Sweet peppeTs, Capsic

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aH sizes, snapes, colons, ^afan

forms. The diverse harvest,

_

shown
ij,

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I*.

J^_;

^L _

t^

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of the ge.

_I

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permission ortfee Champqifyn-Ltmana

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H*

Photo appeared
edition.)

in

October 29, 1992,

*"nC

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ftM

IB

Vegetable Gardening
in

the Midwest
IS. Vandemark

CE. Voigt

Cooperative Extension Service College of Agriculture

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Circular 1331

This publication updates and expands CI 150 Vegetable

Gardening

for Illinois, 1978,

by J.S. Vandemark and

B.J.

J.W. Courter, with contributing authors

Jacobsen

and Roscoe Randell; CI 150

Krista Molter.

art

by Paula Wheeler and

OBB
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension Work,

Acts of
U.S.

May

8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the

L.

Department of Agriculture. Donald

Uchtmann,

Director, Cooperative Extension Service, University of

Illinois at

Urbana-Champaign. The Cooperative Exten-

sion Service provides equal opportunities in programs

and employment.

The information provided

in this publication

is

for

educational purposes only. References to commercial

products or trade names do not constitute an endorse-

ment by the

University of Illinois and do not imply

discrimination against other similar products.

Nomenclature

is

based on Hortiis Third:

Concise Dictio-

nary of Plants Cultivated in the United

States, revised

and

expanded by the

staff

of the Liberty

Hyde

Bailey Horto-

rium, Cornell University;

ing

New York: Macmillan

Publish-

Company, 1976.

Credits:
designer.
49, 131,

Mary H. Overmier,
and

editor,

and Linda Brown, and

Stephen

Cover photo by David

Riecks; pages 15, 23, 33,

1

147, David Riecks; pages

file

43,

Hunts; other,
Agricultural

photos, Information Services, Office of

Communications and Education. Additional

Hollinger, State Water

drawings for the 1995 edition: pages 22 and 124, Tim

Stiles;

maps, page 26, Steven

E.

Survey; other, Linda Brown. Printed by

Printing Services.

UIUC

Office of

Copyright

1995 by University of

Illinois

Board of Trustees

ISBN 1-883097-05-3 (casebound) ISBN 1-883097-06-1 (softcover)

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

Planning the Garden

Choosing the Best Location
Raised Beds

Celery

4
5

Chard
Chinese Cabbage
Collard

68
69 70
75

Container Gardens
Selecting Vegetables
Seeds, Plants,

9
11

Corn, Sweet

Equipment, and Supplies

12

Cucumber
Eggplant

77 79

Preparing the Garden

Improving
Soil Tilth

15
17 19

Endive-Escarole

Jerusalem Artichoke
Kale

80
81

Fertilizing the Soil

Plowing and Preparing the Seedbed

21

Kohlrabi

82
83

Leek

Planting the Garden

23
25

Lettuce

84 86 88
88 89 93

When

to Plant

Muskmelon
Mustard

How to

Plant

27

Floating

Row Covers

32

Okra

Onion

Caring for the Garden

Cultivation

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

Garden Cress Garden Huckleberry

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

Anise Anise Hyssop

Basil

150
150
151
151

Appendix C: Days from Flowering to Harvest

for Selected Vegetables
List of Publications

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

156 156 156

157 157

Horehound
Hyssop
Lavender

Lemon Balm
Lemon Verbena

157

Preface
This gardening book was prepared in response to the

need

for a

complete and accurate guide to growing

vegetables

and herbs

successfully

under midwestern

conditions. Although written primarily for the

gardener, this

home

book may be equally

and

useful to teachers,

students, market gardeners,

residents of areas outside

the Midwest.

The

first

section of the

book

deals with various

aspects of planning, preparing, planting,

and caring

for

the garden and with starting plants at home. The

remainder contains detailed information about major

vegetables

(recommended

varieties,

when and how

insect problems,

to

plant, care, harvesting, disease

and

and

answers to the most

vegetables,

commonly

asked questions), minor

and

herbs.

Because chemical measures for controlling pests in

the

home

garden are continually being developed and

are subject to change,

no

specific

recommendations

are

included in this book. Regularly updated publications

that offer this information are listed

on page

170.

The

English system of weights

and measures (such

as inches,
is

pounds, quarts, bushels, and Fahrenheit temperatures)

used throughout the book because most

home gardeners
Dr. J.W.

have not yet adopted the metric system. The authors

appreciate the suggestions

and contributions of

Courter, professor emeritus of the University of Illinois

Department of Horticulture,
edition with Dr. Vandemark.

who

co-authored the 1978

C.E. Voigt
J.S.

Vandemark

PLANNING THE GARDEN

Growing seasons and growth

characteristics are

Planning the Garden

Home gardening is an
hobby
in

important aspects to consider in grouping the various

vegetables in your garden. Perennial crops, such as
asparagus, rhubarb,

and

berries, that are to

be in the

same location

for

more than one season should be

that, after harvesting,
later

interesting

and rewarding

planted at the side of your garden. Group early or quickly

which the

entire family can

become
fresher,

involved.

maturing vegetables together so

the space

Produce grown in the

home
and

garden
offers a

is

may have

may be

used effectively for

plantings of

better nutrient content,

wider variety of

vegetables.

To avoid shading, plant

taller

crops to the

types than

is

commonly

available

on the market.
exercise,

north of shorter crops. Correct spacing between rows

for
is

Gardening also provides healthful outdoor

important to allow
effi-

offers productive activity for retired or partially disabled

proper growth of plants, ease of cultivation, and

If

people,

and

is

an excellent teaching
size

cient use of space.

tool.

you have farm equipment

available

Gardens range in

from a single potted

plant, to

to use

and space

is

ample,

make your rows long enough

till

small plantings around the doorway or patio, to mini-

and

far

enough apart so that you can

your garden

gardens (20 to 200 square

feet),

to large family gardens

mechanically.

(750 square feet or more). The type of garden that you

Successive plantings are desirable

if

you wish

to

have

grow depends upon the space

available, the

kind and

a continuous fresh supply of certain vegetables.

quantity of vegetables you need or desire, and the

three small plantings of leaf lettuce

Two or and radishes may be

sets for

amount
garden.

of time

you want

to

spend working in the

made

week

to 10 days apart in the early spring, with

fall.

Make your garden

is

large

enough

so that

additional plantings in the

it

Onion

green

produces what

needed, but not so large that

onions
it

may be
your

planted every 2 weeks until you have

demands an overwhelming amount of work.

Planning your garden can be an enjoyable task by the

used

all

sets.

When

space permits, there should be

beets, broccoli, cabbage,

at least

two plantings of beans,

warmth

of a

fire

on cold winter evenings. Color

dead days of winter, spurring
is

catalogs
this

and

carrots

one as early in the spring as conditions

use;

arrive in the cold,

allow, for

summer
If

another in the summer, for

fall

creative urge.

well-planned garden
is

easier to plant

use and storage.

space allows,

make

several plantings of

and
that

care for
is

and

probably more productive than one

sweet corn and beans from late spring through early

not well planned.

full

summer.

Take
logs,

advantage of garden references

seed cata-

Certain later-season crops can be planted in the same

location in the garden from

books, magazines, demonstration gardens, garden

which

earlier

ones have been

columns, and extension publications

vegetables
realistic

as you select your

Do
not

harvested.

Any

early harvested crops (such as leaf lettuce,

and make your

plan.

It

pays to plan ahead. Be

spinach, radishes, green onions, or peas) can be followed

about your

ability to care for a garden.

by beans,

beets, carrots, cabbage, sweet corn, late

plant a large garden in the enthusiasm of springtime

and

spinach, late leaf lettuce, Chinese cabbage, or turnips.

then leave on an extended summer vacation with expectations of a bountiful harvest

Intercropping (planting early maturing crops

when you

return. Mainte-

between the widely spaced rows of

crops)
is

later- or

long-season

nance of a

fairly large

space need not

become drudgery

good way

to intensify production in a small

but must be performed with timeliness and regularity to

garden. For example, beans, radishes, green onions,

spinach, or lettuce

be

effective.

may be

planted between rows where

The

table

on page 4 shows the approximate

30
feet of row,

yields of

tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, or corn are to be grown.

fresh vegetables per fresh vegetables

this table,

and the amounts of

freezing.

Squash and pumpkins have traditionally been

inter-

needed

for

canning or

From

planted with corn, covering the ground and thus modifying

soil

you can determine how much

your family's needs
for fresh,

to plant for

moisture and temperature, as well as suppressing

satisfying

canned, or frozen

weed growth.
Rotating crops from year to year helps to control
diseases that overwinter in the
soil.

vegetables.

You may find

it

necessary to

make

several

successive plantings of certain vegetables to assure a

Do not grow

the

continuous supply.

same

vegetable or related vegetables in or near the

same

location

more often than once

in 3 years. Rotate crops

PLANNING THE GARDEN

Approximate pounds
of yield

Pounds of fresh vegetable needed for 1 quart

Canned
4

Vegetable
Asparagus
Bean, lima (pod) Bean, snap

per 30 feet of row

20
10 30 30 25

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

side of the garden to the other.

'

If

your garden

Choosing the Best Location

The
success of your
site.

on

a slope, plant the rows across the slooe rather than a i practice decrease:

ud

and down. This

upon the
this

Even though you

are probably limited in

erosion of gulleys during rainstorms.

After reading pages 3 to

your choice of location, vou should keep the following

book, draw a sketch
points in mind.

32 of

of your garden area

showing th e location of each

between rows, and the approxi(See

Good
most

soil.

loost

well-drained soil

is

the

vegetable, the spacing

desirable for a garden. vlodern suburban developare

mate dates

for

each planting.

ments
5

infamous

for the

poor quality of the

"soil" that

page 31.) Make notations of the amount of seed and the

remains

after

mass construction. Given a choice, choose

still
1

number
page 7

of plants needed. r

The .ample plan r r

for a small,
*

house with good, native topsoil

place.

It

possi-

intensive garden (30 feet long by 25 feet wide)

shown on
ble,

may

help you plan your

own

avoid heavy clays and extremely sandy

is

soils
soil

unless

garden.

adequate organic material

added.

If

poor

cannot be

PLANNING THE GARDEN

avoided, you

may need
fertilizer,

to

amend and
if

enrich the

soil

by

Many vegetables and

herbs are colorful and attractive

to garden plantings, as
itself.

adding lime,
als

compost, or other organic materi-

and can add ornamental value

well as to the vegetable garden

and by

installing proper drainage

you

are to

have

Try to break the

any hope of

successful vegetable production.

mind-set that says vegetables should be in one place,

flowers in another.

Raised beds

may be

the best solution for a garden

Some

very pleasing and effective

with poor drainage. You can elevate and improve your

combinations of the two can be devised. The following

vegetables have attractive forms
leaves, or fruit.

garden

soil

by adding good

field topsoil,

potting

soil,

and

colorful flowers,

peat, or organic
als

compost and incorporating these materi-

There

may be

several varieties of

one

into the

soil. Soil

amendments

are

added to only the

vegetable (peppers, for example) that offer different

colors

bed area, saving on the quantity applied. Double digging

helps thoroughly

and shapes of

fruit.

mix

in soil additives

and

gives

maximal you
of

Asparagus

fernlike foliage after spring harvest.

varieties; brightly colored
varieties;

aeration. (See double digging, page 22.)

Beans

purple-pod or wax

Do
it is

not, however,

add lime unless

a soil test tells

pods of Horticultural
Scarlet Runner.

dual-purpose climbers

like

needed in your
soil.

soil. It is

not a cure-all for the

ills

garden

Cabbage
is

red or savoy varieties; red, green, and pink

varieties.

Adequate sunlight. Sunlight

to

absolutely necessary

"flowering cabbage."

produce vigorously growing vegetables. Vegetables

yields in full sunlight, with a

grow best and give the best

white, or yellow leafstalk Corn purple husk; ears of indian corn, pod corn;
Chard
red,

minimum

of 8 to 10 hours of direct sun each day. Leafy

strawberry, calico,

and black popcorn.

vegetables usually produce acceptable yields with less

Gourds
Herbs

brightly colored ornamental, dipper, spoon,

dill,

sunlight than plants that must produce fruit or enlarged

storage tissues.

warted, birdhouse, sponge, and large-fruited types.

Clearance from trees and shrubs.

plant your garden

If

at all possible,

chives, purple and most others. Kale regular or "flowering" types.

basil,

away from

trees

and shrubs. Trees and

Midget or dwarf
toes,

varieties of plants such as tomafor novelty

shrubs compete with garden crops for sunlight, plant

food,

melons, sweet corn, cabbage, cucumbers, and

and moisture. Trenching between small

Walnut

trees or

carrots,

grown more

than

for their

food value.

shrubs and the garden temporarily alleviates this prob-

Okra
pods.

attractive hibiscuslike flowers; green or red

lem by severing invasive

roots.

trees especially

should be avoided because they produce a toxin that

harms

vegetables.
possible,
is

curled or Pepperyellow, red, purple, orange, or ornamental

Parsley
flat-leaf varieties.

Proximity to a water supply. Whenever

locate your garden close to a water source.

varieties.

Water

Squash

summer: Patty Pan, Yellow

Prolific types;

needed particularly when you

are starting seeds or trans-

winter: Turk's Turban, Cinderella (bush type).

planting crops and during the development of the edible

Tomato
and cherry

several training systems

varieties for

for dwarf,

compact,

portion of the plant.

A good garden hose

delivers water

hanging

baskets, containers,

and

100

feet or

more from an

existing water hydrant.

minigardens.

Proximity to your house. By locating your garden

near your house, you can have the daily pleasure of

Raised Beds
Home garden
praises of

watching the vegetables grow. You

will also

be able to

take timely action to control weeds, insects,

It is

and

diseases.

magazines have been singing the

easier to see

what needs doing when plants

do the same job

are near

double-dug raised beds for

many years. By alleaeration, this techsoil.

at

hand.

A few minutes
it

spent at the proper time saves

to
later.

viating compaction

and guaranteeing

hours that

would take you

an early

In

nique increases the productive potential of the

some

cases, disaster
at

can be avoided by noticing a develstage.

Raised beds, along with intensive planting, give

tlingly

star-

oping problem

high yields from very small spaces. Organic mate-

Suitability to the landscape design.

When

planning

rials

such as peat, well-rotted manure, or compost

soil to further

may

your garden, consider

its

relation to the trees, shrubs,

fit

be dug into the bed

in

modify drainage and

and flowers around your home. The garden should

well with the overall design of your landscape.

nutrient-holding capacity. Mulching to improve water

retention also can add to the benefits of raised beds. Even
raising the planting surface 6 inches

makes harvest much

PLANNING THE GARDEN

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.

limited area. These vegetables also can

be

fitted into informal

PLANNING THE GARDEN

Row number
1

Inches between rows

18 18 18

First
Early

planting
peas
early peas (later varities)

Successive plantings

Snap beans
Lettuce, kohlrabi,

2
3

Second
Spinach

snap beans

Late broccoli, cauliflower,

brussels sprouts

4
5

12 12
12

Leaf lettuce

and radishes

Beets, carrots

Onion

sets or plants

Radishes, late leaf lettuce Radishes, late spinach

Onions (direct-seeded)

Row number

Inches between rows

Second planting
Early

Successive plantings

24
24

cabbage or

broccoli, cauliflower

Snap beans,
Turnips
Late

lettuce, radishes

Early beets, carrots, or swiss Early

chard

24

snap beans

cabbage

Row number
10
11

Inches between rows

18
30

Third planting

Successive plantings

New

Zealand spinach or peppers

None None None None

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

mulches of the appropriate width and

trickle

effort initially;
less

but once the beds are established,

preparation should be necessary.

much

irrigation systems

may also
is

be applied on the beds.

annual

soil

While spacing between beds may be greater than normal

The tops

of the raised beds dry

and warm

faster in the

row

spacings, this

usually

more than

offset

by using

spring, allowing earlier starts.

activities are
left

Some "housecleaning" performed annually, but the beds may be

soil

double or even

triple

rows on the beds themselves.

Uniform spacing on the beds, rather than conventional

rows,

more

or less undisturbed, except for incorporating

may

also raise plant populations

and

total

produc-

fertilizer

and organic

amendments. No
is

traffic

occurs

tion. Studies

have shown that these high populations even more marketable

fruit

on the

beds, so

compaction

confined to the area

may

result in

per unit of

between them.

surface area, with

no

significant

change

in fruit size or

The addition
beds

of

amendments and

air to

these beds these

necesties,

quality.

greatly raises the surface level. In

some

soil types,
it

Experiments

at

Dixon Springs

Agricultural Center in

may be

fairly stable;

but in others

may be

Simpson,

Illinois,

have shown that a combination of

mulch, and
trickle irrigation

sary to use landscape timbers, weathered railroad

or

raised beds, black plastic

some other

retaining walls to keep the bed in place. Use

increased early yield of bell peppers by 31 percent and

total yield

of plastic or organic mulches

may

help considerably to

by 57 percent over control plantings. This

stabilize the soil surface in the beds, too.

interaction of earlier-warming beds

plastic clearly offers
yields.

and heat-collecting

Beds should be laid out so that the centers can be

reached without stepping on the bed surface. Depending

an opportunity to increase early

improves water relations to
It is

That

trickle irrigation
is

on the
6

size of

the gardener, and whether or not the bed

sides, this distance

near-optimal conditions

well-documented.

not

can be reached from both

feet.

may be
is

3 to

surprising, therefore, that,

when combined with

raised beds

the heat
plastic,

Once digging and construction

all traffic

of beds

and aeration advantages of

results are impressive.

and black

complete,

should be avoided on the beds, as

compaction
aeration.

drastically reduces the effect of increased soil

The combination of better

soil

drainage and
raised beds reduces

improved aeration associated with

the incidence of diseases that proliferate

when

free

water

PLANNING THE GARDEN

Types and Sizes of Growing Containers

DIAMETER
HEIGHT

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

PLANNING THE GARDEN

lingers at the soil surface or

when

air

drainage stagnates.

fruits;

and

(3) varieties

that supplement your other

Getting beds raised by as

little

as 6 inches also

improves

garden harvests or the local supply.

Containers of
all

light infiltration into the plant

canopy, more quickly

kinds, shapes,

and

sizes are used,

evaporating moisture and thus discouraging disease.

Fertilizer rates
fertilizer to

including pots, tubs, baskets, planters, and

wooden
containers
also

per surface area can be cut by applying

Fertilizer

boxes. Commercial growing containers almost always

only the beds.

applied under plastic

have bottom holes

for drainage.

Homemade

in raised beds gives the

same or

better response as larger

area. Denitrifi-

and those

originally

meant

for

some other purpose

amounts broadcast over the whole garden

cation
(a

should be provided with drainage holes. Place stones,

crushed rock, or broken pot chips over the holes to retain
the potting
soil,

problem

in wet, cool soils) should be reduced

earlier soil

with increased aeration and

beds.

warming

in raised

prevent plugging of the holes, and

ensure free drainage of excess water.

Raised beds have

culture.

some

clear advantages over flat-row

soil

Restricting the soil

volume and the

root system of a
fertility

These include improved

aeration

and

vegetable plant limits the plant's supply of

and

drainage, earlier

warming

of

soils,

better air drainage,

water to that furnished within the container. Often the

container
is

better light infiltration, fewer disease problems,

easier

and

placed in a location determined by "eye

weeding and harvest. While

this

system has some

appeal" rather than one best suited for growth and devel-

higher time and labor requirements associated with

installation, the earlier yields, closer spacings

opment

of the plant. As a result, the plant

on the

unduly exposed to wind and weather,

receive proper care.

may be and it may not

most
soils

beds,

and

less soil

preparation in subsequent years can

overcome the

initial

expenses in

many
a try.

situations. Indi-

Use a

fertile soil

or growing mix. Because

vidual gardeners need to evaluate this system in terms of

their needs and, perhaps, give
it

are usually too

heavy to use alone in containers, the

light

weight of container growing mixes

may be an

advantage.

Slow-release fertilizers should also be incorporated into

Container Gardens
Growing vegetables
deners
in containers
is

the mix.

Make
popular with garlarge

sure that the

volume of the rooting medium

and dwarf tomatoes need

is

enough

that the vegetables can

grow and develop

soil

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

properly. Peppers, chard,

volumes of
tomato

at least 1 to

2 gallons per plant. Full-sized

plants,

cucumbers, and eggplants should have

radishes, onions,

around the

yard

but they must have

and
fresh air to

volumes of 4 to 5 gallons each. Lettuce,

fertilizer,

water,

good drainage,

and beets require containers with

ters;

6- to

10-inch diame-

light,

grow and produce normally.

and most herb

plants, including parsley

4- to

and

chives,

Often the vegetables grown in containers serve a dual

purpose

they may be both decorative and harvestable.

leaf lettuce or fresh

need containers with

6-inch diameters.
diameter, height,

Volume depends upon the

and
is

Popular choices for container gardens include attractive

pots of kitchen herbs, hanging baskets of ripe red tomatoes,

amount
less
filled to

of taper of the container.

The rooting volume

is

than the actual volume because the container

the top with the growing

not

and window boxes of bright

medium. The volumes

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

larger containers provide

improved growing conditions,

better results than smaller

are not equally suitable for

table,

growing in containers

require less watering,

page

11).

Vegetables that grow in a limited space

yield (such as

containers. However, containers too large

and hard

to

and produce continuous growth and

toes, peppers, parsley,

toma-

move around may become

impossible to use effectively.

cucumbers, or chard) are good

Because the plants remain in the containers for

choices.

You may

also use

more than one container

for vegetables

for

extended periods with a limited volume of

roots to explore,
least

soil for

the

the same vegetable and plant at intervals. This technique

establishes different

you should add

fertilizer regularly (at

growth stages

such as

once

week) with irrigation water. Use the

fertilizers

radishes that tend to mature their harvest at

one time.

and

rates suggested

under "Starting Plants

at

Home,"

Some

other characteristics that are important in

pages 45 to 48.

selecting varieties for container gardens are (1) compact,

bush, or dwarf growing habits;

(2) colorful foliage

or

10

PLANNING THE GARDEN

Sample Seed Packet

Front
Weight
given
in

of contents.

The weight

also

grams. The number of seeds

may be may be

indicated.

Lot number. For identification by

seller.

Trade or brand name.

Seed catalog number.

Name

of hybrid, resiswilts,

tance to verticillium and fusarium

nematodes, and tobacco mosaic

virus.

Description of seed treatment. Fungicide,

insecticide, or hot-water treatments for

protection from certain insects and diseases.

Season that seeds were packaged for

sale.

Date of germination

test.

Percent of seeds germinated under specific

laboratory conditions.

Name and

address of

seller.

Back
General planting and growing instructions.

Warranty. Limits the

liability

of the seller to the

seller

purchase price of the seeds. The

guaran-

tees the seeds in this packet to be exactly as

described, true to name, and free from insects

and

diseases.

PLANNING THE GARDEN

11

Most vegetables

in containers

need daily watering to

Vegetables

prevent wilting and injury. The larger the plants become,

the greater their water needs. Judge water needs by water
use.

grouped
according to popularity

SUITABLE FOR
Container
MiniFull-sized

Changes

in

wind speed and

direction, sunlight

garden

garden

garden

intensity,

and temperature can vary water use

just as

greatly

Croup
Lettuce

from day to day. Overwatering can be

permait is

Bean, snap

X X
X (green)

X X X

nently damaging to plants as underwatering, but

usually harder to overwater outdoors than indoors.

Onion
Radish

Many vegetables
for

X X

X X

(tomato, cucumber, and eggplant,

Tomato

example) also require support, depending upon the

variety

and kind of

container.

The plant or vines may be

Croup 2
Beet
Broccoli

tied to stakes or to a trellis.

Remember

plants

still

need

X X
X X

X
X X X

direct sunlight for best growth.

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

better use of space

than others and can

summer
3

be produced more efficiently in a small garden.

Another consideration in selecting vegetables

is

Croup

whether or not they

are fresh

taste noticeably better

is

when

they

Asparagus
Corn, sweet

X X X X
X

from the garden. Sweet corn

an outstanding

example. Although corn requires more space than almost

Greens
Herbs
Kohlrabi
Parsley

any other
because

common garden vegetable,

quality
is

it is

often

grown

X
X

X X X X

its

much

higher

when

harvested fresh
taste

from the garden. Other highly perishable crops that

X
X

best immediately after harvest are peas, pea pods, asparagus, fresh herbs,

Rhubarb

muskmelons,

lettuce,

green beans,

Croup 4
Cauliflower

spinach,

summer

squash, green onions, and vine-ripened

X X
X X X X X

X
X X

tomatoes. These and

many

other fresh vegetables

may

Chard
Eggplant
Leek

not be available

locally,

and they bring

special enjoy-

ment when grown

The
table

at

home.
(see

X X X

on

this

page

note on sweet potatoes)

Muskmelon
Potato,
irish

shows the

suitability of

growing various vegetables in

containers, minigardens,

and

full-sized gardens.

The
most

Potato, sweet

X*

vegetables are grouped in descending order of popularity.

Pumpkin
Squash, winter
Turnip

X(bush type) X

For example, the five vegetables in group

popular.

are the

X(bush

type)'

X X

Watermelon

Hybrids
garden
is

and

Varieties

*Requires frequent watering and treated as an ornamental

The job

of choosing the proper varieties for your

very important. By careful selection, you can

are resistant to diseases as well as

grow vegetables that

An
by

increasing

number

of vegetables offered today in

yield high-quality, nutritious produce.

You should decide

varieties to

seed catalogs and at garden centers are hybrids.

definition, results

hybrid,

well in advance of the garden season

which

from crossing (breeding) two paren-

grow so that you have ample time grow your own

plants.
If

to obtain seeds or to
vari-

tal lines

that differ in at least

one important

characteristic.

you can determine what

your
area,

Hybrids

are often superior to older varieties because

like

eties are usually available in

you

will

know

they combine desirable characteristics

plant

uniformity of
resistance,

which ones you must

start yourself.

and

fruit type,

uniform maturity, disease

12

PLANNING THE GARDEN

improved

quality,

and

vigor.

Hybrid seed

is

usually

more
itself

All-America Selections. All-America vegetables are

those that have been tested and have been scored

expensive than other seed and does not reproduce

true to type in succeeding generations.

You cannot save and

uniformly superior in performance under a variety of

conditions in selected
trial

seeds of hybrids but

must buy them from the hybridizer

gardens throughout the

are designated

each

year. Carefully consider resistance to disease

United

States.

The winners

by All-America

insects,

along with other elements influencing

yield,

Selection (AAS) or All-America

Award

in seed catalogs.

when

selecting a

new variety or

hybrid to plant in your

The

title is

given by All-America Selections, a nonprofit

garden.

organization of seed dealers

a particular variety

who

develop and promote

The performance of

may be
(1)

influ-

enced by any one or more of the following:

(temperature, rainfall, humidity,
soil (type, fertility,

climate

new varieties of both flowers and vegetables. A vegetable that wins an All-America Award
silver,

(gold,

and

light intensity); (2)

or bronze medal) has demonstrated wide adapt-

and

drainage); (3) season (spring,

ability to soil

and climatic conditions. Many of these

most of the country. Not
all

summer, or

fall

cropping); (4) culture (planting distances,

varieties are well suited for

training methods, mulch,

and

fertilizer

treatment); (5)

new

vegetable varieties are submitted for testing by All-

method

of harvest;

and

(6)

intended

use (fresh, storage,

America Selections, however, and

not entered in the program

many varieties

that are

processing, or marketing).

may be

equally suitable for a

The following suggestions can help you

to

compare

garden in your area.

new

varieties

and hybrids with

favorites in

your

own

garden.
(1)

Limit the
try in

number

of

new varieties and

hybrids

Seeds, Plants, Equipment, and Supplies

and

that

you

any year.
location with uniform soil quality

Seeds
It is

(2) Select a test

drainage,

where

all

the plants can receive the same spray

advisable to

buy

fresh seeds each year,

though

and

seeds of
cultural treatments.

Avoid the edges or outside rows

some

plants can be used successfully for 2 years

stored properly.
disease free.

of a garden, where the results

may be

influenced by

or longer

when

The seeds should be

reliable

clean, viable,
factors like trampling the plants, lack of competition, or

and

Most seeds from

damage from mowing

(3)

seed companies meet these

or dogs.

specifications.

Plant

all

the varieties

on the same day and mix

seeds or plants.

Seeds should be treated to control seedborne disease

in the

same way. Be
(4)

organisms and to prevent decay and damping-off

careful not to

Label each row and variety carefully.

Draw

map

Usually, the seeds that

you buy

are already treated. Infor-

showing where you planted the new

stakes are lost,
(5)

mation about the kind of treatment that the seeds have

varieties in case the

received appears

moved, or destroyed.
offer seed for
yield,

on the seed package. Some companies

growers

who wish

to avoid pesticides, but

Record observations of plant growth,

disease,

and

fruit characteristics.

These records can help

you must specify "untreated seed" on your order.

you make

Many new varieties and

from

hybrids

may not be
it is

available

variety decisions for future gardens.

local sources. For this reason,

wise to purchase

your seeds well in advance. Then,

if

you must order from

so.

Vegetable

Trials
trials.

a particular seed house,

you have ample time to do

University

Many
test

states

and

field stations

Seeds are

alive,

and proper

storage conditions are

throughout the country

vegetable varieties at various

important for their survival, for good germination, and

for vigorous seedling growth.

locations, studying adaptability, performance,

and

The

best storage conditions

disease resistance.

Most of the

varieties in this

book

are

are cool temperatures

at

and a dry atmosphere. Some seed

recommended
commercial
a

as the result of these trials

and those

companies use

special moistureproof foil envelopes to

test plots

throughout the country. There are

trial

package seeds that are in peak storage condition. High

temperatures and moisture (including high humidity) are
very bad for stored seeds.
seeds that are
seeds,
It is

number

of other organizations that sponsor

gardens, such as botanic gardens, the Seed Savers Ex-

usually preferable to use

change, and other heirloom gardens. In addition, commercial seed suppliers often have excellent test areas and

no more than

year old.

If

you use older

check germination before the growing season or

thickly than usual to ensure a
if

demonstration gardens that

may be

close to

your home.

sow more
plants;

good stand of

then you can thin

necessary.

PLANNING THE GARDEN

13

You may

store

most

leftover vegetable seeds except

for planting the following year.

onion, parsley,
If

and parsnip

Equipment

you decide

to store your

own

seeds, place

them

in jars

or tin cans that are tightly sealed against moisture,

insects,

and rodents. Store

in a cool place

an unheated
for planting the

garage or outbuilding

or in your
may be

refrigerator.

The vegetable seeds that may be kept

next year and seeds that
1

o
J\-i

stored for

more than
fresh onion,
results.

year are listed below. Again, you must

buy

parsley,

and parsnip seeds each year

for

good

Seeds

may be kept for

Seeds

may be

planting the next year

Asparagus

stored for 2 years

Beet

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

not save seeds from the hybrid vegetables that you

harvest. These seeds usually produce plants that are of

lesser quality

than the original hybrid.

It

also usually

does not pay to save seeds from varieties unless you have
a variety that
is

Wheelbarrow

not available from any other source.

Plants

Growing your own plants

vegetables

at

home

has certain advan-

Some
they

do best when they

plants

are transplanted
at

tages.

You can use

have plants

varieties that are

not ordinarily obtainfor spring

into the garden.

The

may be grown

home, or

able,

when you want them

from

and

may be

purchased from greenhouses, southern

summer
tion;

planting, have

greater control over disease infecstarting the plants.

plant growers, and garden stores. Using plants started

before outdoor conditions allow planting, rather than

and derive

satisfaction

Growing vegetable transplants

requires special atten-

waiting until conditions allow seeds to be direct-seeded,

decreases the time before harvest
to the best possible
stocky, of
start. size,

tion to details of media, temperature, light, watering,

and

and

gets

your crop off

healthy,
insects.

seeding depth and spacing. Usually, temperatures too

The plants should be

free of disease

low

for proper

germination and light insufficient for

medium

and

and

healthy growth are the chief problems in growing plants

at

Avoid plants that are tender, yellow, spindly, potbound,

or too large.

home. The

results are

poor germination, damping-off,

stretch

Do not buy
on the

plants with spots

on the

leaves,

and weak, spindly plants that

(For specific instructions

toward the

light.

brown

lesions

stems, or knots

on the

roots.

on

starting

your

own

plants, see

pages 45 to 48).

