaned,
fairly thickly in a
like
budding to
flower.
plant, tops
Geranium, Scented
Scented geraniums are
actually Pelargonium species
selected for their flavors
fragrances,
Horseradish
Horseradish, Armoracia rusticana,
is
an herb
page 139).
commonly grown
as a vegetable. (See
and
a
Hyssop
Hyssop, Hyssopus
officinalis, is
which mimic
wide
a compact, fine-
and shape
color-
make
if
and
attractive inflorescenses.
is
The pungent,
Hyssop makes
good
spicy foliage
and
tea.
Leaves
may be used
fresh
when they
reach
full
size or
may be
and stored
in sealed
be dried for
perfumery.
tea. Oil of
hyssop
is
occasionally used in
Hyssop
from
must be grown
as
when
plants
They
are
normally propagated
are fairly
HERBS
157
actively
growing stem
deep
in
tips.
Seeds should be
1
sown
in early
apart.
They appreciate
are less likely to
full
spring, y4 inch
rows
to 2 feet apart.
Thin to
They
become
and weedy
if
they
stand
foot apart.
The
by some shade.
may
be replaced.
ice cubes) or
dried for winter use. For tea, stems can be included in the
Lavender
Lavender, Lavendula
plant.
species, is a
first year,
three or
more
harvests
may
be
made
ground
fertility
level. Plants
may need
sachets, potpourri,
is
sometimes
boost at
least
once a
year.
store
and
vinegars.
in airtight containers.
Some
Lemon Verbena
Lemon
a tender,
protection, into
Zone
5 gardens.
Some
verbena, Aloysia
triphylla, is tree,
much more
Zone
7.
tender and
may
not survive
deciduous
woody
hardy
9. It is
most
in the
commonly grown in pots or rubs and moved into greenhouses or light rooms for the winter.
All parts
second
Many types do not flower well until at least the year. A new seed-propagated variety called Lavensown
by must
lemony
The long
and
set
out as transplants in
late spring.
leaves are
While
seed,
all
may be
started
from
seed,
taken in
hardy
midsummer root fairly readily. Because the mother plant may wilt after cuttings are taken, pamper
bit of
it
shade until
it
recovers.
is
damp
or shady conditions
full
Give
it
sun. Harvest
at
it
The aromatic
before returning
content
is
is
fertilized regularly.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm,
nalis, is a
Keep the
offici-
Melissa
surfaces to
loosely branched,
is
affect the
member
flavor are
Lemon verbena
is
used as a lemony
tea, to flavor
literally
calls for a
lemon
bever-
balm. Dried,
it is
tough, so strain
them from
and
fish dishes.
ages, marinades,
serving. For
an
The
the
some
bacteriocidal
surfaces,
quality.
you rub
fresh
wax
polishes the
it.
wood and
perfumes
Lovage
easily
from
seeds, provided
Lovage, Levisticum
officinale, is a
North America,
it
grows to 4 to 5
feet in height.
Yellow
158
HERBS
florets are
Many gardeners
buds
first
when
the flower
appear.
store
tastes like
it
leaves,
and
them
in a sealed container.
Commercial
a
an extra-peppery
bite,
which makes
mint
is
grown
which
is
removed by
good addition
home
Stems
like
gardener.
hollow and
juice or
may be
Some
tomato
bloody marys.
flavors of mint,
grown from
fresh seed
sown
either
at
and
mass
much
The
vigor
in
and hardiness
can gardens.
varies,
desired.
started
from
they
start to
brown but
and
truest flavors
come from
vegetatively propagated
is
chaff.
like
a sterile hybrid, so
may be
candied
needed. Leaves
may be may be
and stored
for
making
tea.
some
slight shade.
Mint
Mint, Mentha species, comes in a wide range of varieties.
Oregano
True greek oregano, Origanum
heracleoticum,
is
are spearmint
and peppermint.
tea,
Spearmint
beverages,
other
hardy peren-
used in
Zone
5. If
Mint
is
hardiness
is
in doubt, use a
produce spreading
lateral
stems, mint
is
November
or December,
April.
and
^%-<
in enclosed areas or
If
where
its
mint
is
sold
rapidly
and become
garden weed.
large tile or
chim-
ney
flue set
for individual
mint
They form
may also be
used to advantage.