14

PLANNING THE GARDEN

Equipment
Have
all

EQUIPMENT
soil.

SUPPLIES

your equipment and tools ready before you

begin to work the

hoe, spade, garden rake, trowel,

line are essential for all

Small garden (necessary)

measuring
gardens.

stick,

and planting
or

Hoe
Rake

Dry garden

fertilizer

A wheel hoe

hand

cultivator

is

a practical

Marking

labels
stick or

necessity for larger gardens.

for larger gardens.

seed

drill is also

desirable

Spading fork or shovel

Sprayer or duster
Sprinkler can

Measuring

tape

Keep

all

tools clean

and well sharp-

Seeds and plants

Sprays or dusts
Stakes
Starter fertilizer

ened. Each time you use your tools, clean

them

thor-

oughly and rub them with an oily rag before putting

Trowel

them away.
Every gardener needs a good sprayer or duster to
control garden pests.

String

Whether you use

is

a sprayer or a
if

Small garden (helpful)

Garden hose with
sprinkler

duster

is

a matter of choice; either

effective

used
Compost, manure
Plant protectors

properly. Inexpensive pressure sprayers, plunger-type

Hotbed, cold frame

dusters,

hose-end sprayers, and hand-held plastic spray

Respirator

Plant-growing mixes

bottles are the

most

practical applicators for small

Seeder

and containers
cultivator
Plastic

gardens. Crank-type dusters can be used satisfactorily in

Wheel

mulch

film

both small and large gardens.

Wheelbarrow
sprayers,

Rubber gloves
Seed protectants
Trellis

Hand-pump, compressed-air
are

which usually
in

made

of plastic or galvanized steel

1

and range

or fencing

capacity from
larger gardens.

to 5 gallons, are the

less

most

satisfactory for

Wire cages

New,

expensive, smaller models are

practical for gardens of almost

any

size.

Empty and

rinse
it

Large garden or specialized gardening

the sprayer with clean water after each use, and

hang
for

Compost shredder
Garden
tractor

Herbicides for chemical

up

to drain

and

dry.

Do

not use the same sprayer

killers.

weeding
Plant-growing lights

applying both pesticides and weed

Home
Power

greenhouse

Power sprayer
tiller

Seed-germinating
cables or mats

Supplies
Obtain
fertilizers, insecticides,

and fungicides

in the

spring so that

you have them when they

are needed.

Other supplies you

may need
and

include mulching material,

stakes, plant protectors,

pots.

The following

checklist

can help you in selecting your equipment and supplies.

PREPARING THE GARDEN

17

clippings from grass that has been treated with sprays

Preparing the Garden

Improving
The
soil
If

containing fungicides, insecticides, or herbicides.

Manure
gardens.
soil.
It

is

common
is

form of organic matter used

fertilizer

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

manure. Use 500 to 1,000 pounds of horse or

provides plant nutrients,

and
if

manure
the

per 1,000 square

feet.

Sheep and goat manures

support.
soil is in

these constituents are not available, or

should be used

at one-half this rate. (See the table

fertilizer

on

poor condition (hard and crusty

when

dry or

page 19 for the

materials.)

composition of other organic

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

Compost can be made from

pings,

leaves, straw, grass clip-

manure, and any other disease-free waste

loose
ity,

and easy

to work,

and

it

has water-holding capacsoil tilth

vegetable matter. To
in layers as they

make compost,

pile these materials

drainage,

and

aeration.

You can improve

by

accumulate during the season. Add

adding organic matter, manure, compost, or similar

material to the soil

about

pound

of a mixture of lime (or

wood

ashes)

and

and working

it

in before planting or

fertilizer to

each 10 pounds of green

material.

The mix
and 2

by turning under a green manure crop.

Organic materials to be spread per 100 square
garden are
listed in

can be made from 5 pounds of 10-10-10

feet of

fertilizer

pounds of

fine limestone.

If

your

soil

already has a high

the table below. The table shows the

to be

pH

(is

alkaline), leave out the lime or

fertilizer

wood

ashes and use

pounds of nitrogen
rial.

added per 100 pounds of mate-

the 10-10-10

with your compost ingredients.

Note: Corncobs, sawdust,

wood

chips, leaves,

and
the

This

fertilizer

treatment hastens decay and improves

It

straw vary considerably in nitrogen content; and you

fertility

of the compost.

should also moderate any

may need

to apply supplemental fertilizer containing

nutrient deficiencies within the pile

and help speed the

nitrogen during the growing season.

Do

not use lawn

decomposition process. Spread

soil

over the material to

Material per

Organic material
Corncobs
Sawdust

00 square feet
(2 bushels) (2 bushels) (2 bushels)

Nitrogen to be added per 100 pounds of material*

1

50 pounds 50 pounds 50 pounds

-1 y2

pounds pounds pounds

V4-1 V2
V4-I V2

Wooden ips
Leaves

75 pounds (3-4 bushels)

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

Pounds of nutrients per 1,000 sqft N p2 o 5 K2

1.5 1.5

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

1.5 1.5 1.5

1.5 1.5 1.5

1.5 1.5 1.5

12

produced

well)

10

18

PREPARING THE GARDEN

Loam

soil

Fertilizer

Organic
materials

A simple wooden frame

soil,

(left)

can be used for both for making compost and for storing
(right).

it.

and

fertilizer

with a spading fork or other suitable tool

Keep the compost

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.

slice in a pail (right).

PREPARING THE GARDEN

19

hold

it

in place.

Water the

pile to
soil

keep

it

damp, and occamaterial.

Fertilizing
Testing the

the

Soil
avail-

sionally turn

and mix the

and decaying

soil.

To find out the amounts and

your garden, have the
soil

Properly constructed and balanced piles heat

up

to fairly
ability of nutrients in
soil tested.
is

high temperatures soon

after

they are made. The pile

Gather small amounts of

from seven or eight

well-

ready to spread over garden

soil in

6 to 12 months, or
scattered locations in your garden,

much

mix the

soil together,

sooner

if all

the materials are shredded finely to

dry at
speed the composting process.

room

temperature, and wrap in a sturdy y2 -pint

container. Write "For Vegetable

Green manure or cover crops, such

improve the
spring or
soil areas

Garden" on the
address,

as rye or oats,

soil tilth

when they are plowed under

late vegetables.

container, along with your

in the
it

name and

and send

to the nearest soil-testing laboratory. In a few weeks,

will receive the results of the test, as well as fertilizer

fall.

The seed can be broadcast over prepared

Incorpo-

you

and between rows of

and lime recommendations

If

for

your garden.
a soil
test, call

rate the seed into the soil

with a rake, hand cultivator, or

you have any questions about

your

harrow.
local cooperative extension office.

The telephone

The amounts

of rye, ryegrass,

and oat seed that

feet of garden, the best

number should be

listed in

the directory under the

should be sown per 1,000 square

planting dates, and the times

when

Cooperative Extension Service.

the cover should be
Fertilizer elements.

The

principal elements applied

plowed under

are as follow: via fertilizers are nitrogen for top growth,

phosphorus

for

Rye: 3 pounds of seed; plant September

to 30;

plow
root establishment

and

fruit

formation, and potassium

resistance.

under in early spring.

for root

development and disease

These

Ryegrass:

/2

pound

of seed; plant September

to 15;

substances usually are referred to as nitrogen (N), phos-

plow under
Oats:
1

in early spring.
1
l

to

h pounds of

seed; plant late

August to
soil

phoric acid (P 2

5 ),

and potash (K z O). A

fertilizer

marked

10-10-10 contains 10 percent nitrogen, 10 percent phosphoric acid, and 10 percent potash.

early September;

plow under or incorporate into the

Do

not use fertilizers

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,

Manure, hen (dried with Manure, hen

(fresh) (fresh)

2.8
1.1
.6

2.8
.9
.3

1.5
.5 .5

Manure, horse

Tankage (animal) Tankage (processed)

9.0
7.0
in

6.0
1.0
.8

.1

Wood

ashes (may be a problem

gardens

5.0

with higher

pH

soils,

due to

alka inity)

20

PREPARING THE GARDEN

that contain either herbicides or insecticides. These

izers are for

fertil-

10-50-10. Dilute the fertilizer with water (about

table-

lawns and are not approved for use in

If

spoon per gallon of water) before applying.

transplant,

When you

vegetable gardens.

your

soil

has not been tested, use

follow.
soil

pour

cup of the dilute solution around the

the general

fertilizer

recommendations that

roots of each plant.

If

Organic materials. Organic materials benefit the

in

a regular starter solution

1

is

not available, you can

in
1

many ways,

but they should be supplemented with

mix
1

cup of steamed bonemeal

for

gallon of water. Use

stirring
is

other

fertilizers.

Some

of the materials used for fertilizers

19.

cup of the mixture

each plant (frequent

are listed in the table

on page

One

or

more of these
needed
to use

necessary).

materials can supply part or

in

all

of the nutrients

Later in the season, garden vegetables often

larger

need

your garden, but

it is

usually easier

and cheaper

amounts of
soil

fertilizer

elements, especially nitrogen,

fertilizer

the chemical

fertilizers.

than the
Fertilizer

can supply. Side-dress

side of the

(apply in a

When and how to fertilize.

fall;

can be applied

band along one

plants)

row 6

to 12 inches

from the

to the soil just before spading or plowing in the spring or

when

the plants of leafy vegetables, sweet corn,

are half

or

it

can be spread over the garden area and disked

and root vegetables

begun

grown; and

when

tomatoes,

or raked into the top 4 to 6 inches of soil before planting.

peppers, beans, cucumbers,

to set fruit.

and other vine crops have

Nitrogen

fertilizer is best
it

applied as close to planting time

lost

as possible because

can be

from the

soil fairly

Use 15 pounds of 10-10-10 or 12 pounds of 13-13-13

fertilizer

quickly under certain conditions.

per 1,000 square feet of garden area. This rate

is

When

transplanting, use starter fertilizer in addition

about equal to 1V2 pounds of 10-10-10 spread along a 25to 30-foot row.

to other soil-fertilizer treatments to give your plants a

faster start. Starter fertilizer
is

Ammonium
It

nitrate or urea fertilizer

rate.

may

a water-soluble fertilizer

be used

at

about one-third of this

Keep dry

fertilizer

that

is

high in phosphorus

for example, 10-52-17 or

off plant leaves:

may injure them. Hoe

or cultivate the

Vegetable

Garden
Fertilizer

10% 10%
10%

Nitrogen

Leaf

development

Phosphorus
Potassium

Root development and disease resistance

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

containing nitrogen (N), phosphorus

P,

etable gardens, the

fertilizer analysis

should be equal parts of N,

and

K.

PREPARING THE GARDEN

21

POUNDS OF LIMESTONE TO
Soil

RAISE

pH TO DESIRABLE
Loamy
120
soil

LEVEL, PER 1,000

Clayey 120

SQ
soil

FT

pH

Sandy

soil

5.8 to 6.1 5.4 to 5.7

80

120
160

160

200 280

4.8 to 5.3

240

POUNDS OF SULFER TO LOWER pH TO DESIRABLE

Soil

LEVEL, PER 1,000

SQ FT
soil

pH

Sandy

soil

Loamy

soil

Clayey

fertilizer

into the

soil.

In dry weather, water the soil to

available to the plant

make
roots.

the

fertilizer

more quickly

Soil

pH. A
is

soil that is slightly acidic to

neutral (pH of
If

6.1 to 7.0)
test

best for growing

soil is

most

vegetables.
it

the

soil

shows your
6.1),

more

acidic than

should be (pH

below
stone.

apply the recommended amount of limeif it is

Add lime only

soils are

needed. Avoid overliming.

7.5),

When

too alkaline (pH above

sulfur.

they can

be corrected by adding
into the soil at the

Work

the lime or sulfur

fertilizer.

same time that you apply

Changes

in

pH do
is

not occur immediately because of

soil.

delay in the reaction time of the

of lime or sulfur

single application

usually adequate for 4 to 5 years. After

that period, the soil should be retested before

making

additional applications.

The

table

above shows the number of pounds of lime-

stone or sulfur to be added per 1,000 square feet of

garden area to adjust

soil

pH

to desirable levels.

To maintain

fertility in

an established garden that has pro-

Plowing and Preparing the Seedbed

The garden can be plowed,
or
fall.

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

uniformly over an area

feet

by

feet

tilled,

or spaded in spring

(100 square

feet).

With

fall

preparation, the soil can be

worked and
the spring

planted earlier in the spring. Preparing

is

soil in

desirable

when

cover crops or plant residues

soil

may be
erosion

harrow.

freshly prepared seedbed prevents

weeds from

necessary over the winter to control severe

coming up before the

vegetables.

problems.

Do
is

not work the

soil

when

it is

too wet.

For small-seeded crops, a

smooth and

finely pulver-

good

test

to squeeze a handful of
a ball that

soil. It

should not be
easily.

ized surface ensures easier planting, better germination,

sticky

and should form

crumbles

and

more uniform

stand.

Heavy

soils

low

in organic

You may apply

fertilizer

before plowing or preparing

matter should not be worked to a fine consistency

the seedbed. Turn the ground over to a depth of about

6 to 8 inches.
ing, rake or
If fertilizer is

because they tend to become hard and crusty, preventing

added to the

soil after

plowinto

emergence of seedlings. Overworking any garden

except sands and sandy loams damages the

soils

till

the plowed area to work the

fertilizer

soil structure.

the

soil to a

depth of 2 to 4 inches. Just before planting,

soil

prepare the seedbed by working the

with a rake or

22

PREPARING THE GARDEN

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

the far end of the bed

reached, the
that

soil in

the wheelbarrow or cart can be

moved

to

end and deposited over the

section of subsoil worked,

thus completing the double-digging for that bed.

STEP1

STEP 2

STEP 4

PLANTING THE GARDEN

25

Planting the Garden

When to Plant
How early you can
of the vegetables

Cool-Season Vegetables for Early Spring Planting

VERY HARDY
(Plant 4-6

weeks before average

frost-free date.)

Seed

Transplants
Asparagus (crown)
Broccoli
Brussels sprouts

plant depends
in

upon the

hardiness

Kale

and the climate

frost,

your

area. Certain

Kohlrabi
Leaf lettuce

vegetables can withstand

while others cannot.

Vegetables are classified as very hardy, frost-tolerant,

tender,

Onion
Pea

Cabbage
Horseradish (root)

and warm-loving, according

to their ability to

withstand

freezes, cold temperatures, or heat.

Rutabaga
Salsify

Onion
Parsley

(set or plant)

Very hardy vegetables withstand freezing temperatures

as

and hard
as the

frosts

without

injury.

They can be planted

or broadcast

Spinach
Turnip

Potato,

irish

(tuber)

soon

ground can be prepared. Spinach and

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

ings begin to develop well before the soil can be

in the spring.

worked

weeks before average

frost-free date.)

Seed
Beet

Transplants
Cauliflower

Frost-tolerant (semi-hardy) vegetables can withstand

Carrot
light frosts. Their seeds
tures,

Chinese cabbage

germinate in cool

soil

temperaChard
Mustard
Parsnip

but not as readily as seeds of the very hardy group.

as early as

They can be planted

average date of the

2 or 3 weeks before the

last

32F freeze in the spring.

frost-tolerant vegetables are

Radish

The very hardy and

known

as "cool-season vegetables." Their seeds germisoil,

nate in cool

the plants withstand

frost,

and they

Warm-Season Vegetables
for Late-Spring Planting
TENDER
(Plant

grow and develop

spring or
fall.

best in the cooler weather of early

Tender (not cold-hardy) vegetables

killed

are injured or

by

frost,

and

their seeds

do not germinate well

in

on average

frost-free date.)

cold

soil.

They

are usually planted

around the average

Seed
Bean, snap

Transplants

frost-free date in the spring.

Tomato

Warm-loving (heat-hardy)
of frost

Corn, sweet

vegetables are intolerant

and

cold,

and they

require

warm

soil

and

New
air

Zealand spinach

Squash,

summer

temperatures for germination and good growth. Most are

tolerant of high

summer temperatures and

moisture.

thrive

when

there

is

ample

soil

The tender and warm-loving

WARM-LOVING
(Plant 1-2

weeks

after average frost-free date.)

vegetables are called "warm-season vegetables."

Seed
listed in

Transplants
Eggplant

Cool-season and warm-season vegetables are

the next
started

Bean, lima

column according

to

whether they

are best

Cucumber
Muskmelon

Pepper
Potato, sweet

from seeds or transplants.

dates of the last 32F freeze in the spring
fall

The
first

and the

Okra

32F freeze in the

can help you to determine safe

Pumpkin
Squash, winter

planting times in your area. (See the

maps on page

26.)

The

frost-free

growing season varies greatly even within

Watermelon

fairly localized areas. In

more northern
and
regions,

areas, late plant-

ings are limited to very hardy

bles. In central

frost-tolerant vegeta-

and southern

where the growing

26

PLANTING THE GARDEN

Frost-Free
The legend

Crowing Season
maps
gives the frost dates
in

at the side of the

1).

both calendar dates (such as

(counting from January

The average length

1

of the frost-free

growing season
first fall

day number of the and the last spring

last

spring frost from the day

is

number

of the

frost

day

25 (May

5),

then the average frost-free

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

AVERAGE DATE OF THE LAST SPRING FROST

May 25

145

May

15

35

May

125

April

25

115

April

15

105

April 5

This

map shows

the average date of the

this

last killing frost in

the spring. About half the time, over the

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

vary from the average by as

much

2 weeks or more

either direction.

AVERAGE DATE OF THE

-A

FIRST FALL FROST

Sept 7

250

Sept

260

Sept 27

2 70

Oct 7

280

Oct

290

This

map shows
this
in

the average date of the

first killing

frost in the

fall.

About

half the time,

over the

last

30 years, the

first fall frost

has

occurred by

date for a given location. The actual date for any given year

may

vary from the average by as

much

as 2

weeks or

more

either direction.

PLANTING THE GARDEN

27

season

is

longei,

many tender vegetables

fall.

also

can be

planted this way. Vegetables planted in

hills

allow easier

planted for harvesting in the

control of weeds between plants. Plants in

hills also

tend

fall

garden not only extends your supply of fresh

to offer support to each other, standing better than

drilled plants. "Drilling,"

vegetables but also provides vegetables for winter storage.

which

is

the

Unfortunately, a successful
tional

fall

garden demands additime

sown,

is

spacing the seeds more or

way most seeds are less evenly down the

work and planning

at a

when you
is

are busiest

row, either by

hand

or with a mechanical planter.

with your summer garden. Irrigation

during the
late

usually necessary

Space the seeds uniformly in the row. Small seeds

can sometimes be handled better
if

summer and

early

fall

months. Weeds

they are thoroughly

grow quickly
free of

at this time,

and the garden must be kept

cultivation. Insects

mixed with

a small

amount

of dry, pulverized soil

and

weeds through shallow

and

then sown. (See the table on page 30 for the number of

seeds to

diseases also thrive during

warm, humid weather; and

sow per

foot or

hill.)

the vegetables need almost daily care. But the pleasure

Plant at proper depth.

A good

general rule

is

to place

you can derive from

effort

a fall

garden

far

outweighs the extra

it.

the seed at a depth about four times the diameter of the

seed.

involved in planning and planting

dates

Cover small
l

seeds,

such as carrots and

lettuce,

with

The planting
decide

shown on page 28 can help you

about U to
beans,

'/2

inch of
1

soil.

Place large seeds, such as corn,

when

to plant your vegetables.

and

peas,

to 2 inches deep. In extremely wet

conditions, cover

more

shallowly; and, under very dry

How to Plant
Storting Seeds
In starting seeds in the garden, follow these directions:

conditions, plant slightly deeper.

Cover the

seeds,

and firm the

soil.

Lightly pack soil

soil

around the seeds by gently tamping the

with your

Use disease-free seed.

hands, an upright hoe, or a rake. Firming prevents rain-

Mark
control,

straight rows. Straight rows add to the attrac-

tiveness of your garden,

and make
easier.

cultivation, insect
a row, drive

and harvesting
ground

To mark

two

stakes into the

at either

edge of the garden, and

suit-

draw

a string

taut between them. Shallow furrows,

able for small seed, can be

made by drawing

hoe
deeper
blade.

handle along the line indicated by the

furrows, use a wheel

string. For

hoe or the corner of the hoe

specifically for

There

is

a pointed

hoe designed

making

furrows. Use correct spacing

between rows and between

the plants in a row (see the table

on page

30).

Many
plac-

gardeners tend to sow small-seeded vegetables too

Hill or drill the seed. Planting in "hills"

means

ing several seeds in one spot at intervals in the row.

The plants must be thinned to allow space for proper growth and development. Thin plants carefully while they are
thickly.

small.

Sweet corn, squash, melons, and cucumbers are often

To make a shallow furrow for planting seeds, draw edge of a hoe blade (right).

hoe or rake handle along

a taut planting line

(left).

For deeper furrows, use the

28

PLANTING THE GARDEN

(See zone

Planting Dates for Midwest Gardens map inside back cover.)

Zone 6: April 1 0-25 Zone 5b: April 25-May 10 Zone 4, 5a: May 10-25

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 1-July 15 1 -June 15

June
1

-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

Zone Zone Zone

6:

April

25-|une

Successive Plantings
Early

5b:
4,

May 1 0-June 1 5a: May 25-June1

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

Frost -Tolerant Vegetables

Beet
Broccoli, plants

Pumpkin
Squash,

Chinese cabbage, plants

Endive

summer
Okra

Squash, winter

Brussels sprouts, plants

Watermelon

Rutabaga

Cabbage, plants
Carrot
Cauliflower, plants

Late
Successive Plantings
Bean, snap
Kohlrabi

Summer

Chinese cabbage

Chard, swiss

Beet
Lettuce,

Cos

Chinese cabbage, plants

Leek, plants
Lettuce, head, plants

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

PLANTING THE GARDEN

29

water from washing away the seeds and the

drying rapidly, and
it

soil

from

removed before transplanting. Other containers

planted "roots and
all,"

are

also assures

good

seed-soil contact.

and the

roots should be able to

Thin the plants while they are young. Carefully

remove the weakest plants.
thinning, the plants
If

penetrate the container.

The following containers should

transplanting: clay pots, plas-

you wait too long before

be carefully removed
tic pots, plastic

when

may be

injured or stunted from

packs and

trays, fiber

pots and trays, and

crowding. (See the table on page 30 for the proper

distances between plants after
transplanted.)

homemade

containers (such as egg or milk cartons).

they have been thinned or

Roots penetrate the following containers, and the

containers should be buried, roots and
line: Jiffy- 7 (pellets), Jiffy-9 (pellets),
all,

below the
fertile

soil

peat pots,

Setting Plants

cubes,

and

soil blocks.
if

Some

vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, cauli-

Protect plants from heat, wind, or cold

necessary.

flower, eggplant, pepper, sweet potato,

and tomato,

are

Plant protectors (sometimes called "hot caps")

made

of

usually started in the garden

by means of

transplants.

You

paper or plastic are available to lessen trouble from

in the spring.

frost

can buy plants or grow them yourself indoors, in a cold

frame, or in a greenhouse. Follow these directions
setting plants into the garden:

Homemade

devices can be constructed

when

from

baskets, boxes, or jars.

Do

not leave the protector

If

over the plants longer than necessary.

the weather gets

it

Transplant on a cloudy day or in the evening.

warm during

the day, remove the protector or open

so

Handle plants with

ers (such as pots,

care.

About an hour before

that the plants receive ventilation. Wire cages placed

transplanting, thoroughly water the soil in the contain-

over early tomatoes (see page 125) provide a framework

that can be covered with plastic or heavy paper to

bands, and

flats)

holding the plants.

The

roots of plants in flats should be blocked out with a

protect against late frosts.

knife to get as
fully

much

soil as

possible with each root. Careroots.

To protect newly
collars

set plants

from pests

like

cutworms,

remove plants without disturbing the

around the
roots. Plants

Keep a

may be

placed around each plant. Metal or card-

ball of soil

grown

in cell packs

board cans with both ends removed work well. The

already have individual soil compartments

and usually

worms

are thwarted,

and the top

is

open, allowing the

it

pop out with

their entire root system. large

plant to breathe.

Once the
removed.

plant outgrows the collar,

Dig a hole
slightly deeper
If

enough
it

so that the plant

may be

set

may be

carefully

than
tall,

grew

in the container or seedbed.

Early season plantings of

many crops can

benefit

you must use

Use

spindly plants, plant

angle.

them

deeply,

from the soil-warming

Floating

qualities of black plastic

mulch.

setting

them on an

row covers have been developed that

are put

starter-fertilizer solution to get plants off to a

over plants in the garden, allowing the plants to grow,

fast start.

but offering some insect and cold protection.

soil,

Cover the roots with

the plant.

and firm the

soil

around

Some plant-growing

containers are carefully

Plant

tomato plants about

in

V2 inch

deeper than they were grown previously

them

a shallow furrow rather than a

deep hole

(right).

The surface

soil

is

(left). If only tall tomato plants are available, plant warmer, and the roots will reestablish themselves

along the stem.

30

PLANTING THE GARDEN

Vegetable
Asparagus
Bean, bush, lima

Seeds to sow per foot or hill

when thinned
Do Do

Inches between plants or transplanted

10
not thin not thin

Inches between rows

36- -60
18- -30 18- -24 12- -18 30- -36 18- -30 12- -18

3-4
6

Bean, bush, snap

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

24- -36 24- -36

18- -24

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

ngle plants; 36,

hills

(3 plants per

hill)

4-6

18-24
9-12
3-5

Horseradish (from sets)

Kale

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

18- -24, single plants; 36,

(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

Onion (from seed)

Onion (from plant or
Parsley
set)

10-15

10-15

2-5
6

Parsnip

15-20
10-12

2-A

Pea

Do

not thin

18- -24 18- -24

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

row, 4-5 per

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

row, 4-5 per row, 4-5 per

24- -36, single plants; 48, 24- -36, single plants; 72,

hills hills

(3 plants per (3 plants per

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

PLANTING THE GARDEN

31

Sample Sketch of a Vegetable Garden

(10'

x 20')

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cVA^ruio Z-V"afkiAX

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Sotx) /ao-150 /uzc6as

7TKT
'3

K
.

j%1 yK. JKi"

tfj^ /8-Z9 "a^atX

c^

,>-'

rScrOJ

80-/0 4Zcg;

fe

^
M&vZV

^uccA^tlC (Z-3J ?&%^ /O \f%vn "apart

32

PLANTING THE GARDEN

Floating
production
is

Row Covers
innovation in early season vegetable
the floating row cover. These covers are

A fairly recent
made

SOIL TEMPERATURES FOR GERMINATION OF VEGETABLE SEEDS

temperature range for seedling development
Best
soil

of white, ultraviolet-light-stable,
plastic.

spun-bonded
Vegetable
Bean, lima
Bean, snap
Beets

polypropylene

They

are extremely light in

Days to germination
7-8

weight, self-ventilating,

and they allow

greater than

80

75-80F

percent light transmission. Under normal conditions,

their light

65-80T-

7-10
7-14

weight allows them to be used without hoops

50-80T
50-80F

or supports, merely "floating"

In very

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

or other support to keep the whipping action of

the wind from damaging the

the cover.
Floating

young crop

plants beneath

Cucumber
Lettuce

60-85F

4-8
3-8

45-70F
65-85F
75-85F

row covers promote

better

growing condifrost-sensitive

Muskmelon
Okra

4-8
7-12

tions in early spring for warm-loving

and

crops like tomatoes, peppers, melons, cucumbers, and

squash.

Onion
Parsley

45-75F

5-15
10-15

When

used with black plastic mulches, the

60-85T-

differences in energy capture

and crop

earliness

can be
Parsnip
Pea,

astounding. In spring, covers are applied immediately

after

60-75F
english

10-15
6-8 6-8 4-5

seeding or transplanting and can remain in place

pod or

50-80F

until crops

outgrow the space under the cover or when

Pea, southern

65-85T70-85T50-70F

plants begin to flower

and

require pollination.

They can
if

Pumpkin
Radish

be relatively easily removed and even reapplied

sary.

neces-

4-7
7-15

Spinach

45-65T
70-85T 55-80T 70-85T 65-85T

Spun-bonded row covers increase the temperature

and provide some

can mean

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

the difference between harvesting a mature

failure.

crop of a long-season vegetable and crop

These
fall.

Watermelon

5-8

covers can also be used to extend the season in the

The protection provided may amount

in temperature

to a 4F difference

on

frosty nights.
falls

During daylight hours, when sunlight

covers, additional heat
is

on the
soil

trapped and stored in the

beneath the plants, increasing both top and root growth

of the crop. This increased growth contributes to earlier

harvest

and higher

early yields.

It

also protects against

most airborne

insects.

Spun-bonded row covers can be

a real asset in speed-

ing early season fresh produce to harvest, especially in short-season areas or those with undependable spring

warmth. Most covers can be reused and

tively expensive in the

are not prohibi-

home

garden.

CARING FOR THE GARDEN

35

Caring for the Garden

Cultivation
Although the main purpose of cultivation
control weeds,
cially early in
is

Mulching
Mulching
is

covering the

soil

around vegetable plants

with natural or synthetic materials to control weeds,

moderate

soil

moisture and temperature, improve plant

growth and

yield,

improve

soil structure,

and keep

vegetables clean.
to

Depending on the
effect

type, a

mulch may
and
soil

have a cooling or warming

on the

soil,

some

soils

may need

cultivation, espesoil crust

temperature and moisture remain more uniform.

Vegetable plants usually grow better

the season, to break the

and
for water,

when mulched

aerate the

soil.

Weeds compete with vegetables

and
If

because an extensive root system develops undisturbed

fertilizer nutrients,

light;

and they may harbor

are allowed to

under the protective

root pruning

soil

covering.

The mulch prevents

is

insects
large,

and

diseases.

weeds

become

and injury when

cultivation or hoeing

they shade the vegetables and result in a poor crop.

too close or too deep. Although mulches help conserve

Begin cultivation as soon as weeds begin to sprout,

moisture in the

soil,

they do not eliminate the need for

and repeat whenever they reappear,

dries after irrigation or rain.

especially as the soil

soil
if it is

water or irrigation. Mulches should be used in combination with other cultural practices such as stakes, cages,
trellises,

Do

not work the

too wet. The roots of

surface

many vegetables
easily

are near the soil

cultivator.

and

irrigation. Light-colored organic

mulches

and

are

damaged

by a hoe or

may

retard early season

soil

growth of heat-loving vegetables

Cultivate or hoe shallowly near plants

in the season.

and

carefully later

by keeping
allowing

temperatures cool. Pull back mulches,

Remember
tool
if

the garden hoe can be your

it

soil to

warm thoroughly

in the early season.

most important

you use
is

properly.

Chemical weed control

for the

not usually recommended

home

garden. Vegetables have varying tolerances

Organic Mulches Commonly used organic mulches

dues

include plant

resi-

for herbicides. Herbicides

must be applied accurately and

(straw, hay, leaves, grass clippings,

hulls,

crushed corncobs,
(saw-

uniformly

at the

proper stage of development of both the

peanut
dust,

and compost); and

peat;

wood byproducts

vegetable plant and the weed. Because your garden has

wood

chips,

shavings);

and animal manures.

many different
growth,

kinds of vegetables in different stages of

herbicide application
is

Many
as they

gardeners prefer to use organic mulches

when
tilth

safe, effective

nearly

they are available. Organic mulches improve garden

impossible in a vegetable garden. Either do not apply

herbicides in the yard, or exercise extreme caution near

decompose, returning organic matter and plant

soil.

nutrients to the

They encourage earthworm

activity,

your garden because weed-spray

drift

can damage the

which improves
available.

soil structure
soil

and makes nutrients more

vegetable plants. Farm and market gardens can benefit

They keep

moisture and temperature

soil.

from herbicides when the operator has the equipment

uniform, and usually have a cooling effect on the

and experience

to apply these chemicals correctly.

soil

Organic mulches should be spread evenly over the

between the rows and around the

plants.
If

Apply to a

depth of 3 or 4 inches to keep

down

weeds.

weeds

remain a problem, a thicker application of mulch

needed. You
still

may be

may need

to

remove

a few

weeds by

hand.
Properly applied, organic mulches benefit most

garden vegetables. Because organic mulches slow the

soil

from warming in the

the
soil after

spring, they should be placed

on

the plants have begun to grow and are well

established. As the season progresses (and especially for

late-summer plantings), the cooling

effect of organic

mulches can be quite beneficial

Cultivate shallowly to prevent table plants
(left). Pull

for

many vegetables.

damage

to the roots of vegeare close to

weeds by hand when they

the plants (right).

36

CARING FOR THE GARDEN

Vegetable
Bean, lima

Critical

period of water needs

and pod development

Pollination

Bean, snap
Broccoli

Pod enlargement

Head development Head development

Root enlargement

Cabbage
Carrot
Cauliflower

Head development
Silking, tasseling,

Corn, sweet

and ear
development

development

Cucumber
Black plastic film keeps
serves moisture

Flowering and

fruit

down weeds, warms

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

and conagainst the wind

soil,

Eggplant

Uniform supply from flowering through harvest

Fruit set

Melon
Onion, dry
Pea

and

early

development

when

the plastic

is

applied.

Bulb enlargement

Flowering and seed enlargement

Unfortunately, organic mulches also have certain

Pepper

disadvantages

they are bulky, are

may

Uniform supply from flowering through harvest Tuber

set

difficult to

handle,

Potato
Radish

and tuber enlargement

and

(if

low in nitrogen)
fertilizer.

require side-dressings of

Root enlargement

nitrogen

(Light green or yellowish leaves indi-

Squash,

summer

Bud development and flowering

Uniform supply from flowering through harvest
Root enlargement

cate that the vegetable plant needs nitrogen.)

products like sawdust are the worst in this

use organic mulches

Wood regard. Do
or soils

Tomato
not
Turnip

on poorly drained

soils

where water

is

standing.

Synthetic Mulches
Black plastic (polyethylene) film blocks sunlight

have emerged. For potato

place

plants, the film

may be

kept in

from the

soil,

and weeds do not grow beneath

by

it. It

and covered with organic mulch

slits

to

smother weeds

warms the
mulched

soil

5 to 10F, benefiting early spring

growing underneath. Cut

in the film so that the

plantings and, especially, warm-loving vegetables. As the

area
is

potato plants can penetrate. Sweet corn plants that

shaded by

foliage, the soil

temperature
areas

germinate under plastic

plastic for

may be

left

folded under the

becomes about the same

that are also shaded

as that in the

unmulched

up

to 3 weeks in early spring, but

watch

for

by

foliage. This

keeps plant roots

high-temperature buildup

it

can burn

off the plants.

under black

plastic

from cooking in midsummer

l'/ 2

Seeds can be planted through plastic mulches by

cutting
slits

sunshine. Rolls of black plastic film

3 to 4 feet wide

mils thick and

in the film with a sharp knife.

An

old-fashslits

may be

used for cucumbers, eggplant,

ioned corn jabber (hand planter) can be used to cut

muskmelons, peppers, pumpkins, summer squash, sweet

potatoes, tomatoes, watermelons,

and plant seeds

through

in

one operation. Simply push the jabber and operate

it

and winter squash. The

and cabbage.
at

the film,

in the usual way. Flower-

film also can be used advantageously in northern areas

for early planted sweet corn, broccoli,

bulb planters with the bottom edge sharpened can be

used to cut a hole in film mulch and remove a plug of

soil in

Clear plastic film

least 10 to

raises

the

soil

temperature by
is

preparation for transplanting through the mulch.

20F at the surface. Clear plastic

preferable

Black and clear plastic film can readily be obtained

to black plastic for unusually cool seasons because the

from garden

centers,

hardware

stores,

and mail-order

extra

warming speeds up seed germination and growth

and V/2
to

houses or through seed catalogs. Other synthetic

in cold soil. Clear plastic film iy 2 mils thick

mulching materials include paper, paper-plastic combinations,

foil,

3 feet wide

may

be used to cover rows of early planted

and

foil-paper combinations.
in plastic

New

colors

peas, radishes, lettuce, sweet corn, beans,

and potatoes.
that weeds
a problem, the

and color combinations

tested

mulches

are being

The main problem with

grow under the
plastic
plastic. If

clear plastic

is

and may soon be

available for

home

vegetable

weeds become

production.

should be removed

after the vegetable seedlings

CARING FOR THE GARDEN

37

Watering
Adequate water
crops.
is

Trickle
essential for

Tubes

producing high-quality

There are usually dry periods during the growing

season

when you must

fruiting,

water your garden to

start seeds,

to keep vegetables growing vigorously, to encourage

continuous

and to keep the quality of harvested

Water vegetables once a week during
Twin-wall

produce high.

When to water.
dry periods (usually

when

less

than

inch of rain

falls

during a week). Watering early enough in the day so that

moisture on the plants dries before sunset helps to keep

down many

diseases. (The critical periods of water

needs
Single-wall

for various vegetables are

shown on page

36.)

Not waterminimize

ing during the intense heat of

midday helps

to

water

lost to

evaporation.
It is

How to water.
kle the
tive,

better to soak the soil thoroughly

to a depth of at least 6 inches

once a week than to To be

sprin-

garden lightly

at frequent intervals.

effec-

Canvas

the water should get

down

into the root zone of the

rainfall, is

plant.

About

inch of water a week, including

desirable for

most vegetables during the growing season.

To measure the amount applied by overhead sprinkling

methods, place four or
being
irrigated.
five straight-sided

cans in the area

These cans collect about the same

soil,

Ooze

amount

of water as the

and the depth

easily

can be

measured.

Trickle

tubes

Trickle irrigation.

trickle line (tube)

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

CARING FOR THE GARDEN

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.

Trickle or drip irrigation is a

method

of watering
fertilizer.

Seed the vegetables, but do not apply additional water

for
V2
1

vegetable plants analogous to side-dressing

or 2 days.

If it

does not rain for 2 days, apply about

Water

is

applied directly

on the row by

a special tube or

inch of water every other day until the seed germinates.

is

hose, usually at

low pressure and volume. In addition to

This treatment

particularly important for green, wax,

just after

the traditional porous canvas tube, there are

now many

and lima beans. Heavy watering

these seeds to
split,

planting causes

kinds of plastic tubes that pass water through their walls

at a

resulting in "bald heads" (seedlings

yields, or

slow rate or use emitters to deliver water.

line (tube)

without cotyledons), reduced

failure.

complete crop

A trickle
the

may be

placed at the side of a row

Some

sort of

shade or other protection from the

of vegetable plants or
soil directly

between companion rows to water

baking sun of midsummer also

may help

seedlings

beneath the plants rather than the space

1

emerge and become established in moist conditions.

between the rows. Some tubes may be buried

inches deep in the
delivers
it

to 2

soil.

Trickle irrigation uses less water,

it is

Controlling Garden Pests

Make
sure that

exactly where

needed, and provides a

you have

identified

your problem

correctly.

more uniform supply of water than other watering

systems; but
are relatively
it

plant's

symptoms can have many

different causes:

can be costly to

install.

Some new systems

fall

diseases (fungal, bacterial, or viral); insects (foliage feed-

uncomplicated and inexpensive.

gardens
soil

ing or soilborne); chemical injury (from insecticides,

fungicides, herbicides, air pollutants, or fertilizers);
todes;

Watering the seedbed. Summer and

nema-

often require water to establish the crop because the

dries
is

mechanical damage (from hoeing and cultivating);

(cold, heat,

more quickly during the summer months.

If

the

soil

and weather
resulting
tions.

wind, or lightning). Problems

solu-

dry

when you

are ready to plant, apply

'/

to

inch of

from each of these causes require different

it

water uniformly to the area to be planted. After the water

has

Although

may be

necessary to use chemicals for

moved uniformly through

begun

the topsoil and the

certain pests,

you can prevent many garden problems by

surface has again

to dry, lightly

work the

surface

following these general control practices:

by raking or cultivating very shallowly. This operation

often requires as
little

as

one

day.

CARING FOR THE GARDEN

39

Grow disease-resistant varieties and

Use treated seed.

hybrids.

Beneficial Insects
and root
swellings.

Inspect purchased plants carefully. Check for

cankers, spotty leaves,

The plants
Aphid
lion

should stand erect and have healthy green leaves.

Fertilize

your garden properly for vigorous plant

(V2 inch)

growth. Remember

nitrogen (N) promotes leaf growth;

set, as

phosphorus

(P) is

responsible for fruit

(K)
is

well as stem

and root growth; and potassium

development and general disease
balance of
plants.
all soil

necessary for root

resistance. Proper

nutrients increases the odds of healthy

Golden-eyed lacewing fly (adult of aphid lion)

(1

Keep weeds out of the garden. Weeds can harbor

both insects and
diseases.

V4 inches)

Mow or weed all areas

soil-

surrounding the garden.

Mulch
free

plants.

Mulching helps to keep down

stress.

borne diseases and moisture

mulches.

Always use diseaseParasitic

wasp

(Vs-2 inches)

Do not work

in the garden while the plants are

wet. Cultivating or harvesting under wet conditions

causes plant diseases to be spread from infected to

healthy plants.

Remove plant
with

residues after each crop. Destroy

plant materials that are infected with diseases or infested

insects. Plant materials that are

not infected or
soil.

Praying mantis

infested may be composted or worked into the

(2V2 inches)

Composting does not always generate enough heat to

destroy diseases or insects.

Each

year, rotate the vegetables in

your garden to

different locations. Certain related crops are susceptible

to the

same

diseases.

If

possible, avoid planting

any of
Lady beetle

the vegetables within each of the following groups in the

OA-Vsinch)

same location more than once every 3

ple,

years. For

exam-

cabbage and turnips should not be planted in the

in a season,

same location more than once

for

and then not

larva

two succeeding

years.

Cabbage could be followed,

cucumbers, or corn.

pupa

however, with

late beans,

Cole crops (cabbage family): broccoli, brussels sprouts,

cabbage, cauliflower, kohlrabi, mustard, radish, rutabaga,

and

turnip.

Insects

Cucurbits (cucumber family): cucumber, gourd,

musk-

You may find many kinds of

insects in

your garden.

melon, pumpkin, squash (summer and winter), and

watermelon.
Solanaceous (tomato and potato family): eggplant, irish
potato, pepper,

Some

of these insects are destructive, others

do not cause

any damage, and many

are actually beneficial because

they feed on or disrupt destructive insects. For example,

lady beetles and aphid lions feed

and tomato.
snails.

upon

aphids,

and

para-

Use attractant baits to get rid of slugs and

If

sitic

wasps feed on

caterpillars

and other

insects. Natural

necessary, construct a fence to keep out dogs,

populations of these beneficial insects should be encouraged, but

it is

rabbits,

and other animals.

questionable

if it is

worthwhile to purchase

them

for release in

your garden.

40

CARING FOR THE GARDEN

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

than Vs inch long),

soft-bodied, usually wingless

insects. Color ranges from pale green to black. Slow-moving. Often not noticed until there

Curled leaves; "honeydew" (clear, sticky substance on leaves and fruit given off by
aphids, turns black from

mold

are

many upon

a plant.

growth); many bodied insects.

tiny, soft-

Blister beetles

V2-V8 inch long. Soft-winged

black, gray, or striped beetles.

Bean,
in

irish

potato, tomato,

Blister beetles

damage

foliage

Fast-moving. Usually appear groups.

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

V4 inch long. Black-and-yellow spotted or striped beetles.

Cucumber, muskmelon, pumpkin, squash (summer and

winter), watermelon.

Holes
ers;

in foliage;

chewed

flow-

scarred stems and fruit

stems, or

Feed on foliage, flowers, fruit. Fly from one

plant to another.

surfaces. Beetles

may

carry

bacterial wilt disease that

causes plants to wilt and die.

Cutworms

Up to 1 V2 inches long. Black, gray, or mottled caterpillars.

Usually a single

Broccoli, brussels sprouts, cab-

Cut-off or wilted plants. Cut-

cutworm
soil

bage, cauliflower, eggplant, kohlrabi, pepper, sweet corn,

worms chew through

stems at or
surface.
just

plant
soil

beneath

found curled up beneath

surface at base of
plant.

tomato.

damaged

They also may feed on ripening tomato fruits, leaving small, round holes.

Flea beetles

Shiny, usually black beetles,

Cabbage, Chinese cabbage,

eggplant, radish, spinach,

Flea beetles scratch holes or

often not observed,

ability

due

to

leave white streaks

in

green

their small size (Vie inch)

and to jump quickly from

disturbed.

sweet corn, turnip.

foliage in late spring. Intense

plants

when

feeding results in wilting and dying of leaves and decreased

yield.

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.

Bean, carrot, cucumber, potato, muskmelon.

irish

Curled or crinkled foliage; "hopper burn" (cause by

leafhoppers' feeding, indicated

disturbed.

by brown edges on leaves). Leafhoppers may have migrated from damaged

plants.

Maggots, root

Tiny (up to Vs inch long), white, legless worms. Found in tunnels in underground parts of vegetables.

Cabbage, onion,
rutabaga, turnip.

radish,

Wilting or stunting of plants.

Numerous brown
nels

or gray tun-

throughout underground

parts of vegetables.

Slugs (snails without shells)

Range

in size

up to 2 inches
in

Most vegetables.

long. Shiny, slimy, soft, legless

mucous
on

Paths of slugs marked by shiny trails. Some feeding

foliage

animal. Seldom seen

day-

and scarring

of fruit.

^j^ KfSh^^

light.

CARING FOR THE GARDEN

41

Destructive insects that each year attack certain

(2)
all

apply

it

at

the proper time; and

surfaces.

(3)

thoroughly cover

vegetables (such as beans, broccoli, cabbage, cucumbers,

eggplants,

above-ground plant
Fungicides

and muskmelons)

are discussed

under "Major

may be

applied as a dust or as a spray.

Vegetables," pages 51 to 130.

They

are

most

effective

when used

as a preventive

Destructive insects that attack

illustrated in the table

many garden

crops are

measure
tions

before the disease appears. Follow the direclabel of the container.

All vegetables are attacked

on page

40.

By comparing the
in the

on the

insects with the

table,

symptoms of damage shown

Root-knot nematodes.
small,

by

you can

identify

many common
no

garden problems.

wormlike animals called nematodes. Root-knot

(Because control measures are being developed continually

nematodes burrow into the roots of plants and cause

small, knotlike to

and

are subject to change,

specific

recommenda-

rounded swellings or

"galls." Galls are

tions for the control of insects

in this book. Regularly
this

and

diseases are included

offer

swellings within the root, as contrasted with beneficial

bacterial nodules,

updated publications that

which

are attached loosely

on the

information are

listed

on page

170.)

roots of peas roots

and beans. Plants with

severe galling of the

grow

slowly; appear unthrifty; tend to wilt in dry,

Diseases
Vegetables are subject to

hot weather; never reach expected production; and

many diseases caused by

nema-

die prematurely.

The only control

available to

may home

plant pathogens (fungi, bacteria, viruses, and

todes).

gardeners

is

to

change the location of the garden or to

Those diseases that are frequently found on

under "Major Vegetato

fumigate the entire area with a nematicide.

If

particular vegetables are discussed

bles,"

you suspect that nematodes

your local extension

are

damaging your
information on
analysis.

pages 51 to 130. Diseases

common

many vegetais

crops, ask

office for

bles are discussed in the following paragraphs.

how to
caused by

collect

and mail specimens

viral diseases.

for

nematode

Damping-off of seedlings. Damping-off

several soil fungi that affect

Bacterial

and

Many garden
by

plants can

both germinating seed and

become

infected with bacterial

and

viral diseases.

These

tender seedlings in the garden, in the home, or in special

diseases primarily are transmitted

insects carrying the

plant-growing structures (such as cold frames, greenhouses,

disease-causing organisms

or,

mechanically, by rain or

and hotbeds).
level,
it

When

a seedling

is

attacked at

irrigation splashing, hoeing, cultivating, pruning,

and

ground

collapses.

Damping-off can be prevented

in sterilized
soil,

harvesting.

When weeds and

is

perennial plants are hosts

essential. For this reason,

to a large extent

by planting seeds

with

for infection, insect control

proper moisture content and temperature, and by good

culture (for example, using correct planting depth, spacing,

infected plants should be

as possible.

removed and destroyed

as

soon

and watering).

Blossom drop. Extreme weather conditions may

cause blossoms and small
fruits to

Unless the fungi are controlled, they spread rapidly,

drop. Blossom drop

and the
days.

entire seedling crop

can be destroyed in a few

treated

results in the failure of fruits to

develop on beans,

Most commercially purchased seed has been

peppers, and tomatoes

with a fungicide by the seed processor to protect against

damping-off. You also should pasteurize any
soil (see

below 55F

in the

when night temperatures fall spring or when hot, drying winds

involved in blossom drop.

occur in the summer. Insects, diseases, and herbicides

page 45) that

transplants.

is

brought into the house

for

growing

sometimes also

may be

Fungal diseases of mature plants.

Many

fungal

diseases attack vegetables, infecting both foliage

fruit.

and

Early blight of tomatoes

is

an example of a

common

fungus-caused disease in gardens.

Some

fungal

diseases (fusarium

and

verticillium wilts, for example)

varieties.
irish

can be controlled best by planting resistant

Common blight diseases of carrots,

cucumbers,

potatoes, melons, pumpkins, squash, peppers,

and

eggplants can be prevented by applying a

fungicide.

recommended

To obtain

effective control of fungal diseases

(1) select

on these

crops,

you must

the correct fungicide;

STARTING PLANTS

AT

HONE

45

Place a

thermometer in the center of the mixture, cover

foil,

Starting Plants

with aluminum
Set the

and put the pan

in the oven.
soil

oven
(as

at

250 to 275F, and heat until the

is

at Home
Growing Media
It is

temperature

indicated by the thermometer)

180F.

Lower the oven temperature and maintain the

temperature
at

soil soil

180F for 30 minutes.

it

Remove the

from the oven and allow

to cool before planting. Be

desirable to use a sterile plant-growing

medium.

careful not to

contaminate the mixture with unclean

soil,

Several kinds of soilless germinating mixes, growing

hands, tools,
It is

or seeds.

mixes, potting
pellets

soils,

peat cubes, and compressed peat

stores,

equally important to clean old or used plant

may be

obtained from garden centers, seed

containers, pots,

and

tools with a disinfectant.

You can

and garden

catalogs.

These normally should be

free

from

use

part

household bleach (5.45 percent sodium

insects, diseases,

and weeds and have enough

first

fertilizer

hypochlorite) mixed in 9 parts water. Thoroughly

wash
to dry

incorporated for the

3 to 4

weeks of plant growth.

the container and tools outdoors, and allow

them

They
cial

are easy to use,

and many gardeners and commeris

completely before use.

growers believe that their extra cost

justified.

Outdoor

soils also

may be

used for growing plants.

Sowing Seeds
The
traditional

Unfortunately, these soils often need improvement in

fertility,

aeration,

and drainage; and they may harbor

method

of starting seeds has been to

(flats)

insects or disease organisms.

If

sow them
soil,

in shallow boxes
lightly

in rows about 2 inches

after

you

are going to use

outdoor

you should

apart
fertil-

and cover

with vermiculite. Soon

the

ize

it

and mix

in rotted

compost or manure the summer

it.

seedlings

come

up, they can be transplanted to trays,

before

you intend

to use

A good

soil

mixture for growthe following

part shredded

pots, or other containers.

ing plants

may be made by combining

1

simpler

method

of starting seeds

is

to

sow the

seeds

ingredients:

part fertile garden

directly into the final

growing container. This method

soil; 1

peat moss or well-decomposed compost; and 1 part

vermiculite, perlite, or sand.

saves a step in handling the tender seedlings

and avoids

Mix thoroughly and

transplant shock.

It

requires additional space, however,

pasteurize before using.

because a larger number of containers are needed. The

dates for planting various vegetable seeds indoors follow.

Pasteurizing the Soil

Pasteurization (heating at 180F) usually
kills

Temperature
most
You can
sure

common

diseases, weeds,

and

insects in the soil.

The temperature
rapid

of the

medium

is

important for

pasteurize soil at

home

in the oven. After

making

and

successful seed germination. Often the

that the soil mixture has adequate moisture for seed

medium
air.

has a lower temperature than the surrounding

for seed

germination, put the mixture in a pan or glass dish (the

To ensure the proper temperature

germina-

mixture should be no more than 3 to 4 inches deep).

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

ture can be increased

by covering the seed containers by adding heat with

special

less often, as

needed

for plant growth.

It is

good

practice

with glass or clear

plastic, or

to use plain water

between feedings because water

fertilizer salts

heating cables or mats. Heating cables or mats are especially helpful

prevents the accumulation of

eventually injure the

that can

when

large

numbers

of plants are to be

young

plants.

grown.

The

table

on page 48 shows the optimal temperature

can be hardened out-of-

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.

ranges for germinating seeds and for growing vegetable

plants. Frost-tolerant plants

doors for

to 2

weeks before they are transplanted into

the garden. Growing times for plants

significantly

may be changed
light.

ers

use plant-growing lamps as a primary source of light

there
is

by temperature, moisture, and

when

no

natural light or as a supplement to the

a

natural light

coming through

window.

Watering and

Fertilizing
is

Next to proper temperature, uniform moisture

the

most important requirement

for seed germination.

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

containers, such as peat pellets, dry out quickly

and may

complete units or assembled

at

home.

If

you

are not

need frequent watering. Water the plants

size,

as

they grow in
is

fully

competent

in these installations, ask

an

electrician

but do not water too much. Overwatering

at least

for help.

as

dangerous as underwatering
Your
soil

at the seedling stage.

Properly designed and utilized

in a

artificial light

systems

or growing

medium should
first

be

fertile

enough

workroom, family room, kitchen,

garage, or base-

to sustain the plants for the

3 to 4 weeks.

Once

ment may be the

duction.

total source of light for seedling prois

seedlings are up, established,

and growing, you may

or growing medium
fertilizer

Make

sure that the temperature in this area

supplement the

fertility

of the soil
fertilizer.

suitable for the plants

you want

to grow. For the best

by adding water-soluble

Use a soluble

plant growth, as well as for germination,

you may need

(such as 10-50-10, 20-20-20, or 18-12-6) at the rate of

1

to provide supplemental heat in addition to light.

An

tablespoon per

gallon of water. Apply once a week, or

accurate thermometer

is

essential.
(a total of

Two
side

double-tube fixtures
side are preferable to

four tubes) placed

by

one

fixture

with two fluores-

cent tubes. The paired double-tube fixtures can provide

light for a

growing area 16 to 18 inches wide. Long

fluo-

rescent tubes (48, 72, or 96 inches long) produce

light

more

than shorter ones

(18, 24, or

36 inches) combined

to produce the

same

length.

The standard 40-watt, 48-

inch fixture

is

the most popular; and replacement parts

for these units are readily available.

Cool-white tubes are the most

commonly used. Add

with each bank of

one or two incandescent

light bulbs

four-tube fluorescent lamps. This simple addition

provides light quality for plant growth that

fluorescent light alone.

is

superior to

There are several kinds of "plant-growth" lamps

designed for indoor-light gardening. Their light does not

appear as strong to the eye as light from cool-white

tubes.

However, the color

(it

may be

objectionable in a

room environment
hours per day.
12 hours.

usually has a pinkish glow).

Seedlings and plants should be lighted for 12 to 16

growing transplants may be homemade or purchased. The structures should be sturdy, and the lights or the plant shelf should be adjustable for height.
Structures for

Do

not light onion plants for more than

timer that automatically turns the lights

on

and

off

is

helpful.

STARTING PLANTS

AT

HOME

47

Seeds can be sown uniformly

in

germinating

flats

or containers
flats,

(left)

and covered

lightly

with

soil

or vermiculite.

The seedlings may

seed leaves

be

left in

the original containers or transplanted into

pots, peat pellets, or other

growing containers soon

after the

(cotyledons) are fully developed.

carefully
tly

Make

by the

tip of

the seed leaf

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

medium. Water thoroughly.

Place the lamps close to the leaves of the plants.

A
a

can be

left

outdoors in cold frames for their

final

growth

distance of 6 to 12 inches

is

recommended. There

is

and hardening. The degree of success achieved

in grow-

twice as

much

light (intensity) 6 inches

away from

ing plants under lights varies with the kind of plants, the

fluorescent tube as 18 inches away.

fixtures or the plant shelf

Make

either the light

length of time that they are grown, and the combination

of lights

moveable to permit adjustment

and

intensities that are used.

of the distance between plant

and

lights as the plants

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

for transplanting to the

garden varies with the kind of

grown

inside

under

lights are trans-

vegetable and the environmental conditions under

planted outdoors, they should be hardened gradually by

which the vegetable

best conditions,

is

grown.

If

you cannot provide the

for less

exposing them to outside conditions. Place the plants

outdoors a few hours each day, starting in a very sheltered location,
as

grow your plants

time

(3 to 6

weeks, for example) than

shown

in the table

on page

48,

and gradually extend the exposure period

Frost-tolerant vegetables

and then transplant the

might have been under
able to
tall,

smaller,

younger plants in the

as large as they

you approach planting time.

garden. Even though they

may not be

ideal conditions,

they are prefer-

weaker, spindly plants for starting outdoors.

also germinate the seed indoors until the

You can

seedlings are started,

and then place them outdoors

in a

protected location during the day. Bring the plants inside

at night to protect

them
is

against cold temperatures.

if

hotbed or cold frame A

cold frame (which depends

helpful

upon

solar

energy

for heat) or

Growing plants out of season

many plants are grown. in a home greenhouse

temperature, ventieasily.

hotbed (with supplemental nighttime heat) can provide outdoor growing space for large numbers of plants and for hardening plants
in

can be a rewarding hobby. The best plants are usually

preperation for planting.

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

60-70 60-70 60-70 60-70

70-80 70-80
70-75

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

3X3 3X3 3X3 3X3 3X3 4X4 2X2 2X2

3X3

5-7 3-4 6-8

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

3X3 3X3 3X3 3X3

8-10
6-8

Tomato
Watermelon, regular Watermelon, seedless

75-80
75-95

4-7 4-6 4-6

Susceptible Susceptible Susceptible

4-5 5-6

85-95

MAJOR VEGETABLES

51

paragus
Asparagus, Asparagus
officinalis
It is

(some-

Mr

times called "grass"),

is

a hardy perennial.

the only

common vegetable that grows wild along roadsides and

railroad tracks over a large part of the country.

Although

establishing a

good asparagus bed

requires considerable

work, your efforts will be rewarded.

A well-planned bed
Set asparagus plants 9 to
1

can

last

from 20 to 30

years. For this reason, asparagus

should be planted
it

at the side or

end of the garden, where

2 inches apart

in a

trench 6 inches
the trench

deep and
soil

2 to

8 inches wide. Cover them with 2 inches of

drawing), and gradually
first
fill

will

not be disturbed by normal garden cultivation.

is

(dotted
soil

line in

in

Asparagus
the spring.

one of the

first

vegetables ready to harvest in

with

during the

season.

They may be purchased from

Varieties
through
of
a seed catalog.

garden store or nursery or

plants have

The young

compact

The

list

commonly

available varieties has signifi-

buds in the center (crown), with numerous dangling,

pencil-sized roots. Adventurous gardeners can start their

cantly changed in recent years. Standard varieties like

Mary Washington, Martha Washington, and Waltham

Washington
are
still

own

plants from seed. Although this adds a year to the

it

being offered; but a number of

new

process of establishing the bed,

plants

does ensure fresh

varieties that are either

predominantly or

all

male
usage.

and the widest possible

variety selection.

recently have been introduced into

common

Asparagus plants are naturally either male or female. The

females bear seeds, which take considerable energy from
the plant, and sprout

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

Place the plants in a trench 12 to 18 inches wide
a full

and

new

seedlings,

which cause overthicker, larger

6 inches deep. The crowns should be spaced 9 to 12

crowding in the bed. Male plants produce

spears because they put

inches apart. Spread the roots out uniformly, with the

no energy

into seeds

and have

crown bud

side up, in

an upright, centered position,

roots.
soil.

no weedy
into

seedling problem.

line that

produces only

slightly higher

than the

male plants was discovered and has been incorporated

Cover the crown with 2 inches of

Gradually
first

fill

some

truly

amazing

varieties. Jersey Giant, Jersey

the remaining portion of the trench during the

Knight, Jersey Prince, Syn 53, Syn 4-362,

UC

157,

and
advis-

summer
ually

as the plants

grow

taller.

Asparagus has a

Viking

KBC

are

new

hybrids with larger yields.

It is

tendency to "rise" as the plants mature, the crowns grad-

able to plant the best variety available, as an asparagus

growing closer to the

1

soil surface.

Many gardeners
from between

bed should remain productive

If

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

the rows in later years.

choose a variety again

your bed produces that long.

the newer varieties are cold tolerant and are resistant to

rust

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,

the top growth

is

spindly. As the plants

become

Asparagus should be planted as soon as the ground

older, the

stems become larger in diameter.

can be worked in the spring. One-year-old crowns or

plants are preferred. Seeds are

As noted, asparagus plants are dioecious (either solely

sown

in a production

bed

male or

solely female).

The female plants develop more

male
plants, but the stems are
vari-

and allowed
dug, the
soil

to

grow

for a year.

These plants are then

for sale.

spears or stems than the

removed, and the plants offered

smaller in diameter.

With normal open-pollinated

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.

and excessive removal of

harvested from their

spears

weakens the

During the fourth year and

first

thereafter, the spears

may be

appearance in the

spring through

May or June

(as

long as 8 to 10 weeks).

Harvest spears 5 to 8 inches in length by cutting or

snapping. To cut a spear, run a knife into the

base of the spear and carefully sever
is
it.

soil at

the

Because the spear

it

cut below the point where fiber develops,

becomes

necessary to remove the fibrous base from the tender

stalk.

Cutting

may damage some

it

spear tips that have not

it

yet emerged from the ground. To snap a spear, grasp

near the base and bend

toward the ground. The spear

it is

breaks at the lowest point where

Cutting asparagus spears. Place the knife under the
soil line

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.

preferred by commercial growers,

and snapping by
should be

home

gardeners. Asparagus deteriorates rapidly after

If it is

harvest.
eties,

not eaten immediately,

it

gardeners plant both male and female plants in an

ratio of 1:1. After the first year, small red
late

processed or refrigerated.

approximate
berries

form on the female plants in

summer. These

then

fall

to the ground, sprouting plants that essentially in the asparagus bed.

fall,

become perennial weeds

Following freezing weather in the

the asparagus

tops should be removed to decrease the chances of rust

disease overwintering

on the

foliage.

Common
plantings.
If

Problems
commonly found in home numerous, they may be controlled by a
are

Because asparagus remains in place for years, advance

soil

Asparagus beetles

preparation helps future production greatly. Working

green manure crops, compost, manure, or other organic

materials into the proposed bed well in advance of plant-

suggested insecticide or by handpicking.

ing

is

good approach. Asparagus should be

fertilized in

Questions
Q.

and Answers
my asparagus
spears to have loose
the weather turns hot, the growing point

the same

way

as the rest of the

garden the

first

3 years. In
fertil-

What

causes

the spring, apply 10-10-10, 12-12-12, or 15-15-15

izer at

heads?
expands

A.

When

rapidly,

the rate of 20 to 25 pounds per 1,000 square feet

and the

bracts (modified green leaves) are

ferns.
is

spread by the early development of the stems and

The

of area,

and incorporate with

soil tillage. Starting in

fertilizer,

the

asparagus
affected.

is

safe to eat because only the appearance

fourth year, apply the

same amount of

but

delay application until June or July (immediately after the final harvest). This approach encourages vigorous

growth of the

"fern,"

which produces and

stores nutri-

ents in the roots for next year's production season.

*Seed (4X)*
Seedling

Weeds and
asparagus.

grasses are the worst

problems with
spears,

They compete with the developing

and

make an

A
Spear
tip size (length
is

unsightly area in the garden, and significantly

quality. Start frequent, light,

decrease yield

shallow

*X = times actual
the actual
size.

and width). For example, 4X

four times

cultivation early in the spring in both

young plantings

indicates that the seed

shown approximately

and mature patches that

are being harvested.

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

green pods; yields well in adverse

weather; resistant to bean mosaic); Strike (55 days; attractive, straight,

Frozen

tips

should be picked and thrown away. These

smooth, tender pods; high

yield);

Tender-

spears, although not poisonous, are off-flavor.