In
States,
mint
lives as a perennial.
disasters.
Because mint thrives under continuously moist conditions, to ensure high-quality production,
care
common
variety
is
you should
sometimes sold
there
is
right strain,
mulch the
fall,
variability
between plants
sufficient to
make
it
soil
desirable plants
by stem-
crown
is
divisions. Unfortu-
recommended
for
home
gardeners where
it is
oregano
more dependably
practical.
No
sure
it
special care
moist,
and making
season.
is
Harvest of oregano
as harvest of
grow rapidly
Oregano
dries easily
when
cut
and hung
HERBS
159
stems,
and placed
The
Rue
Rue, Ruta graveolens,
is
many
and game.
nonwoody
The
blue-
Parsley
Parsley, Petroselium crispum,
is
fall,
make
it
it
an attractive plant.
for
Its
makes
good hedge
herb
it
grown
as a vegetable. (See
page 93).
gardens.
a
It
has
somewhat
Rosemary
Rosemary, Rosmarinus
officinalis, is
redness, swelling,
and even
some
person
shrub that
is
much
Rue
may find the skin more sensitive to sunlight. may be started from seeds, cuttings, or divisions.
late spring. Seedlings prefer full
Some
garden in
drained
soil.
can be grown in pots, either indoors or on the patio. Rue can be harvested several times each season. After harvest,
feed the plants to stimulate regrowth. Harvest seed pods
In areas
when they
Prune back to
The narrow
leaves
rose-
for flavoring
and
Sage
Sage, Salvia officinalis (and other
species),
is
flavor
from upright to
of the
mint
one of the
Hardy
are
varieties.
may grow to
a height
fairly easily
one season.
rosemary plants
may be
season.
that
herb
comes
from
large,
Some
the
fall
and bring
it
the plants
Once
more
profusely.
Some
varieties of
rosemary can be
When
which occurs
growth.
Plants
at the
spring, allow
foot or
so that the
may be
crown
divisions. Seeds
When
window
and
store
them
in closed containers.
young
seedlings
when
tall.
Space
large,
as an accent
One
of
become
and
sauces.
may be added
without
when
cooking
as
Cut 6 to 8 inches
160
HERBS
Not
tips, strip
the
well-known,
herb. There
summer
5.
savory
is
a very tasty
and adaptable
for win-
is
ter storage.
Many
The
flavor of the
better.
summer variety
seeds in the
od
(see
thought to be
savory
is
Summer
spring.
easily
grown horn
severely in late
ability.
fall,
weakens
their winter-survival
when grown
in
itself if
kept in
Some people
The
are also
The tender
leaves
None
6 to 8 inches
if
Two,
three, or
as
hardy
as the
common green
unfortu-
may be
harvested
nately,
after cutting.
fact,
Salad Burnet
Salad burnet, Poterium sanguisorba,
is
harvested to keep
starts,
it
flowering
loose
clump
of
com-
bundles
pound
leaves arching
outward
to dry in a fairly
is
When
thor-
in
oughly
store
them
in a closed container.
Woody
stem
pieces,
which
removed
interfere
and discarded.
become weedy.
Leaves taste and smell like cucumber and are used in
Summer
fresh
savory
is
a fine herb
and cooked.
It is
dried
for
summer
savory leaves
may be added
and with
of other dishes.
Once very
some
popular, burnet
consider-
stuffings,
sauces,
dishes,
veal
and
poultry.
spices,
only
new
become
a bit bitter.
Like parsley,
Plants
If
may be
left
and
it
seeds are
parsley,
summer
savory
is
Sow
seeds in late
or early spring,
full
and thin
to 12 to 15
herbs,
(high-pH)
attention.
soils.