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

ground; resistant to bean mosaic); Tendergreen Improved

(54 days; long, straight, round green pods; resistant to

apart

in the row. Start

the seeds in the spring

when

the soil

temperatures have reached 60F. Dig the plants the following

spring, before

bean mosaic); Topcrop (50 days; round, smooth, meaty,

tender

growth begins, and transplant them

to the per-

medium

green pods); and White Half-Runner (60

manent bed as soon

your
year,

as the garden can be worked. Crowing

days; plants run

up

to 3 feet but

need no support; slim

own
but

plants delays establishment of your

it

ensures that you are starting

lost vigor

bed an additional with freshly dug

stored,

green pods).

crowns that have not

shopping

by being dug,
usually

shipped. Also, variety selection

for seeds rather

is

and much greater when

Wax Bush

(yellow): Cherokee

Wax

(50 days; smooth,

straight, oval, clear light

yellow pods; resistant to bean

(54 days;

than crowns.

mosaic); Goldcrop

Wax

AAS winner;

upright,

vigorous plant; straight, shiny yellow pods, held well off

the ground); Golden

Wax

(50 days;

flat,

broad stringless

pod); Goldkist (56 days; tender, attractive, rust resistant);

Pencilpod

Wax

(58 days; 6-inch, round, straight golden

yellow pods); and Slender

Wax

(55 days; early coloring,

medium-sized, round, straight golden yellow pods).

Purple Bush (snap bean): Royal Burgundy (51 days;

round, tender, flavorful, stringless pods; seed germinates

Bean

is

a tender,

warm-season

well in cooler soils)

and Royalty (55

days; original purple-

vegetable that ranks second to tomato in popularity in

pod bush bean;

5-inch, curved, bright purple pods).

(65 days; oval,
resistant to

home

gardens. Beans

may be
and

classified

by

(1)

growth

Green Pole (snap bean): Blue Lake

straight, stringless, juicy,

habit (bush or pole beans); (2) use (as immature pods,

shellouts, or dry beans);
(3)

and tender pods;

type (green, yellow,

bean mosaic); Kentucky Blue (65 days; AAS winner;

round, extra-straight, 7-inch pods); and Kentucky

purple, snap,

romano, or lima beans).

vulgaris var. humilis, stand erect

Bush beans, Phaseolus

Wonder

(65 days, fine flavor, 9-inch pods in clusters).

without support. They are the most popular type because

they yield well and require the
least

Wax

Pole (snap bean): Kentucky

Wonder Wax

(68

amount

of work.

days; fine flavor; oval, 7- to 8-inch yellow-gold pods).

Green bush beans were formerly called "string beans"

because fiber developed along the seams of the pods.
Plant breeders have reduced these fibers through selection,

Purple Pole (snap bean): Purple Pod (65 days, heavy

producer) and Trionfo Purple Pod (62 days; 7-inch, slender,

oval-round pods with solid texture, rich

(italian):

taste).

and green beans

are

now

referred to as "snap

Romano Bush
style

Bush Romano (56 days;

deli-

beans." Bush beans are available in green, yellow, purple,

cious, broad, flat pods);

Jumbo

(55 days; giant italian-

romano, runner, and lima

Pole beans, Phaseolus
easily harvested.

varieties.

green bean; extra-long, dark green pods with rich

vulgaris,

climb supports and are

flavor;
flavor);

They

are also available in green, yellow,

varieties.

Roma II (53 days; flat, broad pods with distinctive and Wax Romano (59 days; wide, flat, medium
Pole (italian):

purple,

romano, runner, and lima

yellow pods; highly flavored).

Romano
Varieties
broad pods).
to

Romano

(60 days; long,

flat,

Green Bush (snap bean): Blue Lake 274 (58 days

harvest;

Lima Bush

(large-seeded): Burpee

Improved Bush

plump, tender pods; slow-developing seeds;

(75 days; large flat-oval beans, easy to shell; resistant to

resistant to

bean mosaic); Bush Kentucky Wonder (57

bean mosaic) and Fordhook 242 (75 days; AAS winner;

heat-resistant plants;

days; familiar long, flattened pods);

Contender (50 days;

bean

heavy

yielder; resistant to

bean

long, oval, attractive green pods; resistant to

mosaic).

mosaic); Derby (57 days; 1990

prolific, excellent pods);

AAS winner;

slim, tender,

Lima Bush

(baby): Baby Fordhook (70 days; small,

Jade (53 days; extra-long,

dark green beans on 14-inch plant); Eastland (70 days;

straight, slender pods); Provider (50 days; long,

round,

dependable, heavy yielder); Henderson (65 days;

flat,

54

MAJOR VEGETABLES

Horticultural

(6 inches)

Dry
beans

Romano
(7 inches)

*0
Snap or wax

Lima
(4 inches)

Asparagus
(12 inches)

(6 inches)

pale green beans); Jackson

Wonder

(65 days; light green

when immature,
days; oval seeds,

purple and pinkish splashed

when

ripe-

heavy, dependable yield); Speckled Dixie Butterpea (76

round

in cross-section; pale green

when

immature); and Thorogreen (66 days; 20-inch plants;

pale green beans).

Lima

Pole, Phaseolus limensis: King of the

Garden (88

days; large, tasty,

handsome

beans); Prizetaker (90 days;

seeds);

largest beans; 6-inch

pods with 3 to 5 giant

and

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

Plant seeds of
all varieties 1

Sieva (72 days; pole-type

baby lima;

small, flat seeds).

inch deep. Plant seeds of

at least

Horticultural: Dwarf Horticultural (62 days; bush;

bush beans 2 to 4 inches apart in rows

18 to 24

used mostly as green shellout bean) and French Horticultural (75 days; bush; bright red splashed

inches apart. Plant seeds of pole beans 4 to 6 inches apart

in rows

on yellow pods;

30 to 36 inches 30 inches

apart; or in hills (four to six seeds

half-runner plant; large cream-colored shell beans).

per

hill)

apart,

with 30 inches between rows.

Dry

(bush): Dark Red Kidney (95 days; bush; standard

chili bean);

soup and

Great Northern (90 days;

large,

Care
Seeds of most varieties tend to crack and germinate

half-runner; white bean, excellent for soup; resistant to

bean mosaic); Pinto (90 days; half-runner; standard

for

poorly

if

the

soil's

moisture content

is

too high. For this

Mexican

cuisine; resistant to

bean mosaic); White Kidney

reason, never soak bean seed before planting, water just

after planting, or plant right before a

(90 days; bush; kidney-shaped white bean);

and White

heavy

rain.
culti-

Marrowfat (100 days;

large,

egg-shaped white bean).

Beans have shallow

roots,

and frequent shallow

Scarlet Runner, Phaseolus coccineus:

Dwarf Bees

vation and hoeing are necessary to control small weeds

(65 days; 15-inch, dwarf runner bean; large scarlet flower

clusters

and

grasses.

Because bean plants have

fairly

weak

root

borne above the

foliage);

Red Knight (70 days;

systems, deep, close cultivation injures the plant roots,

pole; choice, 10- to 12-inch, smooth, stringless pods);

delays harvest,

and reduces

yields.

and

Scarlet

Runner (70
young).

days; pole; scarlet flowers, beans

tasty

when

Harvesting
Snap beans. Harvest when the pods
are firm, crisp,

When

to Plant
frost,

and and

fully elongated,

but before the seed within the pod

Beans are sensitive to cold temperatures and

they should be planted after
all

has developed significantly. Pick beans after the

off the plants

dew

is

danger of
If

frost is past in
soil

and they

are thoroughly dry. Picking beans

bacterial blight, a
plants. Be careful

the spring. (See the maps, page 26.)

the

has

warmed

from wet plants can spread bean

disease that seriously

before the average last-frost date, an early planting

may

damages the

not

be

made

week

to 10 days before this date.

frost date

The beans do

to break the stems or branches,

which

are brittle

on most

not germinate until after the

has passed. You

bean

varieties.

The bean plant continues

if

to

form new

can assure yourself a continuous supply of snap beans by

planting every 2 to 4 weeks until early August.

flowers

and produce more beans

pods are continually

removed before the seeds mature.

MAJOR VEGETABLES

55

Lima beans. Harvest lima beans when

plump and
still

the pods are

firm and the seeds are fully developed, but

green and tender. The pods of different varieties vary

greatly in external appearance as the beans are developing. Test pick a

few pods to be sure that the beans are

at a

desirable stage of maturity

Lima beans

are of best quality

if

when young. They become mealy and tough-skinned

areas

allowed to remain on the plant beyond peak maturity. In

where the season

is

long enough, ripe lima seeds

may be
eties

harvested as dry beans. Bush-type lima beans are

usually harvested in

two or three

pickings.

The pole

vari-

continue to yield until

as the

frost if

the old pods are

Pole beans

may be supported by

placing poles at the bases of

poles,

removed

beans mature. Northern short-season

two
hold

plants from each of

two adjoining rows. The four

tied firmly with

areas should rely

on the "baby"

limas,

which mature

which form a "teepee," are

heavy twine to

much
when
fully

earlier

than

larger "potato" limas.

them

in place.

When

the bean plants begin to elongate,

they should be started up the supports.

Horticultural beans. Harvest horticultural beans

the pods start changing from green to yellow. At

that time, the beans (often referred to as "shellouts") are

formed. They can be stored for a few days under

refrigeration. Shellouts are usually served as a buttered

vegetable or with pork.

Dry beans. Dry beans

moderate

are planted less often in

home
as

gardens because they are generally available in food markets at

prices.

They may be grown much

yields. Pull

snap

beans and produce good

leaves of the plants
naturally.

the vines

when

the
fall

have turned yellow and begin to

in the

Dry the plants

garden or on a clean
start to split

floor.

When
seed
jars
is

the plants are dry, the pods

easily

and the
in

removed. Store thoroughly dry bean seeds

or cans in a cool, dry location (see pages 167

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

leaf beetles feed

on bean

plants, causing holes in

the leaves. These beetles can cause serious damage, especially

when

the plants are young. Use a suggested insecti-

cide for control.

The bean mosaic diseases cause plants to turn

a
leaves

Questions
Q.

and Answers

no pods. The
and

on

infected plants are a mottled yellow

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

satisfactory control for these

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

soaked spots on the pods are signs of bacterial bean

blight. Bacterial blight
disease-free seed
is

and

cornstalks offer

maximal potential. Weed control becomes difficult, weak support when the beans are

best controlled

by planting

maturing.

grown

in the irrigated, dry areas of the

western

states;

avoiding working
all

among wet bean

Q.
plants;

Is it

necessary to plant beans

A. Yes.

in a different

area of the

garden each year?

Beans are subject to diseases that

the following bean crop.

and removing

bean debris from the garden.

may carry over in

the

soil to reinfect

56

MAJOR VEGETABLES

Q. Will bean varieties cross in

flowers are largely self-pollinated,
cross.

my

garden?

A.

Because the

for greens; roots stay tender

even when

large; stores

bean

varieties usually

do not

extremely well); Ruby Queen (60 days; AAS winner;

excellent quality; early; round, tender, sweet, finegrained, attractive, uniform roots); Sangria (56 days; ideal

These crosses show up only

when seed is saved from

cross-pollinated flowers. In

seeds each year to

I

any event, you should obtain new avoid seedbome diseases.

Q. Can use beans from my garden that have matured past the green, edible stage? A. Yes. Snap beans (pole or
bush)
lima beans

globe shape, even in crowded rows; deep red; good

greens

when

young); and Sweetheart (58 days; extra-

may be harvested for shellouts and for dry beans; and may be harvested for butter beans.

sweet, round, tasty roots; tops

good

for greens).

Garden
good

(hybrid): Avenger (57 days; uniform, vigor-

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

red roots; glossy

for greens); Big

Red (55 days, best late-season

ing industry.

When
is

varieties with colored seeds are used, the

producer, excellent flavor and yield); Gladiator (48 days;

juicy, fine-grained flesh,

cooking water

slightly off-color.

White seed

is

preferred

because

it

does not discolor the cooking water.

deep red throughout; holds

cooked; uniform shape,
size,

Q.

What

are the fuzzy, bright yellow insects

on

my bean
The

color without fading

when

plants? A. These are larvae of the Mexican bean

beetle.

and

flavor; excellent for canning);

Pacemaker (50 days;

adult resembles a large ladybug. The larvae do the

most dam-

early; short tops, excellent-quality roots);

Red Ace (53

age. They are generally not a serious problem, but they occasionally reach

days; early; sweet, red roots; resists zoning in hot

damaging numbers,

particularly early in the sea-

weather; vigorous grower); and Warrior (57 days; highly

son.

Use a suggested

insecticide for control.

uniform, globe shape; develops quickly, holds quality as

roots

grow

large;

dark red color inside and out; tops

fringed with red).

Mini:

Little Ball

(50 days; very uniform, small

to

size-

good shape; very tender; grows quickly

roots)

form smooth

and

Little

Mini

Ball (54 days; roots the size of a

silver dollar at maturity;

round; canned whole; short tops

good

for greens).
all

Specialty: Cylindra (60 days; long, cylindrical;

Table beet, Beta vulgaris, (also

slices of

equal diameter); di Chioggia (50 days; Italian

known

as

garden beet, blood turnip, or red beet)

is

heirloom; rounded, candy-red exterior; raw interior

popular garden vegetable throughout the United

Beet tops are an excellent source of vitamin A,
roots are a

States.

banded red and white;

tops, mild and
tasty;

sweet,

mellow

flavor; bright

green

and the
are

germinates strongly and matures

good source of vitamin and the

cooked whole, then

C.

The tops

cooked

quickly; does not get

woody with

age);

Golden (55

days;

or served fresh as greens,

for salads or juice
is is

roots

may be

pickled

buttery color, sweet mild flavor); and Green Top Bunch-

sliced or diced. Beet

ing (65 days; round, bright red roots, good internal color
in cool weather; tops superior for greens).

a basic ingredient of Russian borscht.

The garden
and

beet

closely related to swiss chard, sugar beet,

(also

mangel. Mangels

ered too coarse for

for stock feed.

known as stock beets) are considhuman consumption but are grown

When

to Plant

Beets are fairly frost hardy

and can be planted

your

in the
area.

garden 30 days before the

(See the

frost-free date for

maps, page

26.)

Although beets grow well during

Varieties

warm weather,
avail-

the seedlings are established

more

easily

Garden (open-pollinated): Some commonly

under
3- to

cool, moist conditions. Start successive plantings at

for a

able open-pollinated varieties include Crosby's Egyptian

4-week intervals until midsummer

continuous

(56 days to harvest; uniform, sweet, dark red roots; semi-

supply of fresh, tender, young beets. Irrigation assures

globe to heart shaped; glossy, bright green tops, excellent

for greens); Detroit

germination and establishment of the

later plantings.

Dark Red (58 days; tender, round,

dark red roots); Early

Wonder
and

(52 days; flattened globe

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

The beet "seed"
fruit.
is

shape; dark red, sweet,

days;
rior,

tender); Lutz

Green Leaf (70

actually a cluster of seeds in a dried

an heirloom winter-keeper type; purplish red exteinterior; large, glossy

Several seedlings

deep red

green tops, excellent

seed companies are

may grow from each fruit. Some now singulating the seed for preci-

MAJOR VEGETABLES

57

in

outdoor

pits

if

the beets are dug before the ground

freezes in the

fall.

Cut

off the tops of the beets 1 inch

above the
humidity.

roots. Beets store best at 32F

and 95 percent

Do not allow them

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

overcrowding from improper thinning.

sion planting, by dividing the

V2 inch deep

fruit.

Plant seeds about

and

inch apart. Allow 12 to 18 inches

are often the result of plant-

Q. What causes my beet roots to have internal black spots and many of the bottom leaves to die? A. Beets are a
relatively

between rows. Poor stands

ing too deeply or the
soil's

heavy feeder of the element boron. Applying

in

table-

crusting after a heavy rain.

spoon of household borax (dissolved

along
1

2-quart pail of water)

The

seedlings

may emerge

over a relatively long period of

00

feet of

row may help

to alleviate this condition.

Do

time,
lings.

making

a stand of different sizes

and ages of

seed-

not apply excess boron, as the difference between a shortage of

this

Some

gardeners find that placing a board over the

element and a toxic amount

it

is

relatively small.
soil test.

If

the

soil is

acidic,

should be limed according to a

soil test to verify

Never apply

row

after planting preserves the soil

moisture and elimi-

lime without a

a low

soil

pfi (acidity).

nates crusting from hard rains.

The board must be

Q.

What

varieties should

grow

for beet greens? A.

is

spe-

removed

as

soon

as the first seedling starts to emerge.

is

cial vigorously

growing

variety,

Green Top Bunching,

excellent

Hand thinning
thinning

almost always necessary. The

1

for
If

producing greens. Crosby Egyptian and Early Wonder also

for greens. Planting the seeds
'/>

seedlings should be thinned to

is

to 3 inches apart.

can be used

inch apart without

is

delayed until the plants are 3 inches

thinning produces an
tall,

abundance of greens. Swiss chard

similar to beet greens.

those removed
spinach.

may be cooked

heavy producer of greens very

as greens, similar to

Some cooks
it is

leave the small root (usually about

the size of a marble) attached to the greens.

Though

seldom done, beets actually

care

may be

transplanted.

Some

must be taken

to get the roots

oriented vertically so that the beets can develop properly.

Care
Frequent shallow cultivation
beets
is

important because
especially

compete poorly with weeds,

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

as italian broccoli, sprouting brocis

most

effective

methods of controlling weeds

weeds
are large

in the rows.

and

calabrese),
is

a hardy vegetable of the cabbage

It

Deep

cultivation after the

damages the
fertile soil

family that

high in vitamins A and D.

develops best

beet roots. Like most root crops, beets need a

(especially

during cool seasons of the year. Broccoli has become

high in potassium) for vigorous growth. Keep

popular for both small and large gardens, and.it

eaten

now

is

your beet plants uniformly supplied with moisture for

best performance.

much more

frequently than in past years. Recent

discoveries of health benefits associated with eating broccoli

have helped to popularize

in varieties,

this vegetable.

Improve-

Harvesting
Beets can be harvested

ments

growing techniques, packing, and

whenever they grow to the

are required for beets to reach

handling methods have greatly improved the quality of

the fresh product available on the market. Talented cooks

desired
1
'/

size.

About 60 days

inches in diameter, the size often used for cooking,

have also become more adept

healthful vegetable.

at

preparing this

tasty,

pickling, or

canning

as

whole

beets. Beets enlarge rapidly

to 3 inches with adequate moisture

varieties, beets larger

and

space.

With most

When broccoli
grown and
removed.

plants of most varieties are properly

than 3 inches

may become tough

may be
stored

harvested, they can yield over an extended

and

fibrous. Beets

may be

stored in a polyethylene bag in

period. Side heads develop after the large, central

head

is

a refrigerator for several weeks. Beets also

Two

crops per year (spring and

fall)

may be

58

MAJOR VEGETABLES

grown

in

most

parts of the country.

New heat-tolerant
all

to harvest from transplants.

Remember

that time from

figure.

varieties allow broccoli to

be produced in

but the

seed to transplant

is

not included in this

hottest parts of the season. Transplants are

recommended

to give the best start for spring planting because trans-

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

Plant seeds
slightly deeper
l

planting gets the plants established

more

quickly, so that

to y2 inch deep, or set transplants

originally. Plant or

they can bear their crop with minimal interference from

the extreme heat of early summer. Fall crops
direct-seeded in the garden
if

than they were grown

space allows

may be or may be

thin seedlings 18 to 24 inches apart in the row, and allow

36 inches between rows. Broccoli plants grow upright,

often reaching a height of 2V2
apart in
all

started in flats to replace early crops as their harvest ends.

feet.

Space plants 2 feet

directions in beds.

Varieties
Hybrid: Cruiser (58 days to harvest; uniform, high
yield; tolerant of

Care
Use
starter fertilizer for transplants,
fertilizer

dry conditions); Emerald City (58 days,

fall);

and

side-dress

deep blue, good

for

Everest (55 days; tolerant to

rot);

nitrogen

when
ample

the plants are half grown (see

soil

downy mildew, brown

head, and head

Green Comet

page

20). Provide

moisture, especially as the

(55 days; early; heat tolerant);

Green Goliath (55 days;

heads develop.

huge, 10- to 12-inch heads); Green Valiant (60 days;

spring,

summer, or

fall;

tolerant of extremes);

Legend (60

Harvesting
The
edible parts of broccoli are

days; for

summer

or

fall;

extremely uniform); Pinnacle

compact

clusters of

(62 days, very reliable producer);

Premium Crop

(65 days,

unopened flower buds and the attached portion of stem.

The green buds develop
and
first

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

later in several smaller side shoots.

Cut the central

head
is

heat tolerant).

head with 5 to 6 inches of stem,

developed, but before
it

after the

fully

Open-Pollinated: Broccoli Raab, Brassica rapa

nivo, (60 days, specialty type

begins to loosen and separate

start to

with tender greens,

many

and the individual flowers

yellow).

open (show bright

side

small heads); DeCicco (60 days, small head, nonuniform

maturity); Purple Sprouting (85 days, purple heads,

Removing the

central

head stimulates the

shoots to develop for later pickings. These side shoots

extremely tender texture); Romanesco (75 days; peaked,

spiraling, pale

grow from the

axils of the

lower leaves. You usually can

green heads; unique); and

fall

Waltham 29

continue to harvest broccoli for several weeks.

(75 days, late variety for

production).

Common
When
to Plant

Problems
page
40);

Aphids

(see

cabbage worms (page

62);

and

Transplant young, vigorously growing plants in early

spring. (See the maps, page 26.) Plants that

diseases (page 61).

remain too

long in seed

flats
fall

may produce
crops,

"button" heads soon after

transfall

Questions

and Answers

planting. For

buy or grow your own

plants or plant seeds directly in the garden. For

ing, start seedlings in

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

for transplanting into

and

develop,

and
to

before flowering

begins. Size varies with variety,

growing conditions, and season

the garden in late summer. To determine the best time

for setting

of growth; but central heads should

grow

be 4

to

6 inches
only
1

in

your

fall

transplants, count

backward from the

to the days

diameter, or even larger. Late side shoots

may reach

to

first fall frost

in your area

and add about 10

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

contributes to this condition. Premature flower development also

may be caused by interrupted growth

chilling of

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

garden are called "buttons " and usually

'

result

from

mistreated seedlings being held too long or improperly before

sale or planting. Applying

starter fertilizer at transplanting gets

the plants off to a

ties

good start but cannot

correct all the difficul-

mentioned.

russels

When

to Plant

prouts
Brussels sprouts, Brassica oleracea
var.

Transplant in early

summer

to

midsummer about

the

same time that you would plant

bage.

late,

long-season cab-

The seed should be sown

flats,

in a protected location in

seed

4 to 5 weeks before transplanting. Transplant

gemmifera (named after Brussels, Belgium, where the

first

the seedlings to the permanent garden location

when

vegetable was

popular),

is

a hardy, slow-growing,

space and time allow, but at least 90 to 100 days before

long-season vegetable belonging to the cabbage family.

In the proper season of the year,
it

the
For

first-frost

date for your area. (See the maps, page 26.)

can be grown with

fair

summer

harvest,

you must plant transplants

of an

success in

most
is

areas of the country. In mild areas, or

early, heat-resistant variety in

very early spring. Sprouts

where there
winter.

deep snow cover, the sprouts

may over-

maturing in hot weather or under dry conditions are

more
(small heads that resemble miniature
axils, starting at

likely to

develop bitterness.

Fall

production

is

The "sprouts"

the most practical and rewarding in most parts of the

country.

cabbages) are produced in the leaf

the

base of the stem and working upward. Sprouts improve in

quality

and grow

best during cool or even lightly frosty

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

Space plants 24 to 36 inches apart in the row, or 24
inches in
deep,
all

weather. Brussels sprouts require a long growing period,

though newer hybrids have greatly reduced

ment. In
all

this require-

directions in beds. Cover seeds

'A

to V2 inch
are

but the most northern

states,

summers

are

and transplant the seedlings when they

tall.

about

usually too

warm

for

completely satisfactory production

set

3 inches

Do

not allow transplants to become stunted

from spring plantings. Plants

out in

late spring to early

in the flats before transplanting.

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

the related cole

and

broccoli.

Apply one side-dress applipage 20)

cation of nitrogen
are 12 inches
tall,

fertilizer (see

when

the plants

warm

weather, resistant to

rust);

Jade Cross (90

and water

to keep the crop growing

days, resistant to yellows); Jade Cross E (90 days; sprouts

larger, easier to

vigorously during the heat of summer. Without ample

soil

remove from

stalk

than with original

moisture, the crop

fails.

Insect control

is

also very

strain); Oliver (85 days; early; easy-to-pick, attractive

important

at this stage to

keep the plants growing vigor-

sprouts); Prince

Marvel (90 days;

tight,

sweet sprouts);
tip-

ously. Cultivate shallowly

around the plants to prevent

in the axils of the leaves
leaf

Royal Marvel (85 days; tolerant to bottom rot and

root damage.
(the space

The sprouts form

burn; tight sprouts; very productive); and Valiant (90

days; smooth, uniform sprouts).

between the base of the

and the stem

above

it).

Open-Pollinated: Long Island Improved (90 days;

variable, harder to

Commercial gardeners remove the

this

leaves to accelerate

produce heavy, uniform crop with

days; red plants

harvest, but this practice

is

not essential in the

home

variety)

and Rubine (105

and

sprouts;

garden.
better
if

Some

gardeners believe that the sprouts develop

novel, but very late maturing, not nearly as productive as

the lowermost six to eight leaves are removed

sides of the stalk as the sprouts develop.

recommended hybrid green

types).

from the

Two

or

three additional leaves can be

removed each week, but

60

MA30R VEGETABLES

several of the largest, healthiest, fully

expanded upper
to continue

Cabbage

thrives during

both spring and

fall

seasons,
is

leaves should always be left intact

on top

tolerating frost but not extreme heat.

slaw, salads, sauerkraut, soups,

Cabbage

used in
dishes.

feeding the plant. About 3 weeks before harvest, the

plants

and other cooked

may

be topped (the growing point removed) to

speed the completion of sprout development on the lower-stem area.

Varieties

Green cabbage

is

grown more often than the red or

savoy types, but red cabbage has become increasingly

Harvesting
The small sprouts or buds form heads
diameter.
1

popular for color in salads and cooked dishes. The savoy

to 2 inches in
varieties are

grown

for slaw

and

salads. Varieties that

They may be picked

1

(or cut) off the

size.
if

stem when

mature
able for

later usually

grow

larger

heads and are more

suit-

they are firm and about

inch in

The lower sprouts

the sprouts

making sauerkraut than the

early varieties. All

mature

first.

The lowermost

leaves,

they have not been

the varieties listed here are resistant to fusarium wilt

("yellows") unless otherwise indicated. All are hybrid
varieties unless

removed

already, should

be removed

when

are harvested. Harvest sprouts before the leaves yellow.

marked OP,

for open-pollinated variety.

Green: Charmant (64 days to harvest; 3 to 4 pounds;

Common
Aphids

Problems
page
40);

early;

dark green); Cheers (75 days, solid round heads,

(see

cabbage worms (page

62);

and

tolerant to black rot

and

thrips); Early Jersey

Wakefield

diseases (page 61).

(OP-63 days; pointed heads; stands

well, resists splitting);

resis-

Fortuna (82 days; 3 to 4 pounds; widely adapted;

Questions and Answers

Q.

tant to tipburn, black rot);

Grand Slam

(82 days; 7- to 8rot,

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

inch heads; tolerant to black leaf speck, black

temperatures); Green

cold

Cup

(73 days; 4 to 6 pounds;

large, firm,

uniform, tight heads); King Cole (74 days;

warm

fall),

they often do not form compact heads. Use trans-

extremely uniform heads); Quisto (89 days; 4 to 6

plants for early plantings,

You also can cut off the

reaches 24 to 36 inches

and maintain ample soil moisture. top growing point when the plant
in height. This practice

pounds; good

fresh, for kraut or storage);

and Stonehead

stops leaf

(70 days; 3 to 4 pounds; solid, very dense, slow to burst).

growth and
In addition,

directs the plant's

energy to the developing sprouts.

Savoy: Savoy Ace (80 days, 3 to 4 pounds, holds well,

cold resistant, not resistant to yellows); Savoy King (85
days, dark green color, very uniform);
(88 days, 5 pounds,

check the variety you have planted. The newer,

faster-maturing varieties are generally

more

suitable for getting

and Savoy Queen

tolerance).

dependable

yields.

deep green

color,

good heat

Red: Lasso (OP-70 days, compact plants, solid heads,

resists splitting);

Red Meteor (75 days,

firm,

good

for all

seasons); Rookie (68 days, 3 to 6 pounds, tolerant to

black rot and tipburn);

Ruby

Ball (71 days, 4

pounds,

slow to burst,

resists

both cold and

heat);

and Ruby

Cabbage
Cabbage, Brassica oleracea
capitata,
is

Perfection (85 days, 3 pounds, slow to burst, stores well).

var.

a hardy vegetable that grows especially well in

fertile soils.

There are various shades of green available, as

well as red or purple types.

Head shape

varies

from the

standard round to flattened or pointed. Most varieties

have smooth

leaves,

but the savoy types have crinkly texis

tured leaves. Cabbage

ble varieties

easy to grow

if

you
and

select suita-

and

practice proper culture

insect

man-

agement. Always regarded as a good source of vitamins,

cabbage recently has been shown to have disease-preventive properties as well.

MAJOR VEGETABLES

61

Harvesting
Cabbage can be harvested anytime
after the

heads
they

form. For highest yield, cut the cabbage heads

are solid (firm to
split.

when

hand

pressure) but before they crack or

When

heads are mature, a sudden heavy rain

split

may

cause heads to crack or

internal tissue soon

wide open. The exposed

becomes unusable. Harvest and

salvage split heads as soon as possible after they are

discovered.

When

to Plant
it

Cabbage
matures

for storage

must be

firm, mature,

and

free

Transplant early cabbage soon enough that

before the heat of summer.

from injury by insects or

diseases.

The

late varieties

Many varieties

are available,

usually store better than the early ones. Cabbage should

and two or three

varieties of different maturities

can

be stored under cold, moist conditions (see pages 167

provide harvest over a long period. Hardened plants are

tolerant of frosts

and

168).

and can be planted among the

is

earliest

In addition to harvesting the

mature heads of the

later

of cool-season garden vegetables. Cabbage

easily trans-

cabbage planted in the spring, you can harvest a

planted from either bare-root or cell-pack-grown plants.

Late cabbage

crop of small heads (cabbage sprouts). These sprouts

must
it

be started during the heat of midits

develop on the stumps of the cut stems. Cut as close to

the lower surface of the head as possible, leaving the
loose outer leaves intact. Buds that

summer, but
weather of

develops

main head during the cooling

possible, place seed flats or
is

fall. It

may be

transplanted or seeded directly

if

grow

in the axils of

in the garden. In

summer,

these leaves (the angle between the base of the leaf

and

seedbeds where some protection from the sun

able, either natural or artificial.

avail-

the stem above

it)

later

form sprouts. The sprouts

Try especially hard at this

develop to 2 to 4 inches in diameter and should be

picked

season to transplant on cloudy, overcast, or rainy days

for

when

firm.

Continue control of cabbage worms

cannot be maintained,

minimizing shock from the

direct

sun of summer.

and other

pests. If this control

remove and destroy or compost the stumps because they

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

Space plants 12 to 24 inches apart in the row, depending

serve as a breeding

ground

for diseases

and

insect pests.

upon the

variety

and the

size of

head

desired.

The

Common

Problems
is

closer the spacing, the smaller the heads. Early varieties

Yellows or fusarium wilt

a relatively

common
and
die.

are usually planted 12 inches apart,

and

later varieties are

disease that causes the leaves of plants to wilt

planted 18 to 24 inches apart. In beds, plant cabbage

The

first

sign of the disease

is

yellowing and browning of

12 to 18 inches apart in

all

directions. Early varieties

later varieties
'/

the lower leaves. The plants are stunted before wilting

occurs.

produce
4- to

1-

to

3-pound heads, and

produce

Grow yellows-resistant

(YR) or yellows-tolerant
this tolerance or

8-pound heads. Sow cabbage seed y4 to

inch deep.

varieties.

Most modern hybrids have

Keep the seeds moist, and thin or transplant the seedlings to the desired spacing.

resistance bred into them.

The plants removed may be

flat.

Blackleg and black rot are two diseases that cause

severe losses.

transplanted to another row or

The plants may be

stunted, turn yellow,

and

die. Blackleg is

named

for the black cankers

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-

nized by large, V-shaped, yellow-to-brown areas in the

leaves, starting at the leaf edge.

The veins turn

black. Soft

rot usually follows black-rot infection.

Ample

soil

moisture

is

necessary throughout the growing

is

Control
rot.

is

essentially the

same

for blackleg

and black
and
kill

season to produce good cabbage. Irrigation

especially

Both diseases are spread by

seed, transplants,

important in

fall

plantings to help the

young

plants

insects.

Buy seed

that has been hot-water treated to

withstand the intense sunlight and heat of

summer and

the disease organisms.

wilted, are

Do

not buy transplants that are

to supply the developing heads with sufficient water to

an unhealthy shade of green, or have black

or leaves.

develop quickly.

spots

on the stems

62

MAJOR VEGETABLES

When you
Do

find diseased plants in the garden, collect

Rabbits. In

many

settings, rabbits

can quickly devour

the leaves, stems, and tops; and burn or dispose of them.

cabbage-family transplants. Especially in early spring, the

lush green plants present a delectable, irresistible morsel
to these furry fiends. Usually,
if

not put diseased plants into the compost

pile.

Avoid

cultural practices (crowding, overwatering, planting in

plants are protected until

poorly drained

soil,

and inadequate

insect control) that

they increase in

size,

the pests eat only individual leaves,

support the disease organisms of black rot and blackleg.

If

not entire plants. Metal cans with both ends removed

often offer

possible,

grow
(see

black-rot-resistant varieties.
40).

some protection from

rabbits as well as

Aphids

page

Apply

a suggested insecticide

cutworms. Hotcaps or row covers also

may deter them.

before cabbage heads begin to form.

Flea beetles (see page 40). Apply a suggested insecticide.

Wire mesh bent

in

an arch and placed over the entire

row

also should deter suburbia's

pest.

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

caused by the pressure of excessive

Cutting the roots
(lifting

water taken up after the heads are

(spading on two sides of the plant) or breaking the roots

Cabbage looper
(1
2

and

twisting the

head

to

one
it

side)

can often reduce excessive

requires

inches)

splitting or bursting,

but

also

damages the plant and

that the heads be harvested relatively soon.

Q.

What

causes cabbage to develop seedstalks rather

A.

Cabbage worms. Three

species of cabbage

worms

than solid heads?

seedstalks)

Cabbage plants

"bolt" (form premature

(imported cabbage worms, cabbage loopers, and dia-

when

they are exposed to low temperatures (35 to

chilling may happen if plants an unseasonal blast of cold assaults the plants have stems as large as a pencil,
if

mondback moth worms) commonly

and heads of cabbage and
white and

attack the leaves

45 F)

for

extended periods. Such

related cole crops.

caterpillars.

Imported

are set out too early or the garden. After

is

cabbage worms are velvety green

The moth

they are subject to

flowering response.

this

"cold conditioning, " which initiates the

commonly
smooth,

is

seen during the day hovering

over plants in the garden. Cabbage loopers ("measuring

worms")

are

light green caterpillars.

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.

looper crawls by doubling

up

(to

form

a loop)

They have

colorful white, pink, or red rosettes

moving the
and
is

front of

its

body forward. The moth

brown

of leaves surrounded by green or purple outer leaves.

orful during cool fall weather, they

Most

col-

most

active at night.

Diamondback worms

should be started
with
fall

in early

are

summer

to

midsummer and set out

and winter plant-

small, pale green caterpillars that are pointed

on both

ings of regular, heading varieties of cabbage. Flowering cab-

ends.

The moth

is

gray,

with diamond-shaped markings

bage (and flowering

Q.
A.

kale) are edible as well as ornamental.

when

the wings are closed.

The damage caused by

Why do
Those

butterflies fly

around

my cabbage
plants.

plants?

diamondback

larvae looks like shot holes in the leaf.

butterflies (white or

brown) are probably the moths of

The

larval or

worm

stages of these insects cause

cabbage worms. They

into the
trolled.

lay eggs

on the

The eggs hatch

damage by

eating holes in the leaves

and cabbage head.

worms that cause considerable damage unless conMost control strategies are aimed at the developing lar-

The adult moths or

butterflies lay their eggs

on the

leaves
are

vae rather than the mature moths themselves.

but otherwise do not damage the plants. The

worms

not easy to see because they are

fairly

small

and blend

Q. What causes large, lumpy swellings of my cabbage roots? The plants also are stunted. A. Swellings and distorted roots

with the cabbage leaves. Cabbage

destructive
are

worms
if

are quite

and can ruin the crop

fall

not controlled. They

clubroot disease. This disease

even worse in

plantings than in spring gardens

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.

spread by movement of infested

soil

and

infect-

because the population has had several months to

increase.

About the time of the

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

begin to decline drasti-

cally.

Protect your plants with suggested biological or

in fact,

you have clubroot

in

location, destroy infor at least

chemical insecticides from the time that they are transplanted until harvest.

fected plant parts (including the roots)

and

4 years

avoid planting any

member of the cabbage

and ornamental

family there, includ-

ing radishes, turnips,

relatives of

cabbage.

MAJOR VEGETABLES

63

carrots);

Sweetness (hybrid-63 days; very sweet and

1

crunchy; cylindrical, 6-inch roots,

inch thick); and

Touchon (70

days; interior, exterior bright orange; 7-inch

arrot
>

roots, nearly coreless).

Imperator: Avenger (hybrid-70 days; extra-fancy;

slightly blunt, tapered roots, 9 to

10 inches long); Gold

Pak (76 days; 8-inch

Carrot, Daucus
is

roots,

l'/2

inches thick; sweet, tender,

carota var. sativas,

as coreless as any;

good

for juice);

Imperator 58 (68 days;

roots; standard long,

is

a hardy, cool-season biennial that

it

grown

for the

smooth, fine-grained, long, tapered

thickened root

produces in

its first

growing season.

thin type); Legend (hybrid-65 days; high yield; smooth,

Although carrots can endure summer heat in

they grow best
plantings,

when

planted in early spring.

many areas, Midsummer

prized.

uniform, 9- to 11-inch roots, V/2 inches

at shoulder; toler-

ant to cracking); Orlando Gold (hybrid-78 days; uniform,

long, tapered shape; excellent flavor, color; 30 percent

which mature quickly

in cool fall weather, pro-

duce tender, sweet "baby" carrots that are

Carrots are eaten both raw
stored for winter use.

much

more

carotene);

and Tendersweet

(75 days; long, tapered

and cooked, and they can be

are rich in carotene (the source

roots; rich

orange color; sweet,

coreless).

They

Novelty: Belgium White (75 days; very mild flavor;

long, tapered, white roots; productive, vigorous).

of vitamin A)

and high

in fiber

and sugar content.

Varieties
Small, Round: Orbit (58 days to harvest, good color,

few

off-types, best harvested at the size of a 50-cent

piece)

and Thumbelina (60

roots;

days; 1992

AAS winner;
and
in

Nantes
(6-7 inches)
Half-long

round

good

for planting in containers

soil).

(5-6 inches)

heavy, shallow, or rocky

Round
3- to

Baby: Baby Spike (52 days;

4-inch roots,

/z

inch

(2-4 inches)

thick; excellent internal color; tender; holds small size

well); Little Finger (65 days; tiny

tender roots; 5-inch

crisp);

roots,

'/2

inch thick; golden orange, sweet, and

Minicor (55 days; slender fingerling

uniform, cylindrical, blunt
tip;

carrots; colors early;

flavor);

good

and Short

'n

Sweet (68 days;

rich,

sweet flavor; 4-inch roots, broad at

Imperator (9-10 inches)

Finger

shoulder, tapered to a point;

good

for

heavy or poor

(3-4 inches)

soil).

Chantenay: Red-Cored Chantenay (70 days; heavy

yield;
der,

good

flavor; short, thick roots,

tip);

broad

at the shoul-

tapered to blunt

and Royal Chantenay (70

When

to Plant

days;

broad-shouldered, tapered roots; bright orange; good for

Carrots are usually planted with other frost-tolerant

vegetables as soon as the soil mellows in the spring.

heavy or shallow

They

soils).

Danvers: Danvers Half-Long (75 days; very uniform,

7- to

may be
soil

planted earlier in gardens with sandy

soil.

The
and

8-inch roots tapered to very blunt end; sweet, tenyield than

should be plowed and prepared to a depth of 8 to 9

full

der)
vers;

and Danvers 126 (75 days; heavier

Dan-

inches to allow

development of the canot

roots,

smooth

roots; tops

withstand heat).
7- to

the seedbed should be worked uniformly to break

up
roots.

Nantes: Bolero (hybrid-70 days;

clumps and clods that prevent penetration of the

8-inch roots,
Varieties
tip;

uniformly thick, tapered slightly to blunt

with extremely long roots (Imperator and

superior

resistance to foliage disease); Ingot (hybrid-70 days; 8-

Tendersweet) usually are

recommended only
soil.

for

home

inch roots, V/2 inches thick; indistinct core; deep orange

color; strong tops;

gardens with deep, sandy

Excess organic debris

extremely sweet); Nantes Coreless (68

worked into the

soil just

before planting also

may affect
roots.

days; orange-red; small core,

medium

top); Scarlet

Nantes

root penetration, causing forked

and twisted

(70 days; bright orange, slightly tapered, 6-inch roots;

crisp, tender,

and

flavorful; standard for high-quality

64

MAJOR VEGETABLES

week

period.

Summer-planted

carrots

may be

left

in the

ground

until a killing frost.

Some

gardeners place a straw

mulch over the row

so that carrots can be harvested until

the ground freezes solid. In

many areas,

heavy mulch

allows harvest of carrot roots throughout the winter. For

carrots to be stored, cut off the tops 1 inch

above the

root,

and place

in storage at 32F with high humidity. Carrots

may be

placed in a refrigerator, buried in lightly moist

cellar,

sand in an underground

or stored in the garden in

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

Plant seeds V4 to
V2

a pit insulated

with straw

(see

pages 167 and 168). Under

inch deep (no more than two or

proper storage conditions, carrots keep 4 to 6 months.

three seeds per inch) in early spring. Later sowings

may
and

be planted

/2

to 'A inch deep

when

the

soil is

dryer

Questions
Q.

and Answers
my
carrots to turn green
is

warmer. Space rows 12 to 18 inches apart.

seed planted every 6 to 12 inches can

single radish

What

causes

on the crown
It

mark the row.

rains occur

(top) of the root?

causes an
uct.

A. This condition

called "sunburning. "

Germination requires
lings

as

long as 2 weeks, and the seedIf

may

not emerge uniformly.

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

the tops are healthy, sunburning can be avoided by

pulling a small

amount

of loose

soil

up

to the

row when the

emerge. Thin the seedlings,

tall,

when

they are about

roots are swelling (about

40

to

50 days

after planting).

to

no more than three

seedlings per inch for finger

for carrots that will
1

carrots;

one or two seedlings per inch

Q. Why are my carrots misshapen, with forked and twisted roots? A. Forking may result from attacks of root-knot

be harvested young; and one seedling per

for larger varieties like

to 2 inches
will

nematodes

(see

page 4 1), from

stones, from

deep and close

in

Danvers and Chantenay that

full size

cultivation, or

(more frequently) from planting

soil

that

was

be allowed to develop to

and be harvested

poorly prepared. Twisting

too thickly

and

intertwining result from seeding

and inadequate thinning

of seedlings.

mature

for

canning or

freezing.

Q.

What

causes

my

carrots to have fine hairy roots, poor

color,

and

a bitter taste? A. These conditions are caused by a

viral

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-

and conserves moisture. Remove the

film

diately

when
it

seedlings appear.

To assure germination of

successive plantings during the late spring

and summer

months,

may be

necessary to supply water by sprinkling.

In the heat of

summer, some shade may be necessary to

at the soil line.
.

keep the tiny seedlings from burning off

Young

carrot seedlings are

weak and grow slowly

first

It is

Cauliflower
Cauliflower, Brasska oleracea var.
botrytis, is a

essential to

keep weeds under control for the

few

weeks. Cultivate shallowly with a knife-blade cultivator

or hoe.

Deep

cultivation

may injure

the roots.

cool-season vegetable that can be cooked,

Harvesting
Carrots can be harvested or "pulled"
are at least carrot tops
ally
l

pickled, eaten

raw with

dips, or

used as a salad delicacy.

its rela-

when

the roots

It is

more demanding

to

grow well than most of

/2

inch in diameter. Under usual conditions,

tives in the

cabbage family. Cauliflower does not tolerate

may

not be strong enough to withstand actu-

as

much

heat or cold as cabbage or grow as well as broc-

being pulled from the ground, and digging helps to

roots without damage. Finger carrots are

coli in

dry weather.

remove the

Recently, the specialty market has seen a

boom

in

usually ready to harvest within 50 to 60 days. Other varieties

"broccoflower," which

is

really a

form of cauliflower with

should be allowed to grow until they have reached a

at least
3

green-pigmented heads. These types are easier to grow

because they do not require blanching. Flavor and texture
are also rated excellent.

diameter of
planting).

A inch (about 60

to 70 days after a 3- to 4-

They then may be harvested over

MA30R VEGETABLES

65

Varieties
Open-Pollinated: Self-Blanche (71 days to harvest;
7-

inch heads with excellent leaf protection; does not need

tying, especially in
fall

crops)

and Snowball Y Improved

(68 days, 6-inch heads protected by heavy leaf cover).

Hybrid: Andes (68 days, most adaptable self-blanching type); Candid

Charm

(65 days, large head, excellent

protection); Serrano (70 days; 6- to 7-inch heads; excellent leaf cover,

row

for later transplanting, or 1 or 2 seeds per cell in

head

quality);

Snow Crown

(60 days;

flats;

and keep them watered during germination and

resistant to yellows; tolerant of heat, cold);

Snow Grace

growth of seedlings. Transplant the seedlings to the

(65 days, 8-inch head, tight curd,

type);

improved Snow Crown

permanent location
cell

in the garden. Transplants

less

grown

in

Snow King

(50 days; 8- to 9-inch heads; very early;

packs suffer

much

shock

when

planted and

heat tolerant); and White Corona (30 days; 3- to 4-inch

heads; exceptionally early; good for small gardens and
short seasons).

usually yield superior results.

Care
Queen Hybrid
(70 days, purple head,

Purple: Violet

Cauliflower plants should be kept growing vigorously

needs no blanching, turns green

when

cooked).
II

from the seedling stage through harvest. Any interrup-

"Broccoflower": Chartreuse Hybrid

tying; greenish yellow curd)

(62 days;

no

tion (extreme cold, heat, drought, or plant

damage) can

and Green Goddess Hybrid

abort development of the edible portion. Large plants

that never develop a head are extremely disappointing.

(65 days,

no

tying; lime green,

good

taste,

easy to grow).

Cauliflower must have a consistent and ample supply of

When
spring

to Plant
is

soil

moisture. Side-dress nitrogen

fertilizer (see

page 20)

Cauliflower

best started from transplants for both

when

the plants are half grown. the head begins to form (shows 2 to 3 inches

and

fall

crops.

Do

not transplant sooner than 2 to

When

3 weeks before the average frost-free date in the spring.

(See the

of white curd at the

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

the cold than

cabbage-family

relatives.

It is

important

head from sunburn and to keep

it

from

to start cauliflower early

enough

that

it

matures before
it is

turning green and developing an off-flavor. The variety

Self-Blanche
leaves over
trait,
is

the heat of the

summer but not

some

so early that

injured

named

for

its

natural tendency to curl

its

by the

cold. In

seasons, that

compromise may be
Use

its

head. Several other varieties possess this

almost impossible to achieve. Transplant autumn cauliflower about the

fertilizer (see

especially

when maturing

in the

fall.

Under cool
and tying
is

same time

as fall cabbage.

starter

conditions, these varieties blanch very well,

page 20)

when

transplanting. Start the

actively until transplanting

unnecessary.

transplants so that they

grow

and never cease growth. Always use young,

plants.

active trans-

Harvesting
The
cauliflower head's curd develops rapidly under
It

Never buy stunted plants started

in flats

and held

too long before transplanting; results with inferior plants

are almost always disappointing.

proper growing conditions.

grows 6 to 8 inches in

diameter and

is

ready to harvest within 7 to 12 days after

blanching begins. The mature heads should be compact,

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart in the row. Use the

firm,

and white. Harvest the heads by cutting the main

stem. Leave a few green outer leaves attached to protect

wider spacing for

If

fall

plantings.
if

the heads. Cut the heads before they

become overmature

plants are not available, or

you wish

to

grow your

and develop

a coarse, "ricey" appearance.

Once

individ-

own

transplants, see "Starting Plants at

fall

Home," pages 45

ual florets can be seen, quality deteriorates rapidly.

to 48. For

harvest, start seeds indoors or in a pro-

Because cauliflower does not ordinarily develop side

shoots, plants

tected location 4 to 5 weeks before

(see "Planting

you need the plants

may be

disposed of or composted after

Dates for Midwest Gardens," page 28).

to y2 inch deep (10 seeds per inch) in a seed

heads are harvested.

Plant seeds

66

MAJOR VEGETABLES

Common
growth
is

Problems Cabbage worms (see

Varieties
page
62);

black rot (page

61).

If

Green: Florida 683 (100 days to harvest, bushy,

interrupted, the heads

may

not develop or

may

medium
smooth

green); Hercules (100 days; dark green, extrayields);

develop poorly. Growth can be interrupted by plants'

heavy plant; top

Matador (105 days; dark green,

being held too long, causing hardening and cessation of

petioles; shorter plant; yellows tolerant); Picador

tall,

growth before transplanting; by too much chilling before

or after transplanting; or

(100 days, extra

semi-smooth,

by drought.

yellows tolerant); Starlet (110 days;

medium green, tall; medium green;

1

good

taste; resistant to

fusarium races

and

2);

Utah 52-

Questions
Q.

and Answers
in

70 (98 days, dark green, uniform, compact); and Ventura

(100 days;
tall;

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

long petioles; tolerant to fusarium).

Self-Blanching: Golden Plume (90 days, yellow) and

Golden Self-Blanching (115 days; tender;

sturdy plant).
Leaf: Dinant (150 days,

solid,

compact,

of

extreme heat as the heads form.

numerous thin

stalks, full

Q.

Why does my

late cauliflower fail to

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.

Novelty: Pink and Red (both color up best in

hardier than green types; retain color

when

cooked).

Q.
lar
coli

Is

purple cauliflower
purple.

grown

in

the same
is

way

as regu-

When
and
flats

to Plant
size,

cauliflower? A. Purple cauliflower

that
is

actually a type of brocin overall

Because celery has a small seed

slow germination,

It

resembles cauliflower

appearance

a long season of growth, plants should be started in

and does not require when cooked.

blanching. The purple

head

turns green

and transplanted into the garden when they

tall.

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

Cover seeds with

to 4

y8 to y4 inch of soil,

and keep moist. Allow 2

early crops,

weeks

for germination. For

It

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

12 weeks to get plants ready for the

so count back-

measures that encourage good

minimize the
risk

soil

and

air

drainage also help

ward from the average

latest frost to

determine

when

to

from

this disease.

sow

seeds for your area. (See the maps, page 26.)

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart,
or 15 inches apart in
all

directions in beds. Celery

may be

direct-seeded, but since seed germination

and seedling
difficult.

elery
Celery,

growth are slow, early weed control

is

extremely

Care
Celery requires rich
soil

and abundant and

regular

Apium graveolens

var.

duke,

is

supplies of moisture

and

nutrients. Celery plants are not

member
parsnips.

of the
It

same family
first

as carrots, parsley, as a

and

good

at searching for nutrients or water.

Various organic
soil

was

mentioned

food crop in 1623

for

mulching materials may help maintain even

ture,

mois-

France. Originally, celery

was available

only a short

temperature, and

fertility.

Celery prefers maturing

season; but now, with specialized growing areas around

the country and improved storage,

it is

available

throughout the

year. Celery

is

grown

for the crisp, juicy,

flavorful petioles that are usually

formed into tight

upright rosettes.
crop,
it

labor-, water-,

and nutrient-intensive
of the United States,

can be produced in

much

preferably in a cool, moist season.

MAJOR VEGETABLES

67

in a cool season, so late-spring plantings that

mature

in

autumn
where

usually give best results except in mild areas

cool, moist winters

produce the best

is

celery.

Weed

control throughout the season

is

very important as celery

a poor competitor

and

is

quickly affected by compet-

ing

weed growth.

Harvesting
To produce celery resembling that found in food
stores,

Chard, Beta vulgaris

(also

var. cicla

known

as swiss chard),

is

member
It

of the beet

the leaf stalks must be "blanched." Green, unstalks are

is

family that can be grown successfully as a vegetable

blanched
flavor,

dark green and have a very strong

green in most parts of the country.

may be

planted

which

wonderful for cooking but virtually inedis

early because the seedlings are tolerant to

moderate host.
for leaf

ible fresh

out of hand. Blanching

accomplished by

Chard

is

essentially a beet that has

at the

been selected

excluding light over a period while the plants continue

growing. Cardboard, paper, boards, or even hilled-up
soil

production

expense of storage root formation.

fresh greens

Chard produces

throughout the summer,

large, fleshy leafstalks

can be used

for this purpose.

even in southern locations. The

plant, leaving

In the garden,

wrap paper around the

may be
blades.

white, yellow, or red, with broad, crisp, green leaf

the topmost foliage exposed. Tie the paper in place with

twine,

The

leaf blades are

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

same manner grow

progressing.

When

stalks reach a

uniform

Chard

an

attractive

ornamental that adds to

like to

yellow color, whole plants

just

may be

harvested by cutting

the beauty of a garden.

Many gardeners

above the root

at the base of the plant.

Because

chard because
well,

it is

not available in food markets, yields

plants blanched too long

try to harvest as
Soil
it

become very
is

susceptible to rots,

and has few production problems.

soon

as

blanching

complete.

should not be used to blanch in

rots.

warm

seasons as

Varieties

encourages

Red Midrib: Burgundy, Rhubarb, and Ruby. White

and
Midrib: Fordhook Giant, Geneva, Large White BroadRibbed, Lucullus, Perpetual, and Winter King. Red,

Self-blanching types are naturally pale in color

tight-growing, yielding a pale central

bunch without any

is

tying

and blanching. Any

flavor.

fully

green foliage normally

White, or Yellow Midrib (mixed): Rainbow.

very strong in

Leaf types are used green as seasonings,

flat-leaf parsley

much

like

When

to Plant
soil

but with the distinctive celery

flavor.

Chard does well on any

spinach can grow. Plants

where

beets, lettuce, or

may be

started inside

and
is

trans-

Common
Pink
rot,

Problems
early blight,

planted to the garden after the danger of frost

past,

but

and

late blight are three

most gardeners plant seeds

early spring to midspring.

directly into the

garden in

fungal diseases that

tion

may

attack celery.

Good

air circulaIf

and drainage can help avoid

infection.

problems

occur, fungicide treatments

may be

necessary.

Check

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

For seeding outdoors, plant seeds
'/

labels for available effective products.

to
far

Fusarium or yellows

is

a fairly
soils

common
by using

disease that
resistant or

(8 to

10 seeds per foot of row), in rows

A inch deep enough apart

is

can be minimized in infested

tolerant varieties.

for proper cultivation. Like beets,

chard "seed"

actually

a dried berry, a multiple fruit with

inside. This

more than one seed

difficult

makes precision seeding

and makes

Questions
Q.

and Answers
plants sent

thinning more often necessary for a proper stand. Thin

the seedlings to 4 to 6 inches apart.

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

to thin the seedlings to 2 to 3 inches apart;

conditions

may bolt prematurely

past years.

when
tall),

they are large enough for greens (6 to 8

harvest the excess plants whole, leaving a

Delay setting plants

bolting has been

the garden until the season has settled

inches

problem

in

66

MAJOR VEGETABLES

Napa Pe
to early

Tsai: Blues (hybrid-65 days to harvest; early;

multiple-disease resistance; slow to bolt;

good

for spring

summer
good

planting);

China Express (hybrid-64

days; early;

disease resistance;

good

for spring,

fall,

or winter crop); China Flash (hybrid-55 days; extra early;

sweet flavor; very slow to bolt; good for spring or

crop);

fall

China Pride (hybrid-68 days;

large, strong, uni-

form, broad heads; multiple-disease resistance; best for

fall

final

spacing of 9 to 12 inches between plants. Trans-

or winter crop);

Orange Queen (hybrid-75 days; deep

plants should be set in the garden 9 to 12 inches apart.

green heads with orange interior; very cold tolerant);

Orient Express (hybrid-43 days; very
small, solid
early,

heat resistant;

Harvesting
The most

oblong heads); and Two Seasons (hybrid-62

common method of harvesting chard

days; large, oval heads; resistant to bolting

is

and

soft rot).

to

Michihli Pe Tsai: Green Rocket (hybrid-65 days;

holds well after picking;
tall,

cut off the outer leaves 1V2 inches above the ground

solid heads); Jade

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

damage the terminal bud,

at the

slow to bolt; resistant to soft

rot);

Michihli (75 days, dark

center of the

bottom of the growing

rosette of foliage.

green foliage, standard open-pollinated upright variety,

best in cool seasons);
tall,

and Monument (hybrid-80

days;

bright green heads; very disease tolerant).

Brassica rapa var. chinensis): Joi
petioles,

Pak Choi (Bok Choy,

slow to

Choi (hybrid-45 days, white

bolt,

dark green leaves,

good

for fall crops); Lei

Choi (47 days; white

petioles,

rounded, dark green leaves; slow-bolting, com-

pact plant); Mei

Quing Choi (hybrid-45

days,

medium

green petioles and leaf blades; heat, cold tolerant; good

for

warm-season production); and Mi Choi (hybrid-45

Chinese cabbage, Brassica

rapa var. pekinensis (also

days; long, smooth, white petioles, dark green leaves;

known

as celery

cabbage and
is

good

for

warm-season production).

wong

bok),

is

an ancient oriental crop that

is

gaining

popularity.

The name "Chinese cabbage"

misleading
is

When

to Plant
it is

because this hardy, cool-season salad vegetable

closely related to mustard, not cabbage.
Its

more

For best development,

important that growth not

mild flavor

be interrupted. Because Chinese cabbage seedlings are

may

be somewhat similar to that of celery (although

is

more

sensitive to transplanting

than cabbage seedlings,

(like

Chinese cabbage

not related to

celery),

and

its

leaves

the plants are best started in individual containers

are thinner, fuzzier,

and more

delicate

than those of

peat pellets or pots). For spring planting, transplant 2 to

3 weeks before the frost-free date
still

cabbage. Unfortunately,

many

gardeners do not consider

and while the plants

are

growing Chinese cabbage

spring sowings
fail

as a salad vegetable because

young

(4 to 5 weeks). (See

the maps, page 26.) Except

to

form desirable heads.

in

an extremely early

spring,

sowing seeds of heading

types directly in the garden

Varieties
There are two more or
less distinct

for the seedlings to

may not allow enough time grow before warm summer days stim-

forms: pe

tsai,

heading type that resembles Cos lettuce but grows

larger

and

denser,

and pak choi (white mustard cabbage),

in loose, upright

a
like

nonheading type that grows

form

swiss chard. Within the pe tsai group, there are

types: a
tall,

two head

cylindrical, upright michihli type

and the

shorter, broader

napa type. The pak choi

varieties are

usually

more

susceptible to early seedstalk formation.

MAJOR VEGETABLES

69

ulate seedstalk formation

and the plant becomes

useless.

Chinese cabbage develops best during cool weather

and
in

is

an excellent vegetable
for Chinese

for fall gardens. Start seeds

fall

midsummer
crops, so
it

cabbage grown as a

crop.

Varieties
fall

have been developed

specifically for spring or

choose one that matches the season in

be grown.
Collard, Brassica oieracea var.

which

will

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

Space plants 12 inches apart for upright varieties such
as Michihli, 15 to

acephala (also
cabbage),
is

known

as tree-cabbage or

nonheading
is

a cool-season vegetable green that

It

rich in

24 inches apart

for the larger,

broader

vitamins and minerals.

grows better in

warm weather
fall

heading types, and 8 to 12 inches apart

for loose-leaf or

and can

tolerate

more cold weather

in the late

than

bok choy

types. For
l
l

fall

planting,

sow seeds

directly in

any other member of the cabbage

collard
is
it

family.

Although

the garden U to

/2

inch deep and 3 to 4 inches apart.

for the variety chosen.
care.

a popular substitute for cabbage in the

Deep
it is

Thin to the proper spacing

the
soil

Keep

South,

can also be grown in northern areas because

moist,

and thin or transplant with

tolerant of frost. Hybrid varieties only very recently have

been introduced, bringing hybrid uniformity and vigor

Care
Maintain sufficient
soil

to collards.

moisture to keep the plants

fertilizer (see

growing vigorously. Side-dress nitrogen

page 20)

Varieties
Open-Pollinated:

when

the plants are half grown.

Champion

(60 days to harvest;

dark green, long-standing, compact plant; good cold

Harvesting
The pak choi type develops
leaves.

tolerance); Georgia LS (75 days;

wavy
tall,

leaves;

slow to

long, loose, dark green

bolt);

Morris Heading (80 days,

savoyed-leaf type);

The pe
heads.

tsai

type forms moderately firm, 2- to 5leaves are

and Vates
leaves).

(75 days, low-growing plant with

smooth

pound

The blanched inner

somewhere

between mustard and cabbage

crisp, delicate in flavor,

in appearance.

They

are

Hybrid: Blue

Max

(68 days, slightly savoyed; heavy

and an excellent

salad substitute

yields); Flash (73 days; early;

long dark green leaves; slow

for lettuce or cabbage. Especially in spring, begin harvest

to bolt); Heavi-Crop (65 days, hybrid Vates type);

(75 days;

HiCrop

as

soon

as the first

heads begin to become firm. They do

good

taste, texture

even in hot weather); and

not hold very long in the

warm

days of early summer.

Top Bunch (67

plant).

days,

heavy yield potential, compact

Common
Aphids

Problems
page
40);

(see

cabbage worms (page

62);

and

When

to Plant

flea beetles (page 40).

Plant in early spring for

summer

harvest,

and again in

midsummer

for fall

and

early winter harvest.

Questions
Q.
A.

and Answers
to form a

Why does my Chinese cabbage fail

in

good

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

Sow the
seeds U to
l
l

head
days.

the spring? Instead

it

sends up an early seedstalk.

/2

inch deep. Thin the seedlings to

to

Chinese cabbage quickly goes to seed during

warm summer

6 inches apart, allow

them

grow

until they begin to

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-

touch, then harvest whole plants to give 18 inches

between

plants,

which allows enough space

for plants to
least

bage seeded

in late spring also

goes to seed.

mature. Thinned plants

may

be eaten. Allow at

3 feet between rows because plants

become

large.

Care
If

you maintain ample

soil

moisture during hot peri-

ods in the
collards

summer and

control insect

and

disease pests,

produce an abundant harvest.

70

MAJOR VEGETABLES

types sweeter
varieties
eties,

and more tender than

less initial

field corn.

Sugary

have

kernel sugar than SE or Sh2 varitheir sugars to starch

and they rapidly convert

once

ears are picked.

SUs are best suited to being picked,

husked, and eaten within a very short time. In the

garden, this
cal.
is

home

sometimes possible but not always

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

the corn, and eat or process immediately."

green parts of the plant are edible and

may be
when
wider

Sugary enhancer hybrids contain the sugary

enhancer
(SE) gene,

which

significantly raises the sugar

harvested at any time during the growing season. Plants

grown 6 inches

apart can be cut at

ground

content above standard SUs while retaining the tenderness

level

and creamy texture of standard

sugar allows

varieties.

Higher

they reach 6 to 10 inches in height. Plants

left at

initial

spacing should be harvested by picking the larger leaves

them

to hold sweetness longer

and be
taste,

when

better suited for short-term refrigerated storage.

The

the plants are 10 to 12 inches

tall.

This harvesting
tenderness,

method

allows the younger leaves to continually develop

and texture

are outstanding. SEs are the

for

gourmet corns of choice

for later use.

home
all

gardeners because

Some

gardeners prefer the young, tender leaves and

they contain the best qualities of both SU and SI12 types.

Fresh from the garden, virtually
current SE releases
all

cut the inner rosette of

young growth. This

"loose head"

may be blanched by
the flavor in the
fall.

have eating quality that

tying the outer leaves together to
isolation
frost

is

superior to
is

other types.