Once
need
little
Savory,
Winter
Satiireja
Winter savory,
montana,
is
a short-lived
Savory,
Summer
Summer
savory, Satiireja hortensis,
It is is
compact bush 6
an annual plant
across.
to 12 inches
is
tall
and 12
in
to 24 inches
The plant
dependably hardy
Zone
5b, or far-
well-adapted through-
snow cover
is
adequate. Excess
HERBS
161
plant where
Sweet Cicely
Sweet
cicely,
Myrrhis odorata,
is
hardy perennial of
woody middles.
more slowly than
flats
triply
borne in
summer
indoors or
basal rosettes resembling ferns. Flowers are 2-inch white
Estab-
in a greenhouse
lished plants
tip cuttings,
may be
umbels followed by
propagated by division or by stemseeds that
fairly easily.
like flavor.
grow
as long as
which root
to
The
and
in
anywhere sweetness
and helps
like parsnip.
The seeds
and
un-
a low, creeping
can be used
as a
Summer
summer
savory
is
series of
seed,
and sow
in
in a well-marked
row
natural freezing
and
more popular
flavor,
winter
game
meats.
may be
is
harvested
whenever they
Other than the
are
young and
fresh, seeds as
they ripen.
dried.
cli-
seldom
much
summer
Sweet Marjoram
Sweet marjoram, Origanum majorana,
is
an example of
Sorrel,
French
French
sorrel,
the oregano-marjoram
Rumex
marjoram
perennial with shield-shaped leaf blades
in
is
a tender perennial,
it
frequently winterkills
is
much
and
usually cultivated as
on long sturdy
rosette
l'/2
petioles that
grow
in a
an annual. Planting
from a
large taproot,
which reaches
dock
species.
Sweet marjoram
In the garden,
it is
grown
may be
started
from
seed,
by cuttings
which have
with the aid of a rooting hormone, or by division of
in a french
an
acidic,
"lemony"
It is
flavor. Classic
use
is
crowns.
sorrel soup.
It
grows
easily
also eaten
like
Once
established, sweet
stones,
and
arthritis.
marjoram
oxalic acid in the diet
is
is
a hardy
little
plant. Transplant to a
perma-
when
soil
problem
for individuals.
Use
sorrel to spice
up other
tall
main
item.
Seed
may be
respond best to
started in flats or
moist
and
full sunlight.
Space
sown
in the garden as
1
may be dug up
and be redivided
soon
as soil
inch
to overwinter as a houseplant
for use the following spring
foot apart in
sun in
A nonseeding
that produces
hardy.
variety, Profusion,
is
Like so
no
many of the
seedstalks,
minimum. As soon
as the first
162
HERBS
blooming
in temper-
season.
The
leaves
and flower
and the
taste-
Due
to the
may be
The
veal
marjoram
especially
good with
its
it
and
in herb butter,
on cold
and
always
premium.
in poultry stuffings
and soups.
potatoes,
It
creamed
new
plants.
may be added
is
to
cooked spinach
before serving.
If
there
new
plants the
marjoram
is
a vigorous perennial
ingredient.
crown divisions
are
usually planted
to be
Sweet Woodruff
Sweet woodruff, Galium odoratum (Asperula odorata),
a hardy, low-growing perennial thrives best in moist, shaded,
is
become
woodsy
new
it is
preferable to use
it
traditionally
tarragon fresh,
loss of
May wine
in
Germany.
when
much of its characteristic flavor in the drying process. Some sources describe dried tarragon as "little
better
crushed or dried.
than hay."
If
you
either
Galium or Asperula,
glass jar
and thawing
If
and
They
are
may
take
200 days.
plants
make an
excellent addi-
once
started,
made by
invasive.
The
aroma
is
normal
go into a dormancy in
actually
may be
tie
fall.
Potted plants
on balconies
get
may appear
listed as
and
air dry,
or
chop and
to die.
Many of them
it
thrown
Overconsumption of
it
is
sometimes
if
sweet woodruff
may have
in
moderation.
What
Once
Tarragon
French tarragon, Artemisia dracunculus,
all
is
the queen of
it is
herbs.