No

keep out the sun. As with other cole crops,

improves

from standard SUs

necessary.

Supersweet hybrids contain the shrunken-2 gene

and have

a higher sugar content than the standard

SU

Common
Aphids

varieties.

The Sh gene

greatly slows the conversion of

Problems
page 40); cabbage

sugar to starch. These hybrids hold their sweetness

much

(see

worms

(page 62); and

longer than

SU

or SE types

and

are ideally suited for 2- to

diseases (page 61).

3-day distance shipping. For this reason, these varieties

have taken over the winter production areas of the

South, where long-distance shipping
is

routine.

The

kernels of the extra-sweet varieties have a crispy, tough-

skinned texture and contain low amounts of the water-

Com,
Sweet
Sweet corn, Zea mays
rugosa,
is

soluble polysaccharides that impart the

creamy texture

and "corny"

flavor to other sweet corn varieties.

is
it

Although the lack of creamy texture

noticeable in fresh corn
of frozen
var.

not especially
affects the quality

on the
as

cob,

and canned corn,

does the toughness of the

seed coat. Unless corn must be stored, shipped, or

a warm-season vegetable that can be

grown
grow-

mechanically harvested, SEs are superior in eating quality

to SI12S.

easily in

any garden with

sufficient light, fertility,

ing season, and space.

It is

especially popular with

home
it is

The supersweet hybrids generally

for

gardeners because

it

tastes appreciably better

when

optimal germination. Even then,

warm they may not

require

soil

harvested and eaten fresh from the garden. Successive

plantings can yield continual harvest from early
until frost
if

emerge uniformly, causing

that later

a stand of

mixed-age seedlings

summer

do not pollinate

together. Supersweets (SI12)

the weather cooperates.

should be isolated from any other type of corn tasseling

at the

Sweet corn

may be
(SE),

divided into three distinct types

same time
is

to ensure sweetness
easily

and tenderness.
form with

according to genetic background: normal sugary (SU),

sugary enhancer

Their pollen
types,

weak and

supplanted by other
to revert to a

and supersweet

(Sfv?).

which causes the kernel

Standard sweet corn varieties contain

gene" that
is

a "sugary (SU)

the toughness and starchiness of field corn. Because corn

is

responsible for the sweetness

and creamy
original

wind-pollinated, this isolation distance can be 500 feet

texture of the kernels. This gene

makes these

or more, especially

downwind.

MAJOR VEGETABLES

71

STANDARD
Yellow
Earlivee

(SU)
Harvest
58 days
7"

Ear size

Comments
extra early
1

Golden Cross Bantam 85 days

lochief Jubilee

86 days
82 days

8" 8" 8"

8"
7"

4 rows 2 to 4 rows
6 rows

old

home-garden

variety

4 to

popular midseason variety

high yield; deep, narrow kernels; excellent for canning

6 rows 8 to 20 rows

NK-199
Seneca Horizon

84 days
65 days

extremely

thick, attractive ears; silks easily

removed

6 to

8 rows

excellent quality

Sundance

69 days

7Vz" 14 rows
7 to

best cold-soil tolerance, early season vigor;

handsome

ears

White
Pearl

White

75 days

8"

2 to

6 rows

good

cool-soil

and drought tolerance; easy snapping

Platinum Lady
Silver

86 days
92 days

8V2"

4 rows
to 16 rows

delicate flavor; tender kernels; slender, elegant ears

Queen

8 to

9" 14

dark green flag leaves, attractive white corn; resistant to bacterial

ears; standard, high-quality

wilt

and Helminthosporium

Bicolor
Bi

Queen

92 days
75 days

8 to 9"
7"

6 rows

like a

bicolor Silver

Queen

& Sugar Honey & Cream

Butter

4 rows
2 to
1

popular for

home garden

80 days
64 days

7"
Tlz

4 rows

sweet, tender; long, tight husks

earliest

Quickie

2 rows
to
1

SU

bicolor

Sugar

&

Gold

67 days

6V2" 1

2 rows

husk green, with reddish tinge; excellent quality; prefers

cooler-season areas

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

superior flavor, holding

ability;

ears snap easily; prefers

warm

soil

excellent eating quality, tip cover

big, flavorful ears; excellent

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

purplish red-streaked ear flags, excellent quality, long shelf

excellent flavor, easy snapping

84 days 84 days 66 days

9" 20
9V2
7"
"
1

to

22 rows
1

superior flavor, ear

size,

disease tolerance; easy snapping

Precocious
Spring Treat

6 to 8 row 2 to 4 rows
1
1 1

good holding

quality; large, tender, attractive, tasty ears

very early; excellent eating,

good

tipfill

67 days
72 days

7"
7y2
"

4 rows
1

easy snapping; straight rows of kernels

excellent flavor; attractive, relatively small ears;
large ears, superior disease resistance

Sugar Buns
Terminator

4 rows rows
6 to 20 rows

deep

kernels

83 days
75 days

9" 20
7V2
"
1

Tuxedo

excellent early vigor;

good

tipfill,

husk cover; excellent eating

quality; tolerant to Stewart's wilt, rust,

and smut

White
Alpine

79 days

8"
8 to
8"

6 rows
1

widely adapted; excellent yield; cool-soil tolerance; attractive ear

Argent Avalanche

86 days
78 days
72 days

9"
1

6 rows

good

cold-soil vigor; tolerant to Stewart's wilt; like a

white Incredible

6 rows
1

excellent eating;
1

good

ear appearance
stalks

Cotton Candy
Divinity

7 to

8"
1

6 to

8 rows

extended harvest; reddish green

excellent flavor, tenderness;

78 days
76 days
71 days

8"

6 rows

snow white

color; excellent tip

cover; tolerant to drought, Stewart's wilt

Pristine

8 to

9"

6 rows

terrific

eating quality, tolerant to Stewart's wilt

flavor,

Seneca Starshine

7 to 8"

6 rows

blocky ears, with pure white kernels; excellent tenderness,

appearance; prefers 50F or higher germination

soil

temperature for

Seneca White Knight

Snowbelle
Spring

74 days

8 to

9"

6 rows

high quality; attractive ears; great taste

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

excellent husk cover; very early; attractive ears; very tender

compact

plant

Sugar
Telstar

8 to 8"

9"
1

6 rows

extremely sweet, snow white kernels; good cold-soil tolerance

vigorous; dark green flag leaves; tasty; attractive ear

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

tolerant to Stewart's wilt

D'Artagnan

Diamonds

&

Cold

79 days 85 days
74 days

8" 8" 8"

9"

8 rows

high yield; attractive; delicious

superior quality
in

taste;

good

disease tolerance

6 rows

an early SE bicolor
tipfill;

8 rows 6 rows
1

sweet, tender;

good

attractive dark
like

green ears

Double Delight Double

'N

large, tasty ears;

1

dark green husk;

a bicolor Incredible

Gem
Tell

8 to

9"

6 to

8 rows

excellent eating quality; blocky ears; usually double ears

stalks

on

Kiss

68 days

7 to 8"

4 to
1

6 rows

two

ears per stalk;

good

tipfill

Lancelot

80 days
73 days

8" 8" 8"

6 to

8 rows

vigorous, stress-tolerant plant;

good

yields; high-quality ears

under adverse conditions

Medley
Peaches

6 rows 6 to
1

dark green
tasty,

flags;

good

tip cover; tolerant to Stewart's wilt

& Cream

83 days
73 days

8 rows

popular home-garden variety; vigorous plant; good ear

protection

Seneca Brave

Seneca

Dawn

69 days

8" 8 to 20 rows 7 to 8" 4 to 6 rows

1 1 1

husky, excellent-quality ears; strong plants

excellent early bicolor;

good

vigor, eating quality

SUPERSWEET (SH 2 )
Yellow
Challenger
Crisp 'N Sweet

76 days 85 days
70 days

Vli"-

excellent early SH2, adapts to variety of

growing conditions

9" 8"
8V
"
2

8 rows

high yield; excellent disease resistance;

seedling vigor

good germination,

Early Xtra

Sweet

6 rows
1

like

the original, but earlier

Excel
lllini

82 days
79 days

6 rows

exceptionally high yield, easy to harvest

Gold
Xtra Sweet

8V2" 1 6 rows

midseason supersweet
the original
excellent
large ear

lllini

85 days 83 days 83 days

Jubilee

Supersweet

8" 9"
8"

4 to

6 rows

SH2 supersweet hybrid

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

large, attractive ears;

high eating quality

20 rows

clean, sturdy plants; excellent quality, holding traits

How

Sweet

85 days 85 days

8"

6 rows

AAS winner, good

good

sensitive to cold

soil,

holds quality well

Pegasus
Treasure

8Y2" 1 8 rows

cold-soil germination, vigor

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

988 AAS winner, stands

well, excellent quality

Phenomenal
Radiance

18 rows 8V2" 6 rows 8" 6 to 8 rows

1 1
1

smooth,

well-filled ears; superior eating quality,

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

Sweet corn requires

warm

soil for

germination (above

corn sold today) are hybrids. They are arranged by

genetic type
tive

55F for standard sweet corn varieties and about 65F for

and kernel

color.

The maturity

dates are rela-

supersweet

varieties). Early plantings of

standard sweet

because the actual

number

of days to harvest varies

corn should be
free date unless

made

at,

or just before, the

mean

frost-

from year to year and location to location.

you use

special soil-warming protection

film. (See the

such as clear polyethylene mulch page 26.)

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

very tender, shoe-peg type; drought resistant

Stowell's Evergreen

9" ears,

8 to 20 rows

big, juicy,

white kernels; ripens over long period

Trucker's Favorite

95 days

8 to 9"

ears,

14 rows

delicious white kernels, high yields

Bicolor

Double Standard

73 days

7" ears,

2 to

4 rows

first

bicolor open-pollinated type;

flavor,

good

cold-soil germination;

good
Black
Black Aztec

tenderness; traditional corn taste

75 days

7" ears, 8 to

rows

vigorous, drought tolerant; sweet white kernels

stage, dark blue-black at maturity;

in

roasting-ear

good

for blue corn

meal

For a continuous supply of sweet

com

throughout the

varieties,

plan your garden arrangement and planting

summer, plant an

early variety, a second early variety,

first

schedule so as to prevent cross-pollination between these

varieties

and
ple,
first

a main-crop variety in the

planting. For

exam-

and with any other corn, including nonSh2

corn do not develop a high

you may wish

early variety,

to select

Sundance (69 days)

for the

for the

sweet corns. Supersweet varieties pollinated by standard sweet corn, popcorn, or

sugar content
field

Tuxedo (75 days)

second early
vari-

variety,
ety.

and Incredible (83 days)

a second planting

for the

main-crop

and

are starchy. Cross-pollination

between

Make

and successive plantings of

yellow and white sweet corn varieties of the same type

affects

your favorite main-crop or

four leaves have appeared

late variety

when

three to

only the appearance of the white corn, not the

on the

seedlings in the previas late as the first

eating quality.

ous planting. Plantings can be

made

week

of July.

Care
Cultivate shallowly to control weeds. Chemical herbicides are not

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

Plant the kernels (seeds) y2 inch deep in cool, moist
soils

recommended

for

home

gardens. Although
at critical periIf

corn

is

warm-weather crop, lack of water

yield.

and

to V/2 inches deep in

warm, dry

soils.

Space

ods can seriously reduce quality and

deficient, irrigate
tassels, silking,

rainfall

is

the kernels 9 to 12 inches apart in the row. Plant two or

thoroughly during emergence of the

ears.

more rows
pollination

of each variety side by side to ensure

good

and maturation of the

and

ear development.

Allow 30 to 36 inches

Hot, droughty conditions during pollination result in

between rows.
All sweet corns

missing kernels, small

ears,

and poor development of the

fertilizer (see
tall.

should be protected from possible

(field,

tips of

the ears. Side-dress nitrogen

page 20)

cross-pollination
flint). If

by other types of corn

pop, or

you plant supersweet or

synergistic sweet corn

when the plants are Some sweet corn

12 to 18 inches
varieties

produce more side shoots

side shoots
is

or "suckers" than others.

Removing these

time consuming and does not improve

yields.

Harvesting
Each cornstalk should produce
at least

one

large ear.

Under good growing conditions

(correct spacing; free-

dom
ear.

from weeds,

insects,

and

diseases;

and adequate
a second
later

moisture and

fertility),
is

many varieties produce

This second ear

first ear.

usually smaller

and develops

than the

74

MAJOR VEGETABLES

Sweet corn ears should be picked during the "milk

stage"

husk with a rubber band or clothespin

appears, or inserting mineral oil
in the silk tube
('/2

after the silk

when

the kernels are fully formed but not fully

medicine dropperful)

mature. This stage occurs about 20 days after the appear-

helps to decrease the damage.

beetles

ance of the

first silk

strands.

The

kernels are

smooth and

Corn rootworm
damage, which

may cause

extensive

silk

plump, and the

juice in the kernel appears

milky

when

interferes

with pollination. Later plant-

punctured with a thumbnail. Sweet corn remains in the

milk stage less than a week. As harvest time approaches,

ings usually suffer the greatest damage, especially

field

where

corn

is

grown. Beetles multiply in early plantings of

check frequently to make sure that the kernels do not

field corn,

mature, and migrate to plantings of young,

become too mature and doughy. Other

cate

signs that indi-

tender sweet corn. Silk and the young, tender, green

leaves are preferred feeding
sites. If

when

the corn

is

ready for harvest are drying and

fullness of the tip kernels,

infestation

is suffi-

browning of the

silks,

and

cient to

remove

silk

before pollination, cobs develop

firmness of the unhusked ears.

without a

full set

of kernels. Control measures

must be

To harvest, snap
firm,

off the ears

by hand with a quick,

taken as the

silk

emerges and one or more times every

is

downward

push, twist, and pull. The ears should be

3 days until pollination

complete.
stalks, tassels,

eaten, processed, or refrigerated as

soon

as possible. At

European corn borers damage

ears.

and

summer

temperatures, the sugar in sweet corn quickly

As their

name

indicates, corn borers bore into the

decreases

and the

starch increases.

plant;
after

and the

stalks

break over

when damage

is

severe.

Cut or
harvest,

pull out the cornstalks

in a

immediately
pile.

Corn borers

also

may bore

into the cob

and be found

and put them

compost

Cut the

stalks

after cooking.

suggested insecticide can be applied at

in 1-foot lengths or shred

them

to hasten decay.

5-day intervals, beginning

when

eggs hatch in June.

Spray applications for earworms usually give adequate

control of corn borers.
Flea beetles (see page 40) often attack early in the

Corn earworm
(1

spring as the corn plants emerge through the

beetles can be quite

soil.

Flea

V2 inches)

damaging when numerous, and they

must be applied

may carry
European corn borer
(1

Stewart's bacterial wilt disease (see next paraearly to

graph). Suggested insecticides

control flea beetles.

inch)

Stewart's wilt

is

a bacterial disease spread

by the

flea

beetle. This disease causes

yellow streaks in the leaves,

susceptible vari-

stunting,

and death of young plants of

disease occurs
is

Common

Problems
are a

eties.

The
and

more

frequently in the southern

Corn earworms

problem

in sweet corn every

states

not severe

after cold winters or

If

when

resis-

year. Earlier plantings are

not badly infested in areas

later harvests

tant varieties are planted.

possible, plant varieties

with

where the pest does not overwinter, but

usually have severe
trol

good

resistance.
is

earworm damage unless timely conIt

Smut

caused by a fungus that invades the kernels.

(gall) in

measures are followed. Corn earworms deposit eggs

silks

develops as a swollen black pustule

infects the tassel.

the ear and

varieties

on the developing
they feed on the

or

on the

leaves near the ear.

The

sometimes

Some sweet corn

and
is

tiny caterpillars follow the silks

tip.

down

into the

ear,

where

are more tolerant to smut than others. Smut occurs most

Only one corn earworm

will

be

frequently

on white

varieties

often severe
just before

when
and
while

found per ear because the

caterpillars are cannibalistic,

extremely dry or hot weather occurs

with the largest devouring any others present. Once the

during tasseling. Remove and destroy smut they are moist and firm.

galls

worm

is

inside the protective

husk covering, there

is

no

Do

not discard these

galls in or

effective control.

suggested insecticide must be applied

silk

near the garden. Place in the garbage or burn them. The

before the
trol in

worms

enter the

channel. For good conseveral applications 2 to

smut

is

not poisonous, but

it is

unpleasant to handle.
ear.

heavy

infestations,

make

Break off the infected part of the

suitable for eating.

The remainder

is

3 days apart until the silks are brown.

restricts

Anything that

the

worm such

as tightening the tip of the

MADOR VEGETABLES

75

The immature smut fungus or "maize mushroom"

highly prized in Mexican cooking. Harvest

is

when

the

fungus

is

expanded, but before

it

becomes black and

dried out. This time generally

is

about 2 to 3 days before

the sweet corn reaches peak eating quality.

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

warm-season vegetable that produces well when

required for complete pollination after the

vest begins

appear. Har-

given proper care and protection. The vines of standard

varieties

about 20 days

after

first silking.

grow rapidly and require

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

methods and new dwarf

now

are shrunken

and do not germinate

in

readily in cold,

wet

soil.

Do

allow cucumbers to be grown for slicing, salads, and pickling,

not plant too early

preferably
sary.

the spring. Wait until the

thickly,

soil is

warm,
neces-

even in small garden

plots.

65 F. Sow the seed more

and

thin

if

Fungicide seed treatments

may also be helpful.

ears
fill

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

Why don't my sweet corn

does well on a

trellis);

Dasher

II

(hybrid-58 days; gynoe-

cious, very productive; top quality; excellent disease resis-

short

recommended spacing 12 inches in the row); proper and planting rows in blocks of two or more for more complete
in

dry weather; planting at

tance);

Marketmore 76 (68 days; very uniform, dark

fruit;

fertilization;

green, straight

multiple-disease resistance); Market-

pollination.

more 86
the best
the

(56 days; long, dark green, slender fruit; shorter

Q.

What

vine; earlier
is

way

to

grow

than Marketmore

76);

Orient Express

early corn? A. Choose an

shallowly (about
'/?

early maturing variety, plant early

and

inch

(hybrid-64 days; high yields; delicious, crunchy "burpless" type); Slice

fruit

deep),

and cover

2-mil film 3 feet wide,

the
soil

row with clear polyethylene film. Use 1 - or and cover the edges and ends to warm
The small plants can be
film,
left

Master (hybrid-58 days; gynoecious;

holds up well under poor growing conditions;

around the

seeds.

under the
care-

uniform; good disease resistance); Straight 8 (58 days;

plastic for
fully pull

to

4 weeks. Remove the

or cut

slits

and

the plants through before the weather becomes too

AAS winner; long-time

dark green
fruit);

favorite; excellent flavor;

evenly

hot.
first.

It is

wise to experiment with this technique on a small scale

kill

Supersett (hybrid-52 days; high yield;

stress);
fruit;

Unseasonable heat can quickly cook and

young

uniform; good tolerance to disease and

Slice

Sweet

seedlings under clear plastic.

(hybrid-62 days; sweet, bitter-free

10 to 12 mildews,

Q.

How can

keep raccoons out of

my

sweet corn?

A.

It is

inches long; resistant to

downy and powdery

virtually impossible to

keep raccoons out of a garden, although

mosaic, scab); Sweet Success (hybrid-54 days;

AAS

many methods

are employed. The most successful seems to be

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

winner; european-style slicing cucumber;

crisp, sweet,

and

tender);
fruit;

and Turbo (hybrid-67

days; straight, dark

green

disease resistant; dependable).

in the early milk

Long, Green, Slicing (compact plant): Bush Crop

(55 days; delicious, 6- to 8-inch fruit
plants); Tanfare (hybrid-63 days;

ready to harvest.

on

dwarf,

bushy
great taste,

AAS winner;

high

yield,

extended harvest; disease

resistant); Salad
fruit

Bush (hybrid-57 days; AAS winner; uniform 8-inch

on compact

plants; tolerant to

wide variety of

diseases);

and Space Master (56

plants; adaptable).

days; 8-inch fruit

on space-saving
good

Pickling: Bush Pickle (48 days; compact plant;

for container growing;

not for the Deep South); Calypso

(hybrid-52 days; high yields; gynoecious; blocky, dark green

fruits

with white spines; good disease resistance);

76

MAJOR VEGETABLES

in containers or they
Pickling

do not transplant

well. Like other

vine crops, cucumbers do not transplant successfully

(2-6 inches)

when

pulled as bare-root plants.

Slicing

(6-8 inches)

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

Plant seeds
'/

to

inch deep, and thin the seedlings

in the

Burpless (Salad)

to

one plant every 12 inches

hill

row or to three plants

(10-14 inches)

every 36 inches in the

plant
row.

system.
soil

If

you use

transplants,

them

carefully in

warm

12 inches apart in the

Carolina (hybrid-49 days; straight, blocky

fruits

with

white spines; medium-sized plant with good vigor,

disease resistance);

Care
Cucumber
ample
soil

Lucky
fruit;

Strike (hybrid-52 days; straight,

plants have shallow roots

all

and require

medium
soil);

dark green

seed emerges well in cooler

moisture at

stages of growth.

When

fruit

National Pickling (54 days; straight,

fruit

medium

green,

begins setting and maturing, adequate moisture becomes

especially critical. For best yields, incorporate

tapered

with black spines); and SMR-58 (58 days;

compost

or

straight, blocky,

medium

green

fruit).

well-rotted
to

manure before

planting.

Cucumbers respond
page 36) in

Novelty: Boothby's Blond (63 days; Maine heirloom;

pale yellow, pickling-shaped fruit with black spines);

mulching with soil-warming

plastic (see

early spring or organic materials in

plastic

summer. Use of black

Gherkin (60 days;

2- to 3-inch, nearly

round, spiny
is

fruit;

mulch warms the

soil in

the early season and can

if

not the true West Indian gherkin, which

species altogether; see Q-and-A, page 77);

a different

give significantly earlier yields, especially

combined

Lemon

(65

with floating row covers.

Side-dress nitrogen fertilizer (see page 20)

days; small, light yellow, lemon-sized, white-fleshed

fruits;

when

the

sweet, tender, easy to digest);

and White Wonder

plants begin to vine.

trolled

Cucumber

beetles should be con-

(60 days; blocky fruit to 8 inches long; ivory white; crisp,

firm,

from the time that the young seedlings emerge

soil (see

mild

flesh).

from the

"Common

Problems," page 77).

In small gardens, the vines

may be

trained

on

a trellis

When

to Plant
are usually started

or fence.

When

the long, burpless varieties are supported,

fruits.

Cucumbers
passed and the

by planting seed
danger of
frost

the cucumbers hang free and develop straight

directly in the garden. Plant after the

soil

has

Winds whipping the

plants can

make

vertical training

has

warmed
soil is

in the spring. (See the

impractical. Wire cages also can be used for supporting

maps, page
of seeds

26.)

Warm

necessary for germination

plants.

the plants (see "Tomato," page 125).

harvest, or

Do

not handle,
are wet.

and proper growth of

With ample

soil

work on the plants when they

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

containers 3 to 4 weeks before the frost-free date. Thin to

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

one plant per container. Plant transplants

apart in rows 5 to 6 feet apart

to 2 feet to

and
of

when they have two

A cucumber
1

four true leaves.

Do not

allow transplants to get too large

when

it is

uniformly green, firm, and

to V/2
vari-

The

large, burpless

cucumbers should be

inches in diameter and up to 10 inches long.

eties

Some

can grow considerably

larger.

Do

not allow cucum-

bers to turn yellow.

fruits

Remove from
fruits

the vine any missed

fruits

nearing ripeness so that the young

continue

to develop.
size

The cucumber

grow rapidly

to harvest

and should be picked

at least every other day.

MAJOR VEGETABLES

77

Common
cucumber
the
soil.

Problems Cucumber beetles (see

The
beetles

Q.

Why do my cucumbers fail

first

to set fruit and yield prop-

page

40).

Spotted and striped

erly? A. The

yellow flowers appearing on the plants are

beetles attack seedlings as they

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

opens) and should develop

can quickly stunt or

the small plants. The beetles also

an

edible fruit

if

properly pollinated. Anything that interfruit set

may carry bacterial

Cucumber
Aphids
of aphids

wilt disease (see

upcoming

section).

with pollination of the female flowers reduces

including cold temperatures
activity,

and

rainy weather that

kill

beetles can be controlled

by applying a

and ham-

per bee

or improper use of insecticides that

A.

bees.

suggested insecticide.
(see

page 40). Watch

for

buildup of colonies

Q.

What

are gynoecious hybrids?

Cynoecious ("female-

flowering") hybrids are special hybrids of slicing

and pickling

on the undersides

of the leaves, especially near

if

cucumbers that are advertised

Because they have
mixes
all

vine

tips.

Use a suggested insecticide

these colonies

female

many garden catalogs. flowers, they may be earlier and

in

appear.

higher yielding than other

in

varieties. Usually,

the seed

company

Bacterial wilt. Plants are infected with the bacterial

wilt disease

a small proportion of seed of a standard cucumber as

pollinator.

by the attack of cucumber

beetles.

The
Q. How far away from melons should plant my cucumbers? am concerned about cross-pollination. A. Contrary
I I

disease organism overwinters inside the beetles' bodies.

The

beetles hibernate

among

the trash and weeds around

the garden, emerging in time to feed

on tender cucumber

seedlings. Plants usually are infected with the disease-

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

causing bacteria long before they

show any symptoms.

are half grown),

considerable space in the garden, however, plant the rows far

When

enough apart
the vines wilt and collapse (usually about the
first

for

proper vine growth without overlapping.

same time that the

cucumbers

it is

Q.

What

causes

my cucumber

plants to be stunted?
fruits are

The

leaves are a mottled yellow,

and the
is

blotchy

too late to prevent the disease.

and

taste bitter. A. This condition

virus.

caused by the cucumber

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

develop into normal cucumbers?

fertility.

No. They

by powdery mildew, a fungal disease that

late

is

most severe during

should be removed from the vines. Misshapen cucumbers

result

may
com-

summer and

fall

plantings.

Crow

resistant varieties.

from poor pollination or low

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

dies. A. These are typical

plants are small.

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

They are mild, sweet, and

crisp

when

Eggplant, Solatium melongena

var.

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

a very cold-sensitive vegetable that requires

warm
is

season for best yields. The culture of

Q. What cucumber variety should buy for gherkins? A. Buy the West Indian gherkin. It is a close relative of the garden
I

eggplant

similar to that of bell pepper, with transplants

being

set in

the garden after

all

danger of

frost

is

past.

cucumber used
inches long,
called "burr

for pickling.

The

fruits

are generally oval,

to 3

Eggplants are slightly larger plants than peppers and are

and more

spiny than cucumbers. They are also

spaced slightly farther apart. Eggplant requires careful

attention for a
colored,

cucumbers" but are usually listed in catalogs as West Indian gherkin. They are grown in the same way as
varieties of
"
If

good

harvest. Small-fruited, exoticvarieties

cucumbers. Small-fruited, prickly

sometimes sold as "gherkins.

small,

cucumber are tender cucumbers are

mis-

and ornamental

can be grown in

containers and used for decoration.

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

usually sufficient for

most

families unless eggplant

is

favorite vegetable, eaten often.

Allow 30 to 36 inches
all

between rows, or space plants 24 inches apart in

tions in raised beds.
Large oval
Small elongated

direc-

(7-9 inches)

(3-9 inches)

Care
Use
starter fertilizer (see

page 20) for transplanting.

Side-dress nitrogen fertilizer (page 20)

are half

when
and

the plants

grown and again immediately

Given

after harvest of
fertility,

Varieties
All varieties are hybrids unless

the

first fruits.

sufficient moisture

designated

OP

(for

eggplant thrives in the heat of summer. The plants

toler-

open-pollinated).

ate dry weather after they are well established but should

Large Oval Fruit: Dusky (60 days to harvest, good

size,

be irrigated during extended dry periods for continued

early production); Epic (64 days, teardrop-shaped);

peak production.

Black Bell (68 days, round to oval, productive); Black

Magic (72

days); Classic (76 days, elongated oval,

high

Harvesting
Harvest the
fruits

quality); Black

Beauty (OP-80 days); Burpee Hybrid (80

days; white, slightly sweeter

when

they are 6 to 8 inches long

days);

and Ghostbuster (80

and

still

glossy.

Use a knife or pruning shears rather than

than purple types;

6- to 7-inch oval).

breaking or twisting the stems.

Many eggplant varieties

harvesting. Leave the

Elongated

Fruit: Ichiban (70 days); Slim

Jim (OP-70

have small prickly thorns on the stem and calyx, so exercise

days; lavender, turning purple

in pots);

when

peanut-sized;

good

caution or wear gloves

when

and

Little Fingers

(OP-68

days; 6- to 8-inch,

large (usually green) calyx attached to the fruit.

long, slim fruit in clusters).

When
Egg (52 days; small white,

the fruits

become

dull or

brown, they are too

off

Ornamental
ornamental).

Fruit: Easter

mature

for culinary use

and should be cut

and

egg-sized, -shaped, turning yellow at maturity; edible

discarded. Overmature fruits are

spongy and seedy and

fruits

may be
well

bitter.

Even properly harvested

after

do not

store

and should be eaten soon

the peak of the season.

they are harvested.

as four to six

When

to Plant
is

Large, vigorous plants can yield as

fruits at

many

Eggplant

best started from transplants. Select plants

It is

in cell packs or individual containers.

important to
early.

get the plants off to a proper start.

Do

not plant too

Common

Problems

Transplant after the

frost

soil

has

warmed and

the danger of

Verticillium wilt causes yellowing, wilting, and death

of the plants.

has passed. (See the maps, page 26.) Eggplants are

susceptible than

more

tomato plants to injury from low

Flea beetles (see page 40) cause tiny holes in the

leaves.
if

temperatures and do not grow until temperatures warm.

Damage can be

severe, especially

on young

plants,

unchecked. These beetles can be controlled by apply-

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

necessary, repot into larger containers to

plastic film

maintain
help

vigor.

Mulching with black

soil,

(page 36) can

warm

the

especially in northern areas. Floating

row

covers can help with cool, early seasons as well as bar harmful
insects

from succulent young plants.

MAJOR VEGETABLES

79

Endivecarole
Endive and escarole, both
Cichorium endivia, are closely related hardy annual
vegetables that have the

When
tions

to Plant

same growing requirements. The

is

Endive and escarole do not thrive under hot condi-

primary difference between them

that endive has

flat,

and must be grown

in

as early spring or fall crops.

curled, finely cut leaves, while escarole has broad,

slightly

They grow

much

the same

manner

as lettuce

and
that

cupped

leaves.

They

are cool-season plants that

respond well to

fertile soil

and growing temperatures

grow

best in the spring in northern locations

fall

and

better

average between 60 and 70F, with a uniform supply of

moisture. Seeds
in late

during the

months over much

is

of the rest of the

in Florida,
it is

may be

planted directly into the garden

country. (Although endive

grown

March or
to be

early April, or as
safely in

soon

as the soil

mellows

produced there

as a winter vegetable.)

Endive and esca-

enough

worked

your

area.

role are delicacies

as a garnish.

when blanched and used for salads or Even when grown under perfect conditions,
taste.

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

For spring plantings, place seeds
'A

these vegetables have a hint of bitterness in the flavor,

inch deep in rows

1

which

is

an acquired

18 to 24 inches apart.

When

seedlings are

inch

tall,

thin or transplant 9 to 12 inches apart. In beds, plants

Varieties
All varieties of

may be
endive and escarole can be harvested

spaced 9 to 12 inches apart in

all

directions.

Adequate moisture and space are necessary to assure

rapid development

within 80 to 100 days, depending on the planting

season.

and minimal
fall

bitterness of the heads.

is

Summer
late fall);

planting for a
3

crop

often quite reward-

Endive: Frisan (good for

Green Curled

ing. Plant seeds

/s

to

'/

inch deep in July, and thin the

Ruffec (very uniform, attractive); Lorca (extremely curled,

for
fall);

seedlings to 9 to 12 inches apart.