Most famous
licoricelike flavor
with
mild
bite.
It is
ter of
HERBS
163
Thyme
Thyme, Thymus
vulgaris
is
Drying Herbs
and
at the
proper stage of
a small, low,
dew has
if
dirt or
depending on
variety.
Com-
fresh or as a
washed,
flavor
as
some
culinary,
components.
rapidly in the shade
french or english
is
and
flavor.
dark, well-ventilated
room
common
thyme
recipes.
Seed-grown
such as an
attic is ideal
if it is
No
herb
also
may make
and may be
of
thyme
are
and along
Bag drying.
(only
Thyme
if
they are
dirty).
Shake
and wrap
dried from
tie loosely.
making stem
tall,
cuttings.
1
When
set
them
foot apart in a
start
new
plants every 3 or 4
Leave
a
years.
warm, dry
When
the leaves
become
brittle,
become
thyme
excessively
the
snap them
free of the
airtight container
good snow
mowings
to stimulate
more
of the flavor
and aroma
lush
new
growth.
New plantings
is
drying as for bag drying, except that the heavy stalks can
well-drained,
sunny location
essential for
growing
thyme
successfully.
stem
tips
one
layer
deep on drying
trays.
Harvest
when
a dark, ventilated
with clippers or a
the
room
to
whole
as possible.
dry,
light.
thoroughly
and package
in
an
store
them
in a
The
The
leaves, usually
may be
life
of
many
herbs
only
or 2 years.
When
exposed to
light, heat,
and open
air,
the quality
declines even
more
rapidly.
it
a rock garden
and edging
favorite. In
off
much
of their flavor
components
to be successful.
criti-
164
HERBS
Here
is
possible, the
only 36 square
most of the
fresh
What
simple
way
to enliven
enough
left
If
60mrv\e<Z- SfirJofzy
-F&hkM -meAje&orO
UofFLe*? Bftsn
ftxr-
ChNVES
*(&
LOsfM>
6'
CiLP^irtD
Pit
jZosenvfiu/
TttVmZ
=^5^
m
***<55*
l\
rmatio
STORING VEGETABLES
167
Appendix A:
Storing Vegetables
When
storing vegetables for later use, follow the
in the table below. Vegetables in
pipes of ceilings.
Do
they
Your vegetables
will
after
recommendations given
important to harvest
may be
stored in
cellar,
an old-fashioned outdoor
pit,
an underground
or a
may be
Storage Storage period
Relative
Vegetable
Cold-moist group
Asparagus
Beet,
temperature
humidity
32F 32F 32F 32F 32F 32F 32F 32F 32F 32F 32F 32F 32F
32F 32F
topped
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage,
Cabbage,
Carrot,
early
late
topped
Cauliflower
Collard
Corn, sweet
Horseradish
Kale
Leek, green
Lettuce
Onion, green
Parsnip
32F 32F
32F 32F
Radish
Turnip, greens Turnip, root
95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95% 95%
2 weeks
1-3 months
3
1
weeks
month
3-6 weeks 3-4 months 4-6 months 2-3 weeks 2-3 weeks
Cool-moist group
Bean, snap and Bean, lima
wax
40-45F
40-45F
45-50F 45-50F 45-50F
crop)
Cucumber
Eggplant
Pepper, sweet
Potato,
irish (late
90%
90-95% 85-90% 85-90%
40F
55-60F
week week 10-14 days 1 week 2-3 weeks 4-6 months 4-6 months
1 1
Squash,
summer
45-50F
60-65F
60-65F
90%
85-90% 85-90% 80-85%
7-10 days
4-7'days
1 -4 weeks 2-3 weeks
40-50F
32-35F
32-35 32-35
2-8 months
6 months
6-8 months
Cool-dry group
Pumpkin
Squash, winter
50-55F
50-55F
60-70% 60-70%
168
STORING VEGETABLES
To maintain quality
after harvest,
damaged
and
washed
if
may
and
below 40F
as
soon
development of
soft rot.