Some shade from

sur-

Neos

(extra

frilly,

compact, self-blanching); Nina

rounding crops, which

will

mature and be removed

(small,

smooth, deeply
size,

cut, for early harvest); Salad

King

before the endive or escarole matures,

may help

germinat-

(slow to bolt, large

to 2 feet); Tosca (shoestring

self-

ing seedlings get established in the heat of summer. Water frequently during the hot

leaves, for spring or

summer); and Traviata (upright,

summer months. Endive

is

very

blanching).
Escarole: Bossa

hardy and withstands

frost to give harvest

throughout the

(summer

or

fall);

Broad-Leaved Bata-

fall

months and

into winter in mild areas.

vian

(large,

smooth

leaves); Florida

Deep Heart (broadcrumpled

leaved, southern type); Full Heart (coarsely

leaves);

Care
Unless blanched, the spreading plants are likely to be

Grosse Bouclee (deep green outer leaves); Nuvol

(self-blanching, least bitter); Salanca (self-blanching, for

fall);

very

bitter.

When

sunlight

is

kept from the center leaves,

is

and Sinco

(big head, leaves curled

around

heart, for

their green color

is

reduced, bitterness

decreased,

and

cool weather).

texture

and

flavor are improved.

Heads are usually

touch the
if

blanched

after the leaves spread sufficiently to

next plant.
in the
fall.

Some

varieties self-blanch, especially

artificial

grown
tie

For varieties that need

blanching,

the tops of the outermost leaves together as the heads

develop.

Make
If

sure that the plants are dry before tying

the leaves.
rot.

the plants are not dry, the inner leaves

may

Blanching requires 2 to 3 weeks, and the blanched

after their color
if left

heads should be used soon

they

has faded, as
long,

may begin

to deteriorate

tied

up too

SO

MAJOR VEGETABLES

especially in hot or

wet weather. Several plants

may be
up

larger

and more
sooner,

attractive flower heads,

matures tubers a

blanched

at

one time, with additional plants

tied

month

and grows tops much

shorter than the

every week or so for a continual harvest.

old standard type,

making plants

less likely to fall

over as

they mature.

It

produces

many

large,

clean tubers, too.

Harvesting
After the blanched heads

Other selections available

for the

sun choke enthusiast

type;

have developed, cut the

include Fuseau, a long and

smooth yam

Long Red,

plants at ground level.

If

the weather turns very hot in

the same shape with red skin; Golden Nugget, similar to

Fuseau, but about two-thirds the
size;

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,

with red skin and a more rounded shape; and French

ene bag in the

tough,

Mammoth

White, a large but more knobby type.

nurseries, seed supply

outer leaves.

You may obtain tubers from

houses, seed exchanges, the gourmet sections of food

name "sun chokes" or "sunroots"), or from another gardener. Named varieties are still hard to
stores (under the

find

with the exception of Stampede, which has been

for a while.

around
rior to

The improved

varieties are so supe-

the

common

sort that the search for

named variis

erusalem
lifliW
Jerusalem artichoke, Helianthus
tiiberosus (also

eties

is

usually worth the effort. Sunroots almost always

possible

produce so abundantly that variety sharing

after the first year.
If

you buy seed

stock, a very small

amount
another

multiplies into
year. For

enough

to eat

and plant

for

subsequent plantings, you can dig your

out a

own

tubers

and

set

new row when you

bring in the

known
It

as

sun choke or sunroof),

is

native spring harvest.

to

North America.

was one of the few vegetables grown

at

by the native Americans

arrival.

the time of the European

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

Jerusalem artichoke grows in most parts of temperate

new clump. Jerusalem

is

North America.
artichoke, related
soil

It

thrives best in a well-drained garden

an entirely

different plant
(a thistle)

from the
in

with high

fertility,

responding particularly well to

globe artichoke, Cynura scolymus,

California.

grown

high potassium. Plant the entire tubers in early spring.

Beds not dug and reset each year quickly become thick

The

fleshy,

oblong tubers

boiled, or fried like white potatoes

may be baked, or may be sliced raw

and choked with growth. For peak production, new

plantings must be

into salads.

They have

also

been used as animal food,

made

yearly.

especially for hogs,

which

are

sometimes allowed to root

the tubers out of the

soil for

themselves.

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

and
Plant individual tubers 2 to 3 inches deep, spacing

In recent years, Jerusalem artichoke selection

breeding have produced plant and tuber types that are

them 24

to

30 inches

apart. Because the plants

grow 6 impede

more
bers

attractive in the garden,

easier to prepare

with

larger,

smoother

tu-

feet tall or taller,

you should allow

3 to 4 feet

between

much

than the

older,

knobby ones.

rows (more

if

possible, as these plants

seem

to

Jerusalem artichoke has also attracted some attention

the growth of close neighbors).

because the tubers contain inulin, which breaks

into the sugar fructose

down
is

when

they are eaten. Fructose

reputed to be of value in the diets of people

diabetes.

who have

Varieties

The

best Jerusalem artichoke tubers for garden use are

selections.
It

improved seed-stock
variety
is

The most

common new

Stampede.

flowers earlier in the season, with

MAJOR VEGETABLES

81

Care
Early cultivation

and hoeing

are necessary.
little

As the
further

plants
care
is

become

established, however,

or

no

required. After frost blackens the foliage, the large,

woody

tops resembling sunflowers

may be

cut off above

the ground and shredded for composting.

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

in the spring before

Usually, the tubers are

dug

as

new growth needed. A supply can

before the soil

and

kale

may be cooked in
become
a popular

place of cabbage. Flowering kale has

be harvested and stored as potatoes

freezes.

are,

decoration on salad bars as well.

Any tubers that are not harvested regrow and may become troublesome weeds in the garden.

Varieties

Dwarf Blue Curled Scotch (70 days to

harvest);

Dwarf

Questions

and Answers

Curled (Vates) (60 days); and Dwarf Siberian (65 days).

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).

varieties include Blue Surf

and Winterbor

Ornamental

kale

is

sold in open-pollinated,

and a

larger
if

amount just

before the ground freezes in the winter. Then,

mixed-color packets and in hybrid, separate-color varieties

possible, store at

a temperature of 32 F with high (95 percent) humidity. Jerusalem artichokes do not form a thick skin like the
rapidly.

such as Frizzy Hybrid, Nagoya, Peacock Hybrid

(all

in white or red),

and Osaka

(in red, white, or pink).

potato and tend to lose moisture

The tubers also

If

may

Japanese seed companies, in particular, have been very

active in developing the

be placed

in

polyethylene bags in the refrigerator.

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

Plant kale in the garden anytime from early spring

through early summer. In more southern

ing in late

latitudes, plantfall

summer

provides harvest from

into winter

until or unless the

ground

freezes hard. In

mild winters,

or with protection, kale

may

overwinter and produce a

in the

few

new

leaves before

it

blooms

second

year.

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

Sow
seeds
'/4

to y2 inch deep in rows. Thin the seed-

lings to 8 to 12 inches apart.

The

seedlings

may be

started in late winter

and transplanted into the garden

for early spring production. For a fall crop, or for orna-

Kale, Brassica oleracea

var.

mental types, plants should be sown or started

late spring,

in flats in
late

acephala (also

known

as borecole),

is

a hardy, coolrich in vitaheat,

it

then transplanted to the garden in

June

season green of the cabbage family that

is

to early July for lush

growth by the time cool

fall

temper-

mins A and C. Although

kale tolerates
fall.

summer

atures sweeten

and

color the leaves.

grows best in the spring and

The highly

curled,

bluish green leaves (plain leaves

on some

varieties)

do

Care
Kale
is

not form a solid head.

relatively easy to grow, requiring

only normal

"Flowering" varieties of kale are quite colorful. They

cultivation
are planted as accent or pot plants but can be planted in

and watering. Most of the standard cabbage

pests can also

damage

kale

and must be controlled

for

masses for a striking

effect.

Because the leaves develop

fall

best production.

their highest color in cool

weather, ornamental kale

has

become

a staple of the fall flower border. In addition

82

MAJOR VEGETABLES

Harvesting
The lower
leaves

may be

individually picked

when

they are small and tender (8 to 10 inches or shorter). The

entire kale plant
frost,

may

also be cut. Quality

is

improved by

and the plant withstands night

freezes. Late-

summer
kill

plantings usually give best results. Kale can be

harvested until early winter,

the plants.

when

severe freezes injure or

started indoors or in the

greenhouse in

flats

to be trans-

Common
Aphids

Problems
page 40) and cabbage

planted into the garden as soon as the ground becomes

(see

worms

(page

62).

workable. Like cabbage, kohlrabi plants can stand

frost.

some

Questions
Q.

and Answers
if

Do new
is

leaves develop

the tip of the plant

tip

is
If

removed? A.
harvest

No. Removing the

prevents further growth.

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.

delayed and lower leaves become tough, harvest from

the upper part of the plant where leaves are nearly expanded to
full

size

but are
point.

still

tender. Take care not to

remove the central

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

Sow
seeds in rows

growing

and cover them

y4 to y2 inch deep.

Thin the seedlings to 2 to 5 inches

surplus seedlings to
fill

apart. Transplant the

in blanks in other parts of the

if

row or into additional row space

more harvest

is

desired. Discard excess plants or use

fry greens.

them

for tender, stir-

Care
Plant in
fertile soil,

maintain adequate

soil

moisture,

and keep down weeds. Proper

care allows kohlrabi to

achieve the rapid growth that results in the best quality.

Kohlrabi, Brassica oleracea
var. gongylodes (also

known

as

stem turnip),

is

a hardy,
It

Harvesting
Kohlrabi has the mildest and best flavor (resembling
like

cool-season vegetable belonging to the cabbage family.

has a turniplike appearance, with leaves standing out

spokes from the edible portion, which
is

mild white turnips)

when

small. Unfortunately,

many

a rounded,
soil line.

gardeners allow kohlrabi to grow too large before

harvesting
it.

enlarged stem section growing just above the Kohlrabi

is

Large, older kohlrabi

off-flavor.

is

tough and woody,

sometimes misclassified

as a root vegetable.

and

it

may have an

Begin harvesting (pull or

first

cut at ground level)

when

the

stems are about

inch

Varieties

in diameter.

Continue harvest

until the stems are 2 to 3

White

(really light green) varieties

include the old

inches in diameter.

When

the stems get

favorite, Early

White Vienna

(55 days to harvest); Express

days);

than 3 inches, they begin to develop

cially in

much bigger woody fibers, espe-

Forcer (42 days);

Grand Duke (hybrid-50

Kolpak

the lower part of the expanded stem. Even overstill

(hybrid-38 days); and Triumph (55 days). Purple kohlrabi

varieties include Blaro (43 days); the old standard, Early

grown kohlrabi
emerge
cooked

may have some

tender and tasty

tissue at the top,

where the youngest leaves continue to

Purple Vienna (62 days); and Rapid (45 days).

as the plant grows.

like

The young

leaves

may be

other greens.

When
Sow

to Plant
seeds in early spring.

Make

small plantings every

Common

2 to 3 weeks for continuous spring and early

harvest. For

an especially

early harvest,

summer plants may be

Problems Cabbage worms (see

page 62) and diseases (page

61).

MAJOR VEGETABLES

83

When

to Plant

Seed 10 to 15 seeds per foot of row directly in the

garden in early spring. Thin the seedlings to 4 inches

apart. Leeks also

may be

started indoors or in the greenas

house during February in the same manner

onion

transplants (see page 91). Leek seedlings should be set

lower in the garden than they grow in the seed

Leek, Allium ampeloprasum van

flat

so

that the long shafts

grow longer underground and form

tissue.

porrum,

is

a hardy, mild-flavored vegetable of the

onion

more bleached white

Take care not to bury

leaf

family that has been cultivated for centuries. The leek

plant resembles a large onion plant with
is

attachments to the stem, as this

it

may encourage

rots.

flat leaves,

but

composed

of a cylindrical sheaf of basal leaves rather

this

Care
Leeks can grow in any garden that produces good
onions.

than an expanded, rounded bulb. Traditionally, in

country, leeks primarily have been used in place of

When

the plants begin strong growth in the sumsoil

onions for flavoring soups and stews. Actually, leeks

be eaten raw or cooked, in salads or
stir-fries,

may

mer, cultivate and draw

toward the plants to blanch

or any-

the edible portion. Blanching makes the leeks longer and

where

their delicate, sweet, mild,

and

rich flavor

can be

whiter at harvest. Leeks grow slowly, requiring at least 120

fully appreciated. Leeks

do not have the hot pungency

days to reach

to

inches in diameter. Leeks of large,

many people
Varieties

find offensive in onions.

thick varieties started in the greenhouse

ters

may reach

diame-

approaching 3 inches in good seasons, while longer,

thinner varieties
Flag,

may produce
soil

shafts of 15 inches or

more

American

Broad London, Conqueror,

Electra,

and

in length.

Do

not bank

around the plants

for blanch-

Giant Musselburgh are dependable, full-season varieties

that have been available in the United States for
time.

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

of leek varieties has recently

this vegetable has

become

by altering

soil

aeration around the

young

root system.

available

from Europe, where

long been

popular.

of these selections include Varna (50 days

Harvesting
Leeks

to harvest), a

bunching type designed to be sown thickly

early as with scallions; Titan (70 days,
for

may be
fall,

harvested for use throughout the sumvariety.

and harvested
early sort

an

mer and
the
soil

depending on the

To

harvest, loosen

good

summer

crops);

King Richard (75 days,

with a spading fork or shovel, taking care to dig

shaft, severing

an extra-long, early
earliness, size,

variety);

Pancho (80 days; combines

under the base of the

the roots, then pull

first

and cold

tolerance); Splendid (95 days;

for dehydration);

out the plant. Never try to pull leeks without

to loosen the roots.

digging

long, slim shafts;

days,
well);

good

Unique (100

Cut

off the roots

and

all

but 2 inches
in vege-

good length and

thickness, tolerates cold, stores

of the green leaves. Leaf trimmings

table

may be used
manner

Longina (102 days; blue-green upright leaves that

trap soil

soup stocks

or, if

tender, in the

of scallion

do not

where the base meets the

shaft; stores

tops. Leeks

may be dug before

hard freezes and stored

well); Alaska (105 days; thick shafts; best cold tolerance;

under

refrigeration (see pages

167 and 168). Plants of

heavily with
is

winter hardy); and Blue Solaise (large and hardy, also

overwinters well).

cold-tolerant varieties also

fresh straw for harvest

may be mulched

Many more varieties

are

becoming

whenever the ground

not frozen.
early

available each year, so read catalog descriptions carefully,

Spring harvest

is

usually completed in late

March or

and match

leek varieties to your needs.

April before the leeks begin the second year's

growth and

send up a seedstalk.
In the second season, as the leek plant flowers, pollinates,

and matures

seed, the

underground portion forms

garlic,

a small

number

of cloves,

which resemble elephant

Allium ampeloprasum
tive of leek.

var. (see

page 153), a very close

rela-

These bulb structures are very seldom seen in

practice,

normal garden

where leek

is

treated

is

treated as

an annual crop.

84

MAJOR VEGETABLES

Question and Answer

Q.

forms an upright, elongated head and

fine roots are

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

the result of maggot infessoil insecticide

loose-heading types that have

tation in the

Treat the soil with

a suggested
soil

tender, soft leaves with a delicate sweet flavor.

Stem

in early spring.

Choosing a well-drained

high

in

organic

lettuce forms an enlarged seedstalk that

in stewed, creamed,

is

used mainly

matter also helps to minimize

rots in leeks.

and Chinese

dishes.

Crisphead
supermarkets

varieties,
all

the iceberg types

common

at

over the country, are adapted to north-

ern conditions and require the most care. In areas with-

out long, cool seasons, they generally are grown from

transplants, started early,

and moved

to the garden as
sensi-

soon

as the soil

can be worked. They are extremely

first

tive to heat

and must mature before the

hot spell of

summer

to achieve high-quality heads.

If

an unseason-

ably early

heat wave
fail.

hits

before they have matured, they

almost certainly
Lettuce, Lactiica sativa,
fairly hardy,
is

In

many locations,
to
better

crisphead lettuce

plants started in late

summer

mature in the cooler chance of success.

cool-weather vegetable that thrives

is

when

the

weather of

fall

have a

much

average daily temperature

between 60 and
late

70F. It

should be planted in early spring or

temperatures, growth
is

summer. At high

Varieties

stunted, the leaves

and the
and

seedstalk forms

and elongates

may be bitter, rapidly. Some types

Green
harvest);

Leaf: Black-Seeded
(frilly

Simpson
edges;

(earliest to

Grand Rapids

good

for cold frames,

varieties of lettuce

withstand heat better than others.

greenhouse, garden); Green Ice (resistant to heat, slow to

bolt, less bitter);

There are

five distinct types of lettuce: leaf (also called

Matchless or Deer Tongue (heirloom

loose-leaf lettuce),

Cos or romaine, crisphead,

butter-

variety);

Oak

Leaf (resistant to tipburn,

good

for

hot
resis-

head, and stem (also called asparagus lettuce).

weather); Salad Bowl (finely cut, large-leaf rosettes,

tant to tipburn); Slobolt (resistant to heat, tipburn);

Leaf lettuce, the most widely adapted type, produces

crisp leaves loosely arranged

on the

stalk.

Nearly every

Tango (darker green, deeply

cut,

pointed leaves); and

garden has

at least a short

row of

leaf lettuce,

making

it

Waldmann's Green (dark

green, resistant to tipburn).

frilly,

the most widely planted salad vegetable. Cos or

romaine

Red

Leaf: Lollo Rosso (mild flavor, extra

bolt

resistant);

Prizehead (upright;

frilly

red edge; resistant to

bolt);

tipburn);

Red

Fire (ruffles

with red edge, slow to

Red

Sails (slowest-bolting red leaf lettuce);

Red Salad Bowl

(darkest red of

(wine red version of salad bowl); and

all,

Ruby

resistant to tipburn).

Cos or Romaine: Cimmaron (unique dark red

Cos
type);

leaf,

Green Towers

(early;

dark green, large leaves);

Paris Island (long-standing); Rosalita (attractive red

leaves, upright habit);

and Valmaine
mildew).

(taller

than

Paris

Island, tolerant to

downy

Butterhead: Bibb or Limestone (crisp texture, delicate

flavor,

no

bitterness); Buttercrunch (resistant to heat);

(large,

Dark Green Boston

more-solid heads);

Nancy

(excellent quality, texture);

Red

Boston (rose-red-tinged

outer leaves,

medium

green center); Sangria (thick leaves,

tinted with rosy color);

Summer

Bibb (resistant to heat,

holds 2 to 3 weeks in the garden); Summerlong (resistant

to heat); Tania (resistant to four strains of

downy

mil-

dew); and

Tom Thumb

(delicate miniature butterheads).

MAJOR VEGETABLES

85

Heading or Crisphead: Great Lakes

well in

(standard, holds
size,

removed may be transplanted or

eaten. Transplant crisp-

warm

weather); Iceburg

(medium

tender

head seedlings 10 to 12 inches apart in the row.

hearts, leaf edges tinged light

brown); Ithaca (tolerates

heat, resists bitterness, slow to bolt);

Montello (very heat

Care
Because lettuce has shallow roots,
it

tolerant, tipburn resistant, root-rot resistant);

and Sumbolt).

should be hoed

mertime (adapts well to high temperature, slow to

or cultivated carefully. Frequent light watering causes the

leaves to develop rapidly, resulting in high-quality
tuce. Overwatering, especially in
let-

Stem or Asparagus:

Celtuce, L. sativa var. asparagina.

heavy

soils,

can lead to
leaf

When

to Plant

disease, soft growth,

and scalding or burning of the

soil

Leaf, Cos,

and butterhead

lettuce

can be planted any-

margins. Organic mulches can help moderate

perature

tem-

time in the spring

the surface.

when
more

the

soil is

dry enough to rake

and the microenvironment

to produce quality

Two

or

successive plantings at 10- to

lettuce in less-than-ideal

weather conditions.

14-day intervals provide a continuous supply of lettuce.

Lettuce does not withstand hot

summer days summer

well,

and

Harvesting
Leaf lettuce

spring planting should be completed at least a

month
fall

may be

cut

whenever

it is

large

enough

to

before the really hot days of early

ings started in late

begin. Plant-

use. Cutting every other plant at

ground

level gives the

summer mature during

is

cool

remaining plants more space

reaches

for

growth. Leaf lettuce

weather. Watering

essential for seed

germination and
also benefit

maximum

size (6 to

12 ounces) in 50 to 60 days.

establishment of seedlings.

Some shade may

Butterhead varieties form small, loose heads that weigh

4 to 8 ounces at harvest (60 to 70 days). The innermost
leaves,

summer

sowings. Heat-tolerant varieties (mainly loose-

leaf types)

may be grown
and

in the shade of taller crops

if

which tend

to blanch themselves, are a delicacy.

habit,

through most of the summer

irrigation
soil selection.

extra care

is

taken about

Cos

varieties

have an upright growth

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

care than other types of lettuce. Start

bag in the

keeps best at 32F and pages 167 and 168).

transplants for a spring crop indoors or in a cold frame

(see

high (95 percent) humidity

(see

page 47), and

set

them

in the

garden as early in the

spring as the weather

so that they

settles.

Harden transplants outdoors

to the conditions

Common
Aphids
Tipburn

Problems
page
40).
is

become acclimated
will

under

(see

which they

be grown, but do not allow growth to

a physiological condition that causes

It

stop entirely. Cos, butterhead,

and

leaf varieties also

can

lettuce to "die back" at the edges of the leaves.

results

be transplanted for

earlier harvest. In

the heat of summer,

from a change in the moisture relationship between the

soil

lettuce seedlings started in a protected location in the

and the

plant. Clip off

leaf.

any brown

leaf tissue,

and use

shade can be transplanted

later into

moderate

sites for

the remainder of the

Frequent light waterings help

some

limited success with

summer

lettuce.

prevent tipburn.
condition.

Some

varieties are resistant to this

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

Plant seeds y4 to V2 inch deep (10 seeds per foot) in
single, double, or triple

Foliage rots can be a problem, especially in hot or

wet seasons. Providing good

lettuce

soil

and

air

drainage for the

years. In

rows 12 to 18 inches apart. Thin

bed can help minimize damage in most

seedlings to 4 inches apart for leaf lettuce

and 6 to 8

severe outbreaks, proper fungicidal materials are

required, or the entire crop

inches apart for Cos or butterhead. The seedlings

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

seed. Lettuce seed does not keep well,

and

advisable to

obtain

new seed each

spring. Store seed for fall

gardens

in

sealed container in the refrigerator.

cially

Some

lettuce varieties (espe-

the white-seeded types) have seed that reguires light for

soil

germination. These types should not be covered with

but

86

MAJOR VEGETABLES

merely pressed into good contact with

until the seedlings

finely

prepared

soil.

Care

Orange-Fleshed: Ambrosia (86 days to harvest, very

sweet
flesh);

then must be taken to keep the seedbed moist, but not soggy,

Burpee Hybrid (85 days, standard eastern

emerge.

sutured melon); Bush Star (88 days; 2 pounds; bush-type

plant for limited space); Earlisweet (68 days; very early;

Q. Seedstalks have appeared in the center of my lettuce plants. What should do? A. The formation of seedstalks is
I

caused by a combination of long days,

warm

2 to 3 pounds, good sweet flavor, firm

flesh);

temperatures,

Gold

Star

and

age.

When

seedstalks begin to form, harvest your lettuce

store
it

(87 days, resistant to fusarium wilt); Harper Hybrid (86

days, resistant to alternaria blight, fusarium wilt, mosaic);

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

days, resistant to fusarium wilt);

Iroquois (OP-85 days, resistant to fusarium, very tasty);

Pulsar (80 days; heavily netted; tolerant to

powdery

Much

of the bitterness

will

disappear.

mildew, fusarium); Rising Star (84 days, resistant to fusar-

ium

race 2); Saticoy (86 days; resistant to fusarium wilt,

powdery mildew); Supermarket (88

fusarium
wilt,

days; resistant to
days;

powdery mildew); and Superstar (86

resistant to fusarium race 2; large; fine flavor).

Green-Fleshed: Jenny Lind (OP-75 days, heirloom;

medium
green
flesh);

to small, flat melons, with protruding section at

flesh);

blossom end; sweet

flesh);

Passport (73 days, luscious

thick, green, sweet

Rocky Sweet (80 days;

and Sweet Dream (79

days; delicious, sweet,

Muskmelon, Cucumis melo

var. reticularis (also

flavorful).

known

as cantaloupe),

is

a tender,

Hybrid Honeydew-Type: Early Dew (85

yellow rind, good
flavor);

days,

creamy

heat-loving vegetable that requires culture similar to that

of cucumber, but with a longer season.
varieties

Honey Brew
sweet

(90 days; high

Most popular
flesh (a

yield; strong, disease-resistant vines); Limelight (96 days;

have salmon- to orange-colored

flesh),

few

7 to 8

pounds; thick,

juicy,

flesh);

Morning Dew
powdery
light net-

have green

netted rinds, and deep sutures; and

(96 days; largest honeydew-type; 10 to 12 pounds; thick,

they are properly called "muskmelons." The

describes the

name
ripe fruit.

sweet

flesh);

Morning

Ice (84 days; resistant to

2);

aroma (musky perfume) of the

is

mildew, fusarium race

and Venus (88 days;

"Cantaloupe"

the

name

associated popularly with

ting over smooth, golden rind; thick, juicy, aromatic

flesh).

muskmelons

of the round-to-oval, firm-fleshed,

nonsutured, heavily netted type grown in the U.S. South-

Other Specialty Melons: Casaba Golden Beauty

(OP-110 days; 7 to 8 pounds; white, spicy-sweet
Early
flesh);

west and shipped to grocery stores around the country.

The

true cantaloupe, however, has a hard, warty rind

is

and

Crenshaw (90

days);

Honeyshaw

(85 days,

salmon

green flesh and

not widely grown or

known

in the

pink

flesh, delicious);

and Marygold (92

days; casaba

United

States.
(all

type; yellow, wrinkled skin with white flesh).

Honeydew, Crenshaw, and Casaba

var. inodorus) are

Cucumis melo

sometimes referred to
is

as "winter

When

to Plant
directly seeded or started as
soil are

melons." (The true winter melon

a Chinese vegetable.)

Muskmelons may be
transplants.
soil
If

Their cultural requirements are similar to those of

the weather and

not

warm and
danger of

the

muskmelons. They

are generally later in ripening (require

moisture level moderate, the seeds do not germinate

after the

a longer season), usually

have

smooth rind
ripe,

surface,

do

and the plants do not grow. Plant

frost

not separate from the vine

tive

when

and

lack as distinc-

has passed and the

soil

has

warmed and

dried. (See

an odor. Even the

northern

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

need to use transplants. To increase

earliness, start seed

Varieties
All varieties are

for transplants 3 to 4

weeks before planting time. Because

well
if

hybrids unless designated

OP

(for

muskmelons do not transplant

disturbed,
ers.

the roots are

open-pollinated).

you

should start seeds in individual contain-

Proper temperatures for germinating and growing

MAJOR VEGETABLES

67

Harvesting Good eating

ripening

quality depends

upon the

texture of the

melons and the development of sugars from proper

on the

vines.

When muskmelons are

ripe,

the

rind changes from a green to tan or yellow between the

netting.
easily

They should be picked when the stem

separates
("half-

from the vine near the point of attachment

slip" or "full-slip" stages of

development). At these stages,

the transplants are very important.

plants to

Do

there will be a crack near the point of attachment.

Do

not allow transnot pick too early because the quality

will

become too

not be as high

large before planting in the garden,

as that of vine-ripened
result. Sterilized

or stunting

and crop delays may

melons; sugars continue to be

media
stored in the developing melons

up

to the

moment

the

should be used for starting seed to prevent damping-off

and other diseases of seeds and

stem separates. Once picked, muskmelons soften but do

not sweeten further.
Harvest early in the day after the plants are dry, and

seedlings.

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

Plant seeds
1

be careful not to damage the vines. Pick every other day

at the

inch deep, and thin the seedlings 18 to

beginning of the season, and go over the patch

24 inches apart or the equivalent (two plants every 36

inches or three plants every 48 inches in the
hill

every day at peak season. Especially in dry seasons, wildlife

system).

and

insects such as picnic beetles quickly attack the

Space rows at

least 5 feet apart.

sweet, juicy, ripening,

and softening

fruit.

Honeydew and crenshaw melons

are cut off the vine

Care
Fertile soils usually

after

they turn completely yellow. Their stems do not

grow

a fine crop of

muskmelons

"slip" at maturity.

These melons continue to improve

if

with normal maintenance-fertilizer application plus one

side-dress application of high-nitrogen fertilizer

(become
for a

soft

and mellow)

kept at

room temperature
ripe,

when

few days.
is

When

they are completely

the blos-

the plants begin to vine.

Muskmelons

benefit especially

som end

slightly soft to pressure.

from the incorporation of well-rotted manure before

planting and also appreciate high potassium. All melons

Common

Problems
bacterial wilt

respond favorably to mulching with black

cially early in

plastic, espe-

Control cucumber beetles (see page 40). They

the season (see page 36). The the

soil is in

mulch can be

damage muskmelons and spread

on the
plants.

by feeding

installed

when

good planting condition

When

possible, plant varieties that are

anytime from a few days to 2 or 3 weeks before planting.

resistant to fusarium wilt

and

leaf diseases

such as

Make

holes every 2 or 3 feet to plant seed or transplants

plastic.

powdery mildew and

alternaria blight.

through the

Use

starter fertilizer (see

page 20) to

help transplants get established. Floating row covers also

can be used to advantage over early season melon transplants.

Questions

and Answers

These covers exclude the worst of the cold and

Q. Why do the first blossoms drop off my muskmelon plants? A. The first flowers to appear on the vines are male,

also early season insect invaders. Covers

need not be

and they drop

naturally.

The female

flowers,

which open

later,

removed

until plants start to flower unless extremely hot

have a swelling at the base that forms the

nate these female flowers, the
fruit

fruit.

After bees polli-

weather threatens.

develops.

Muskmelons
(too

suffer

from extremes in

soil

moisture
is

Q.
A.

What
The

causes poor (sparse)

fruit set

and low yields?

cool,

much

rain or

an extended drought).

Irrigation

failure of

female flowers to set and develop melons can

recommended

in case of drought, especially

when

the

result

from lack of proper pollination by bees;

activity);

wet weather

vines are growing

irrigation systems

and the

fruits are

developing. Trickle

(which also slows bee

resulting in

and planting

too close together,

a dense, heavy growth of leaves (which also can

activity).

used with black plastic mulch work

suppress effective bee

extremely well. Muskmelons ripen to the highest quality

Q.

when
high,

the vines remain healthy throughout the harvest

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

after the fruits begin to enlarge, they should

be supported with
weight

time of maturity.

mesh bags tied to the supporting may damage the vines.

structures, or their

68

MAJOR VEGETABLES

Q.
A.

Do muskmelons

cross-pollinate with other vine crops?

No. Muskmelons do not cross-pollinate with cucumbers, but

this cross-pollination is

watermelons, squash, or pumpkins. Different varieties of musk-

melons cross-pollinate
Cross-pollination

readily,

not

evident unless seeds are saved

and planted the does not make melons bitter.

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

of leaves by disease, or picking the

all

melons before they are ripe can

contribute to poor quality.

Care
Mustard should grow rapidly and without stopping.
Give ample
periods.
fertility,

weeding, and water during dry

Harvesting
Harvest the leaves

when

they are young and tender.

Do
tire

not use wilted or yellowed leaves. You can cut the enplant or pick individual leaves as they grow.

The

leaf

texture

becomes tough and the

flavor strong in

summer.

Mustard, Brassica juncea (also

known

as

mustard greens, spinach,

is

leaf

mustard, and

Common
Aphids

Problems
page 40) and cabbage

white mustard),

(see

a quick-to-mature, easy-to-grow, cool-

worms

(page

62).

season vegetable for greens or salads. Although mustard

is

often associated primarily with the

Deep South,

it is

Questions
Q.

and Answers

also suitable for gardens in the central

and northern

United States in the cool parts of the growing season.

Mustard greens are high in vitamins A and C.

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);

Fordhook Fancy (40 days;

frilled,

green

What causes mustard leaves to have yellow blotches and be misshapen? A. This condition is caused by downy
Q.
mildew.
It

Green Wave (45 days; dark green, heavily curled

can be controlled by applying a suggested

fungicide.

leaves;

good

in

warm
fall);

temperatures, very slow to bolt);

Red Giant (45 days; deep purple-red, white-ribbed, savoyed

leaf;

best in

Savannah (35 days; very vigorous;

darker green, thick leaves; slow to bolt); Southern Giant

Curled (50 days; bright green, slow to

bolt;

curly,

crumpled

leaves;

mild

flavor);

and Tendergreen or Mustard

leaves).