Home Storage
Facilities
for Vegetables
Air vent
Straw
Furnace
Underground
can be stored
carrots, potatoes,
an underground
cellar.
Outdoor
air
mound
an outdoor storage pit used for vegetables in the cold-moist and cool-moist groups. Place the vegetables on the straw. Cover with 6 inches of straw and at least 6 inches of soil. Leave an
pit.
is
in
which is partitioned off from the central heated area, must be insulated and made vaporproof. Vegetables in the cold-dry and cool-dry groups (onion, pumpkins, shallots, and squash) may be stored on shelves outside the interior storage area (B).
DRYING HERBS
&
SPROUTING
169
Appendix
Many
B:
Sprouting Seeds
and
eaten.
It is
Appendix
C:
10-14
6-8
soil.
Corn, pop-
75-80
1
None
of these chemicals
is
particularly desirable in
alfalfa,
18-21
Cucumber,
sprouts destined to be eaten. Adzuki,
lentils,
slicing
8-10
3-10
fenugreek,
mung beans,
among
Cucumber,
the
vari-
seeds
ety
They add
Eggplant
and
salads,
Muskmelon
Peanut
Pea, shelling Pea, sugar Pea,
flavor.
all, it is
what seeds
Mung
the
pod
bean
is
one of the
Wash
snap
8-10
seeds by placing
them
than the seeds) and running water over the seeds. Any
foreign matter
40-45 50-55
30-35
---
When
widemouthed
the upright
to
fill
the
jar
Potato*
Pumpkin
Soybean, edible, green-shell stage
40-60
20-25
mouth
summer
(zucchini
and crookneck)
4-5
jar
mouth.
location.
daily,
on
its
warm
Tomato
Watermelon
The
seeds should be
washed
regularly,
2 to 3 times
day
at
When
Temperature Season
Pollination
they
may be
used immediately
fairly
small
is
comvari-
*There is no relationship between flowering of potatoes or sweet potatoes and underground tuber or root development, as these are a function of day length.
wide
and
flavorful interest to
delights.
170
LIST
OF
PUBLICATIONS
List
of Publications
Urban Pest Management Handbook
home
fruit.
Order CI 145-93,
$1, 8 pages.
and plant
deficiencies.
on
pesticides. Revised
C844,
18 pages.
Alternatives in Insect
Management:
Beneficial Insects
Illinois Fruit
and
Vegetable
Garden Schedule
your garden during a
and Mites
Describes biological control as an alternative to
synthetic insecticides. 1990. Order C1298, $2, 25 pages.
what
tasks to perform in
particular
week or month
to help
$2,
you achieve
a bountiful
CI 262,
40 pages.
Alternatives in Insect
Insecticides
Management: Botanical
Insect Traps for
most
of botanical insecticides
pesticides. 1989.
and where to
Alternatives in Insect
Management:
Insect Attractants
and Traps
Explains
for
Weeds of the North Central States Describes and illustrates weeds commonly found
the north central region of the United States. Also
discusses
in
how
and
traps safely
ways
and
control, or pest
management
directly
through mass
trap-
24 pages.
and Other
Information Services
Crucifers
Provides information
offers practical advice
on
several natural
enemies and
on how to use
beneficial organisms
$8,
Urbana, IL 61801
(217)333-2007
(217)244-7503 fax
for pest
54 pages.
Home Garden
for controlling weeds,
methods
and herbicide
use. 1987.
Order C1051,
free (additional
LIST
OF
PUBLICATIONS
171
Available from
Vegetable Crops
ill
Department of Horticulture
for Plant
VC-1-80
Home
Vegetable
VC-2-81
Garden Values
for Vegetables
and Small
Fruits,
VC-39-85 Coldframes and Hotbeds, 4 pages. VC-40-85 Asparagus and Rhubarb: Two Important
VC-5-80 VC-6-80
Soil Fertility,
2 pages.
Home Vegetable
Making Compost
for the
Garden, revised
Garden, 4 pages.
VC-7-80
Fertilizer
Illinois,
Guide
for
Market Gardeners
VC-42-86
Irish
and Sweet
Potatoes, 4 pages.
VC-8-80
Home
Garden, 5 pages.
VC-9-80
Fertilizing
HM-1-79
Pick-Your-Own Marketing of
Vegetables, 4 pages.
Fruits
and
pages.
HM-2-79
Liability
and Insurance
4 pages.
Seeds, 4 pages.
for Vegetable
HM-3-79
Fruits
and Vegetables
4 pages.
in
Common
Retail Units,
pages.
HM-4-80
Establishing a
Community
Farmers' Market,
HM-5-82
Yields of
in Illinois,
Plants, 4 pages.
HM-6-82
May
1986,
is free.
is
25
cents.
is
write
Horticulture Facts
VC-28-83 The
Fall
Department of Horticulture
University of Illinois
4 pages.
Dorner
Dr.
Urbana, IL 61801
VC-31-83 Harvesting and Drying Herbs, 4 pages. VC-32-83 Sources of Herbs, 2 pages.
Illinois,
172
LIST
OF
PUBLICATIONS
Marketing
Backyard Market Gardening, Andrew W.
Ellen
Lee;
Good
Ogden; Rodale
Emmaus,
PA, 1989,
230 pages.
Peter Henderson;
The American
Underwood
326 pages.
What You
Sow, Eric
L.
Gibson;
New World
Publish-
Eliot
Coleman; Chelsea
ing,
Minor Vegetables
Press,
Emmaus,
PA, 1981,
347 pages.
Manual of Minor
Vegetables,
New
223 pages.
Heirloom
Varieties
Unusual
Anne Moyer
Emmaus,
Pests
443 pages.
The American
(a
667 pages,
19th-century reprint)
Sierra
Club Books,
Destructive
and
Flint,
and
R. L. Metcalf;
New
222 pages.
& Company,
Inc.,
Garden
City,
Herbs
NY, 1971,
Growing Great
tions,
Ron
L.
843 pages.
Herb Gardening
353 pages.
It's
Adelma Grenier
Starting Plants
New York,
NY, 1983,
The
Seed-Starter's
Handbook, Nancy
Bubel; Rodale
Press,
Emmaus,
Clark;
Emmaus,
PA, 1978,
328 pages.
editors;
Rodale
Press,
Emmaus,
Spring
and Summer Herbal Sampler, Pete Louquet, Tom Hamlin, and Don Haynie; MidValley Press, Raphine, VA,
1993, 80 pages.
COMMON NAMES
173
Index of
Common Names
butterhead lettuce, 84
cabbage, 60;
napa, 68;
adzukibean, 133
nonheading, 69;
tree-, 69;
white mustard, 68
150
calabrese,
57
150
cantaloupe, 86
caraway, 152
63
152
80
cauliflower,
64
arugula, 133
136
asparagus lettuce, 84
151
celery root, 136
bay
chamomile, 153
bean, 53, 133;
chard, 67;
adzuki, 133; asparagus, 135, 143; broad, 133;
swiss, 56,
67
153
mung,
romano,
134; soya, 134; string, 53; wax, 53; wild field, 134;
chile,
97
56
Chinese cucumber, 145 Chinese flowering bean, 134
97
Chinese okra, 145 Chinese parsley, 154
bergamot, 151
berry,
bitter
poha, 139
Chinese pumpkin, 104, 145
melon, 144
Chinese radish, 108
salsify,
black
110
Chinese spinach, 133
chives, 153
blood turnip, 56
choke, sun, 80
chunggwa, 146
borecole, 81
cicely, sweet,
161
154
"broccoflower," 64
collard,
69
broccoli, 57
corn, sweet, 70
brussels sprouts, 59
coriander, 154
burdock, 135
Cos
burr gherkin, 148
burnet, salad, 160
lettuce,
84
cowpea, 95
cress,
137
"burr" cucumber, 77
crisphead lettuce, 84
bush bean, 53
174
COMMON NAMES
cucumber, 75;
armenian, 145; "burr," 77; Chinese, 145; Syrian, 145;
turkish, 145; yard-long, 145
dandelion, 137;
italian,
dill,
ground
cherry, 139
136
guinea squash, 77
154
gumbo, 88
hon-toi-moi, 133
horehound, 156
horse bean, 133
horseradish, 139, 156
horticultural bean, 54
hot pepper, 97
huckleberry, garden, 137
elephant
garlic,
155
endive, 79;
favabean, 133
fennel, 155
field
101
italian bean,
53 57
finocchio, 155
flat4eaf parsley, 93
italian broccoli,
136
marrow, 112
flowering cabbage, 62
Jerusalem artichoke, 80
kale, 81
82
136
161
knob
celery,
151
lavender, 157
leaf
chicory 142
137
leaf lettuce,
leaf
84
mustard, 88
garden pea, 95
garlic,
leek,
83
155 153
garlic chives,
84
german
celery,
136
lima bean, 53
loose-leaf lettuce,
84
lovage, 157
West Indian,
77,
146
globe artichoke, 80
mangel, 56
mango, 97
mao
gwa, 146
COMMON NAMES
175
melon,
bitter,
"potato onion," 93
144; pickling, 146; sweet, 146; water(-), 129:
potato, "straw," 102
86
"potomato," 127
mexican
parsley,
154
mint, 158
moss-curled parsley, 93
multiplier onion, 93, 143
107
red beet, 56
mung bean,
134
rhubarb, 108
rocket salad, 133
muskmelon, 86
mustard cabbage, white, 68
mustard, (greens), 88
romaine
lettuce,
84
romano bean, 53
root parsley, 93
roquette, 133
New Zealand
spinach, 112
nonheading cabbage, 69
rosemary, 159
rue,
159
runner bean, 53
russian tarragon, 162
Chinese, 145
rutabaga, 127
sage,
onion, 89;
egyptian, 93; multiplier, 93, 143; "potato," 93;
159
110 160
oregano, 158
oyster plant, 110
savory,
scorzonera, 110
shallot,
142
shellout bean, 53
flat-leaf,
Chinese, 154;
snow
pea, 95
pe
tsai
Chinese cabbage, 68
sorrel, french,
161
pea, 95;
peanut, 140
pepper, 97 pepper, white, 133
spearmint, 158
spinach, 110;
Chinese, 133; mustard, 88;
New Zealand,
112
peppermint, 157
sprouting broccoli, 57
sprouts, brussels, 59
139
squash,
acorn, 116; guinea, 77; spaghetti, 116, 143;
pigweed, 133
84
pimento pepper, 98
stem turnip, 82
stock beet, 56
poha
berry,
139
pole bean, 53
popcorn, 140
potato,
(irish),
101
string bean,
53
176
COMMON NAMES
winter
cress,
137
"winter melon," 86
summer summer
savory, 160
winter melon,
(true),
146
squash, 112
winter onion, 93
winter savory, 160 winter squash, 113, 116
witloof chicory, 136
sun choke, 80
sunberry, 137
sunflower, 144
sunroot, 80
wonderberry, 137
cabbage, 68
161
sweet corn, 70 sweet marjoram, 161 sweet melon, 146 sweet potato, 118
sweet-potato squash, 116
56
tampala, 133
tarragon, 162
thyme, 163
tomatillo, 140
tomato, 120;
151
tree
tomato, 126
tree-cabbage, 69
triple-curled parsley,
93
vine crops, 75, 86, 103, 112, 116, 138, 143, 144
walking onion, 93
watercress, 137
watermelon, 129
wax
bean, 53
77,
146
bean, 134
USDA
Map
Tempecati re (C)
-45.6 and below
....
'
i*
-427
-37.3 to -40.0
-34.5 to -37.2
-31.7 to -34.4 -28.9 to -31.6 -26.2 to -28.8 -23.4 to -26.1 -20.6 to -23.3
..
*
'
'
-178
to
-20.5
-15.0 to
-12.3 to
-177
-150
ft
-94
<M
16
to
-1
4.4 to 1.7
4 5 and
at
ove