Spinach (45 days, mild, tender, smooth, rounded

When
date)

to Plant
Okra, Abelmoschus esculentus (also

Plant early in the spring (3 weeks before the frost-free

and again 3 weeks

later.

(See the

maps, page

26.)

Plant from

midsummer on

for fall harvest. Fall plantings

known

as

gumbo),

is

a tall-growing, warm-season,
as hollyhock, rose

are usually of higher quality because they

cooler, moister conditions in

mature under

annual vegetable from the same family

of sharon,

most

locations.

and

hibiscus.

The immature pods

are used for

soups, canning, and

stews, or as a fried or boiled vege-

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

Sow
seeds
"A

table.

The

hibiscuslike flowers
in height)

and upright plants

(3 to 6

to

/2

inch deep, and thin seedlings to 3

feet or

more

have ornamental value

for back-

to 5 inches apart. Thinnings can be eaten.

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.

Unless you desire ripe pods for

dried arrangements or seed saving, overmature pods should be

removed and composted.

Q.
A.

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

Annie Oakley (hybrid-52 days to harvest, compact

plant, extra-tender pods);

at the seams, harvest

the pods turn brown and them and shell the seeds
for several days, then store

Dwarf Green Long Pod (52

from the pods. Dry seeds thoroughly

in

cool,

dry place

in tightly closed containers until

next season.

days, ribbed pods); Emerald (55 days; dwarf;

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

Spineless (56 days,

try

AAS

winner); and for

something novel,
ner,

Burgandy (60 days, 1988 AAS winis

deep red pods). Ever- Lucky

a
trial.

new

okra variety that

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

Because okra seeds do not germinate well in cool

plant seeds after the
as
soil

eties,

and fusarium

wilt.

Rotate

crops to prevent buildup of crop-specific strains of these diseases

has

warmed

in the spring,

in

your garden.

at

about the same time

lima beans, probably a week to

last frost for

10 days after the date of the

the maps, page 26.)

your

area. (See

Spacing of Piants and Depth of Planting

Sow
seeds
1

inch deep in

hills

12 to 24 inches apart.
thin
all

When

the seedlings are 3 inches

hill.

tall,

but the one

strongest plant per

The seeds may be soaked,

wrapped

in moist paper toweling or in water overnight,

to accelerate germination.

Onion, Allium

cepa,

is

a cool-

Care
Okra usually grows well
in

season vegetable that can be grown successfully through-

any good garden

soil.

Shal-

out most of temperate North America. Onions

may be
method,
tilled in

low cultivation near the plants keeps down weeds.

grown from

sets,

transplants, or seeds. In each

onions are planted as soon as the garden can be

Harvesting
The pods should be picked
are tender
varieties).

the spring, usually late March or early April in prime

(usually cut) while they

regions for producing onions.

soil

Good

fertility,

adequate

and immature

(2 to 3 inches

long for most

at least

They must be picked often Wear gloves and long

moisture, and cool temperatures aid development.

every
irritate

Onions

start

bulb formation

when

the day length

is

other day. Okra plants have short hairs that

bare skin.

may

of the proper duration,

and

different varieties of onions

sleeves to harvest okra.

require different day lengths to initiate bulbing. In

general,
classes,
(for

Use pruning shears

rest of

for clean cuts that

do not harm the

the

most

common varieties
(for

fall

into

one of two

the plant.

When

the stem

is

difficult to cut,

long-day

northern latitudes) and short-day

pod

is

probably too old to use. The large pods rapidly

plants

southern

latitudes). For this reason,

onion

varieties

become tough and woody. The

until frost,

grow and bear

kills

that are

grown

in the South are not adaptable to the

which quickly blackens and

them. Four
families

North, and vice versa. Late plantings of the suggested

varieties also result in small bulbs or lack of

or five plants produce

enough okra

for

most

bulbing alto-

unless

you wish

to can or freeze

some

for winter use.

gether in any location.

90

MAJOR VEGETABLES

High temperatures and low humidity are advantageous during bulbing and curing. Onions have shallow
roots

"bolt"

and form flower

stalks.

The small

sets (smaller

than a dime in diameter) produce the best bulbs

large,

for

and compete poorly with weeds and

the onions are small.

grasses.

Timely

dry onions; and they usually do not "bolt."

shallow hoeing and cultivation are important, especially

Extremely cold weather during early season growth also

when

may condition onions from

Round onion
torpedo-shaped
sets
fried,

sets to flower.
flat

Onions may be eaten

creamed, steamed,
are used in soups
fried,

raw, broiled, boiled, baked,

produce

onions; elongated or

french

and

pickled.

They

sets

mature into round onions. Most

and stews and

in combination with

gardeners prefer white sets for green onions, although

red or yellow sets are also acceptable.

vegetables

and meats.

Onions from Sets

Growing green onions from
simplest
sets
is

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

probably the

To produce green onions, plant the

are

larger sets V/2

method

for the

home

gardener.

The plants

inches deep and close enough to touch one another

(green onions are harvested before crowding

quickly established and

become vigorous and

becomes

strong.

Onion

sets

may be

used to produce both green onions

problem). To produce dry onions, plant the smaller sets

1

and dry onion

bulbs,

though production of
requires

inch deep, with 2 to 4 inches between

If

sets.

Allow 12 to

really

premium dry onions

following section.

methods described

18 inches between rows.

in the

sets are

2 inches apart, harvest

every other plant as green onions so that bulb develop-

ment
Varieties
Several varieties are used for
varieties are
little

of the remaining sets

is

not impeded by neighbor-

ing plants.

onion

sets. All

of these

widely adaptable. The

home

gardener has

Care
Keep
free

choice of varieties at the store, however, because

from weeds by shallow cultivation and

sets are

seldom sold under

varietal

name, merely by
sometimes

hoeing. To develop long, white stems for green onions,

slightly hill the

color: yellow, white, or red. Yellow sets are

row by pulling the loose

soil

toward the
tall.

sold as the varieties Ebenezer or Stuttgarter.

onions with a hoe when the tops are 4 inches

not
hill

Do

Purchase firm, dormant

sets early

before they begin

onions that are to be used as dry onions. Hilling

the necks of the stored bulbs to
rot.

growth

in heated salesrooms. Store sets in a cool, dry,

if

may cause

dark environment

planting must be delayed after

purchase. Divide the sets into two sizes before planting.

Harvesting
Pull green
tall.

Large sets (larger than a dime in diameter) are best used

for green onions.
If

onions anytime

after the tops are 6 inches

allowed to grow, these

sets

may

Green onions become stronger

size.

in flavor with age

for

and increasing

They may be used

cooking

when

they are too strong to eat raw. Though leaves are traditionally discarded,
all

parts

above the roots are

edible.

Remove any
for

plants that have formed flower stalks

and use immediately. They do not produce good bulbs

dry storage. Harvest in
late July or early August,

when

Round

set

Flat

onion

(74 inch wide)

most of the tops have

fallen over.
fall

Allow the plants to

(3-4 inches wide)

mature and the tops to

Green onion

over naturally. Breaking over

the tops early interrupts growth, causing smaller bulbs

that

do not keep

as well in storage.

Pull the

mature onions in the morning, and allow the

dry in the garden until
late afternoon.

bulbs to

air

On
a

especially hot, bright

Elongated set
O/2 inch wide)

sunny
this

days, the bulbs

may sun-

burn.

On days when

is likely,

remove onions to

Round onion
Green onion
(3-4 inches wide)

shaded location and allow them to dry thoroughly.

Then, before evening dew
shelter
falls,

place

them under dry

hang them
in small

on

elevated slats or screens or

MAJOR VEGETABLES

91

bunches. Tops
hanging. Full
for

may be

braided or tied with string before

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

Plant in fertile soil in early spring. Space the plants

air circulation for

2 to 3 weeks

is

necessary

complete drying and curing. Keep the dry wrapper

4 to 5 inches apart in the row to produce large-sized

bulbs (closer spacing significantly decreases bulb
space 2 to
2'/2

scales as intact as possible

on the

bulbs, as they

enhance

size),

or

the keeping

ability. It is best

not to wash onions before

ability.

inches apart and harvest every other plant

drying, as this

may

reduce their keeping

as a green onion.

Allow 12 to 18 inches between rows, or

all

After the bulbs dry, cut the tops iy2 to 2 inches long
(at

space onions 6 to 8 inches apart in

Set the transplants
1

directions in beds.

or above the narrow spot

where the stem bent

over),

to V/2 inches deep,

and apply

cup

and place the bulbs

tion.

in dry storage with

good

air circula-

per plant of a starter-fertilizer solution (see page 20).

Do

not try to store bulbs that are bruised,

cut, or

diseased, or those with green tops or thick necks. Store

Care
Weeds and
nutrients
grass

under

cool, dry conditions (see pages

167 and 168). Dry

compete with the onion plants

for

onions
larly

may

keep until

late winter,

but check them reguto soften or rot.

and moisture during the growing season.

weeds and
grass

and use or discard those that begin

Remove
izer (see

all

by

diligent

and repeated
fertil-

shallow cultivation and hoeing. Side-dressing with

Onions from Transplants

Transplanting young onion seedlings
of growing that
tive
is

page 20)

may be

necessary.

the

method

most

regularly produces large, dry, attrac(as

Harvesting
The
July,
earlier varieties are usually
later varieties

onions for slicing

shown

in the catalog pictures).

ready to harvest in

Transplants are purchased in bundles (usually 60 to 80

plants)

with

maturing into August.

onions

When

from garden

stores

and through seed and nursery

onion plants often cost
as

most of the tops have

pulled
Sets,"

fallen over, the

may be

catalogs (though mail-order

and dried

(see "Harvesting,"

under "Onions from

much as buying may produce).

Varieties

the 60 to 80 full-size mature bulbs they

page 90). The length of storage time varies with the

with the sweeter varieties usually being the

variety,

poorer keepers.

Gardeners should try to match varieties to their location.

Onions from Seed

Growing onions from seed has been,
least

Long-day onions are bred

for best

performance in

traditionally, the

the North, and short-day varieties perform best in south-

popular method with gardeners, though onion

ern locations. Short-day varieties

in the

may perform

acceptably

farmers have long used seed to produce large crops of

excellent onion bulbs.
for

North

if

the plants can be set out very early in the

longer period of time

is

required

season. Long-day types

may not

get the bulbing signal in

development from

seed, especially for dry onions.

the Deep South and so should be avoided there.

Both green and dry onions can be grown directly from

seed,

The normal garden center may

White Sweet Spanish (long-day White Bermuda (short-day
that

offer Yellow

and

and the

varieties available are different

from the

varieties),

Yellow and
a red variety

varieties sold as transplants.

The

variety selection goes

varieties),

and

from 5 or 6

varieties

with transplants to perhaps 50 or 60

seeded in the North as soon

may or may

not be

named

(Southport Red Globe,

with seeds. Onions

as the

may be

perhaps; a long-day variety). Catalog shoppers

may

ground

is

workable in the spring. In southern

choose from a slightly wider variety selection, which

areas, short-day varieties

left

can be sown in the

fall

and then

may

include Texas Grano (short-day), Vidalia Sweet

to overwinter

and mature

in the spring. This

method

(really a

Granex hybrid, short-day), Red Hamburger

produces the famous "sweet" onions of various southern

states

(short-day), Walla Walla Sweet (long-day),

and Texas

and the island of Maui

in Hawaii.

101 5 Y Supersweet (short-day). Prices normally are two to

three times as high through catalog sales

Another method
popular
is

that has recently

flats as

become more

and may be

as

starting

onions in

bedding plants,

much

as ten times as high.

if

Only individual consumers

indoors or in the greenhouse. Because onions are very

can judge

this cost

is

justified for trying a

new variety.

hardy plants, onion seeds are sown indoors very

early,

usually by January or February This timing does not

interfere

with greenhouse space needed to

start

more

tender plants, as the onions are planted outdoors by

92

MAJOR VEGETABLES

March or

April,

depending on location and seasonal

of seed
vari-

Indoors, seed
flats,

may be sown
cell

fairly thickly in
cell in a cell

small

weather. This

method combines the advantages

or

two or three seeds per

pack. In the
is

growing and transplant growing by giving maximal

cells,

thin to one plant per

once germination

ety selection while allowing precision spacing, with the

complete. Transplant to the garden anytime after plants

added advantage of using fresh transplants that grow

uninterrupted from
plants that are
flat

have grown three or more

leaves, as

soon

as the soil

can

to garden, unlike other trans-

be worked in the spring. Onions transplant very well,

with plants thinned from direct seedings easily taking
root

grown

far

away, dug, dried out, and very

heavily shocked by the move. Starting your

own onion

when

replanted in their

own

row.

transplants from seed should allow the maturation of a

good crop

if

varieties are

matched

to the geographic loca-

Care
Especially with onions that are direct-seeded, grasses

tion of the garden.

and weeds must be controlled with shallow hoeing and

Varieties
cultivation, especially early in the season.

When

the seed-

Dry Onions

(yellow, long-day): Early Yellow Globe,

lings are 3 to 4 inches

tall,

thin to y2 to

inch between

Norstar, Spartan Banner, Sweet Sandwich, Sweet Spanish

plants for green onions. Thin to 2 to 3 inches between plants for

Hybrid, Walla Walla Sweet, and Yellow Sweet Spanish.

most

varieties of dry

onions and 3 to 4 inches

Dry Onions (white, long-day): Albion Hybrid, Ringmaster, Southport

between plants

for

Sweet Spanish and other large onions.

for green onions,

White Globe, White Lisbon, and

as

To develop long, white stems

draw

White Sweet Spanish.

much

as

inch of loose
tall.

soil

around the plants when

soil

Dry Onions
Red Globe.

(red, long-day):

Benny's Red, Lucifer

they are 5 to 6 inches

Do
it

not pull

up

to the

Hybrid, Red Baron, Red Weathersfield, and Southport

plants for dry bulbs because

increases the possibility of

bulb decay
(yellow, short-day):

later in storage.

Dry Onions
Grano

Granex hybrids,
"Vidalia" (really a
a "Vidalia"
is
3

hybrids, Yellow Bermuda,

a

and

Harvesting
Harvest green onions whenever the base of the plant
/s

Granex Hybrid; what makes

is

Granex hybrid

growing in the vicinity of

Vidalia, Georgia).

inch or

larger.

Dry bulbs

are ready for harvest in Sep-

Dry Onions Dry Onions

(white, short-day): Crystal Wax, Hybrid

tember. After most of the tops have fallen over naturally,

White Granex, and White Bermuda.

(red, short-day):

the onions should be pulled and dried (see "Harvesting,"

Hybrid Red Granex,

under "Onions from

Sets,"

page

90).

When

stored under

Red Burgandy, and Red Hamburger.

cool, dry conditions (see pages

167 and 168), dry onions

Green (bunching) Onions

(scallions): Beltsville

from seed keep

until spring.

Bunching, Evergreen Bunching, He-Shi-Ko, Red Welsh,

Southport White Bunching, Tokyo Long White, White
Lisbon,

Common

Problems
latitude, root

and White Sweet Spanish.

Above 40 degrees north

maggots may
root

attack the roots of onion plants (see page 40). Use a

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

For direct-seeded onions, plant seeds
1

suggested

soil insecticide prior to

planting

if

mag-

inch deep

gots have been a problem in the past.

(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

get the day-length signal to

form bulbs.

to rot by

neck. Rotting at the base

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

before harvest often start to rot soon after harvest.

Many of

the "sweet" varieties

are very poor keepers and should be

enjoyed fresh soon after harvest, as no method of storage keeps

them from

rotting for very long.

MAJOR VEGETABLES

93

Q.

What happens when onions

they do not cure

are broken over?

A.

They

stop bulb development at that point

result,

and may be immature. As or dry properly. In some cases, the

rings also separate, yielding bulbs of poor quality.

Q.

My

parents

came from Europe, where they braided

the tops of onions.

are braided

Why are onions

hung
in

braided?
a
dry,

A.

Onions are

braided for curing and storage. After the tops are air dried, they

and

the onions are

sheltered location

with

good

air circulation. Incorporating

twine with the braiding

cut from the braided
intact.

adds strength. Individual onions

may be

"rope" as needed, leaving the rest of the braid

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

formed at the tops of the plants

sets
1

in

place of flowers. Plant the

inch deep during August. Space sets 4 to 5 inches apart.

soups,

and

stews;

cooked with other vegetables; and

The clump also

either case,

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

as other onion plants. In

be sure

to place the winter onion

bed at the

There are two distinct types of

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.

curled or triple-curled parsley, Petroselinum crispum var.

crispum, forms rosettes of leaves
a garnish.
It is

and

is

frequently used as

Q. How do grow multiplier onions? A. Multiplier onions (sometimes referred to as "potato onions") are planted and
I

has been overused as a garnish

on

restaurant
are
Ital-

plates

and

seldom

eaten,

though both types

handled

in exactly

the

same manner as
like

shallots (see

page

142).

extremely high in vitamins.

ians,
var.

Good

cooks, especially

True multiplier onions,

winter onions, are

difficult to

obtain,

know
its

that the flat-leaf type, Petroselinum crispum

is

though some specialty seed houses have begun

old-style crops again.

to stock these

neapolitanum,
root

where the
If

real flavor

is,

and they use

is

They are not normally grown from seed.

both

and

leaves.

good culinary herb

if

desired, plant flat-leaf parsley; but,

an

attractive
It

edging

or garnish

is

desired, plant the curled form.

available.

may be
parsley

desirable to

have a supply of each

its

The

plant

is

prized for

ornamental value, makes a fine

in pots

edging plant, and

containers.

may be grown

and other

Root parsley, Petroselinum crispum

var. tuberosum,

which
63),
is

is

grown

in the

same manner

as carrots (see

page

usually washed, cubed,

It

and added

to soups

and

stews.
is

can be stored

like

parnips (see page 95), but cold

its full flavor.

not necessary to develop

Root parsley has

Parsley

is

a green leafy
a sweet,

mild parsleylike flavor that blends well with

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

obtain seed would require allowing the plants to over-

Varieties Curled Leaf: Banquet, Forest Green, Green

River,

winter and flower the second summer, but very

usable foliage
Parsley
is is

little

produced in the second season.

Krausa,

Moss Curled, Pagoda, Paramount, Sherwood, and

Dark Green, and Plain or Single
Sugar, Fakir,

one of the most popular herb plants grown

it

Triple Curled. Plain or Flat Leaf: Catalogno, Flatleaf,

in vegetable gardens. Because

has a unique ability to

Giant
ian.

Italian, Italian

Ital-

blend

flavors, parsley

may be

used as a flavor base with

rosemary,

Root Parsley: Early

Hamburg, and Short

thyme, sweet marjoram,

basil,

summer

Sugar.
savory,

and

a small

amount

of sage.

The combination

acts as a
flavor.

unit, rather

than the expression of a single herb

Parsley

is

also used as a garnish; for flavor in salads,

94

MAJOR VEGETABLES

ley leaves,

wash them,
jar in

drip dry,

and place

in a plastic bag

or

widemouthed

the refrigerator. Parsley

may be

covered lightly with straw and used continuously over

the winter in southern locations.

You

also can carefully dig a

few plants, pot them in

4-

to 6-inch pots,

and continue

to

grow them

in the

house

for a fresh winter supply.

The

plants need a cool location

and ample

light.

Discard these plants the following

set outside,

When

to Plant

spring.

If

they are

the leaves

become tough
seedstalks.

Parsley seeds can be planted in the spring in cold

and strong
Parsley
is

in flavor,

and the plants develop

frames or
ley
is is

window

boxes, or directly in the garden. Parsas

a biennial, so plants that survive the winter bolt

If

hardy,

and seeds may be planted

soon

as the soil
results,

to seed the following spring. or hard-to-find variety,

you

are

growing a choice

warm

in the spring. For the

most consistent

some

of these seedstalks
If

may be may

start

the plants indoors or in a protected cold frame (see

47),

allowed to mature seed for future plants.

variety
is

more than one

page

and transplant into the garden.

if

Parsley transintact.

allowed to seed in the garden, crossing

plants very well

the taproot can be

moved

occur, so limit seed production to

one

variety per year.

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

Because parsley seed
is

short-lived,

and

fresh seed

is

important in establishing a crop,

purchased each
l

new

seed should be

year. Plant

10 to 15 seeds per inch of row,

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

overnight before planting. Radish seeds

may be soaked may be sown

Parsnip, Pastinaca sativa,
a

every 6 to 8 inches in the row as a marker so that weeds

can be controlled while the parsley germinates. Thin the

seedlings to 4 to 6 inches apart. (The seedlings of root
parsley are usually thinned to 3 to 5 inches apart.) Allow

is

hardy biennial, grown in the garden annual

large,

as a full-season

for

its

long, tapered storage root that resembles a

It is

12 to 18 inches between rows, or space plants 8 to 12

inches apart in
all

white
its

carrot.
is

considered a winter vegetable

fully

directions in a bed.

because

flavor

not

developed until the roots

for

have been exposed to near-freezing temperatures

2 to

Harvesting
Parsley
is

4 weeks in the

fall

and

early winter.

The

starch in the

usually picked leaf

by

leaf for daily use after

parsnip root then changes into sugar, resulting in a

strong, sweet, unique, nutlike flavor

the plants are well established.

Whole

plants can be

admired by

many

sheared off at the ground

if

the plant

is

allowed to
varieties will

but despised by a few.

recover fully before further harvest.

Most

allow several such pickings per growing season. The

Varieties
All

green leaves
ing season.

may be
and

harvested anytime during the grow-

American;

Cobham Improved Marrow

soils);

(high sugar;

Once

plants are established, foliage can be

will

half-long shape; better for heavy

Harris Model;

and

cut regularly

grow back. The plants remain

Hollow Crown.

New varieties that may deserve a trial

green in the garden until early winter, and

ers harvest

many gardenOnce
dried,

include Andover and Lancer.

the entire plant to dry in late

fall.

parsley leaves are usually placed in a closed container

When
that
is

to Plant

and stored

in the dark so that they

do not

lose their

Plant seed in early April or

May

in a deep, fertile soil

is

healthy green color. Loss of color usually means loss of

flavor.

well prepared. Because parsnip seed

a fresh supply

very short-

lived,

you must obtain

each spring.

When

the

summer supply
(see

is

adequate, the leaves

may

be harvested and dried

page 163). To store fresh pars-

MAJOR VEGETABLES

95

diameter and 8 to 12 inches long) with a shovel,

spade, or spading fork. Yields frequently exceed
1

tilling

pound
1

per foot of row (single roots

may weigh more than

pound

each).

Common
Low

Problems
is

soil fertility

common

problem. However, in

well-maintained garden

soils

adequately supplied with

ordinarily should not

Depth of Planting and Spacing of Plants

Plant seeds y2 to 3 A inch deep. Because germination of

organic matter and

fertilizer, this

be a problem.

If

plants begin to look light green or

fertility,

stunted during the season due to low

the prob-

even the freshest parsnip seed

thickly, at least

is

often mediocre, seed

to ensure a

lem usually can be overcome by side-dressing a complete

fertilizer in late

two or three seeds per inch

June

(see

page 20). Where parsnips

will

good

stand. Space rows 18 to 24 inches apart, or plants 8

is

be grown, avoid
matter,

fertilizing

with fresh clumps of organic

roots.

to 10 inches apart in a bed. Parsnip seed

nate,

slow to germi-

which can cause misshapen or forked

and

and some gardeners drop

a radish seed every foot in

soil crust.

Parsnips are relatively free of both insects

diseases.

the furrow to

mark the row and help break the

seedlings are

Once parsnip
radishes

up and growing,

pull the

and thin parsnip seedlings

to 2 to 4 inches apart.

Care
Keep young parsnip plants
hoeing or cultivation. Watch
caterpillars,

free of

weeds by shallow

for swallowtail-butterfly

which feed on most members of the

caterpillars

carrot

family.

Handpicking the

from the leaves

normally gives adequate control. Water thoroughly once

a

week

in periods of

extended dry weather to keep

in

growth from slowing

summer.
Pea,

Pisum sativum

var.

Harvesting
Parsnips should remain in the ground until the tops
freeze in late
fall.

sativum,

is

a frost-hardy, cool-season vegetable that can

States,

be grown throughout most of the United

wher-

In lighter-textured soils, long-rooted

ever a cool season of sufficient duration exists. For

types

may

reach

down

12 to 18 inches after a good

gardening purposes, peas

(english peas), snap peas,

may be

classified as

garden peas
peas).

season's growth, so dig deeply

stay back far

and

carefully, trying to

and snow peas (sugar

enough from the root

to safely undercut

The garden pea

varieties

have smooth or wrinkled

seeds.

these deep roots. At this time, the roots

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

tend to have more starch

than the wrinkled-seeded

varieties.

The wrinkled-seeded
for

varieties are generally sweeter

and usually preferred

are used

often

mulch parsnips with straw

dug

home
to

use.

The smooth-seeded types

which

more often
beans and

throughout the winter. In spring, before new growth

begins, the roots
lent flavor
still

to produce ripe seeds,

are used like dry

can be dug and should have excel-

make

split-pea soup.

Snap peas have been developed

and

quality.

Once growth

really gets

under

from garden peas to have low-fiber pods that can be

snapped and eaten along with the immature peas within.

way, the root becomes flabby and fibrous and should be

removed and composted unless seed production of

variety
is

Snow

peas are meant to be harvested as

all.

flat,

tender pods

desired.

before the peas within develop at

carrots, parsnips

The southern pea

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-

planted and grown in the same

manner

as

beans

eration at 32F with high (95 percent) humidity (see pages

page 53).

167 and 168). Dig the roots (usually V/2 to 2 inches in

96

MAJOR VEGETABLES

Varieties

GARDEN
The following
varieties (listed in order of maturity)
Edible

podded

have wrinkled seeds and are

unless otherwise indicated.

resistant to fusarium wilt

(3 inches long)

Early: Daybreak (54 days to harvest,

tall,

20 to 24 inches
25 inches,

good

for freezing); Alaska (57 days,

smooth

seeds);

and Spring (57

days,

22 inches, dark

green freezer pea).

Main-Season: Sparkle (60 days, 18 inches, good for

freezing);

Maestro (61 days, 24 inches, double pods,

resis-

tant to

powdery mildew); Progress #9 (62 Olympia (62

days, 15 inches,

English
(4 inches long)

dark green pods); Knight (62 days, 18 to 22 inches; long,

well-filled pods);

days; 18 inches; resistant

to fusarium,
Little

powdery mildew, bean yellows mosaic);

well);

Marvel (63 days, 18 inches, holds on the vine

Snap pea
(3 inches long)

Frosty (64 days, 28 inches, resistant to fusarium); Novella

II

(65 days, 28 inches, "leafless" type);

set
1,

Bounty (67 days;

Southern pea
(8 inches long)

24 inches; pods
to fusarium race

double; exceptional flavor; resistant

t
later plantings. Peas
soil

powdery mildew); Green Arrow (68

and
days, 29 inches, excellent days,

days; 28 inches; pods in pairs; resistant to fusarium

powdery mildew); Bolero (69

for freezing);

and Wando (70

24 to 30 inches, with-

When
cool,

to Plant

stands

some

heat, best variety for late-spring planting.)

Peas thrive in cool, moist weather and produce best in

moderate climates. Early plantings normally prolarger yields

SNAP, Pisum sativum

Sugar Bon (59 days, 18 to 24 inches, resistant to

duce

than

may be
45F
sticking to

planted whenever the

temperature
till

is

at least
its

powdery mildew);

Early

Snap (60 days; 18 to 22 inches;

and the
garden

soil is

dry enough to

without

thick- walled, fleshy pods); Sugar

Ann

(60 days, 16 to 20

tools.

inches, sweet);
days; 24 to

Honey
Daddy

Pot (70 days); Super Sugar Mel (70

largest

Plantings of heat-tolerant varieties can be

made

in
fall

28 inches;

pod; resistant to powdery

midsummer
days. Allow
listed

to late

summer,
to the

to

mature during cool

mildew); Sugar
less);

(72 days, 24 to 30 inches, stringdays, 5 to 6 feet, original snap

more days

first killing frost

than the
fall

and Sugar Snap (74

number

of days to maturity because cool

as

days

pea, needs trellis or fence).

do not speed development of the crop

bright days of late spring.

do the

long,

SUGAR,

Pisum sativum

var.

macrocarpon
triple

Snowbird (58 days, 18 inches, double or

clusters); Little

pods in

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

Plant peas
1

Sweetie (60 days, 16 inches, tolerant to

to V/2 inches deep

and

inch apart in

heat and disease); Blizzard (63 days, 30 inches, two pods

per node); Dwarf Gray Sugar (65 days, 24 to 30 inches);

single or double rows. single or pairs of rows.

Allow 18 to 24 inches between

Allow 8 to 10 inches between

Oregon Sugar Pod

II

(68 days; 24 to 30 inches; resistant

double rows in

pairs.

to pea enation, fusarium,

powdery mildew);

Mammoth
Super

Melting Sugar (68 days, 4 to 5

Sugar Pod (70 days, over 4

feet, wilt resistant);

feet, wilt resistant);

and

Snowflake (72 days, 22 inches, high

yield).

MAJOR VEGETABLES

97

Care
The germinating seeds and small
seedlings are easily

or meat dishes. As soon as overgrown pods missed in

earlier pickings are discovered,

remove them from the

pods

injured by direct contact with fertilizer or improper cultivation. Cultivate

stages of growth.

plants to keep the plants

blooming and producing

and hoe shallowly during the

Most dwarf and intermediate

early
varieties

longer. Enlarging peas inside these

may be

shelled

and used

as

garden peas. Fat snow pea pods (minus the

are self-supporting.

The

taller varieties

(Green Arrow and

easily picked

peas enlarging inside) should be discarded. Fibers that

Bolero) are

more productive and more

when
no

develop along the edges of larger pods, along with the

trained to poles or to a fence for support; but they are

stem and blossom ends, are removed during preparation.

Pea pods lose their crispness
if

longer popular. Peas can be mulched (see page 35) to cool

overcooked. The pods

the

soil,

reduce moisture

loss,

and keep down

soil rots.

have a high sugar content and brown or burn quickly.

Some

of the snap

and sugar peas

are vining types with

Do

not

stir-fry

over heat that

is

too intense.

heights of 6 feet or
supports.

more

that require fencing or other

Pea pods can be stored in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for 2 weeks. Unlike fresh green peas, pea
rate

pods deterio-

only slightly in quality

when

stored.

Harvesting
Garden
peas.

When

the pea pods are swollen (appear

Common
The
first

Problems
signs of

round), they are ready to be picked. Pick a few pods every

fusarium wilt and root-rot diseases

leaves

day or two near harvest time to determine when the peas

are at the proper stage for eating. Peas are of the best quality

are the yellowing

and wilting of the lower

and

stunting of the plants. Infection of older plants usually

results in the plants'

when they

are fully

expanded but immature, before

producing only a few poorly

filled

they become hard and starchy. Peas should be picked

pods. These diseases are not as prevalent

soils.

on

well-drained

immediately before cooking because their

cially

quality, espe-

Double-dug raised beds amended with abundant

soil

sweetness

(like

that of sweet corn), deteriorates

organic matter can greatly improve

aeration and

rapidly.

The pods on the lower portion of the plant maThe

last

drainage. Fusarium wilt can be avoided by growing wiltresistant varieties.

ture earliest.

harvest (usually the third)

first.

is

made

about one week

the
last

after the

Pulling the entire plant for

harvest makes picking easier. All the listed vari-

Questions
I

eties,

excellent as fresh peas,

may be canned
snow

and Answers

or frozen.
teria

Sugar snap peas. Snap peas should be harvested

every
1

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

the yield by inoculating peas with a

In

quality. Sugar snaps are at their best

start to fatten

when

the pods
large.

commercial formulation of nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

lished garden, however, inoculation
in
is

but before the seeds grow very

At

less necessary. If

an estabyou are
is

this point, the

pods snap

like

green beans, and the whole

doubt, inoculation

is

relatively inexpensive process that

pod can be
Sugar snaps

eaten.

Some

easy to do and ensures better plant-nutrient status.

varieties

have

strings along the

seams of the pod that must be removed before cooking.

left

on the vine too long begin

pod
walls.

to develop

tough

fiber in the

These must then be shelled

and used

as other

garden peas, with the fibrous pods

discarded. Vining types of both sugar snap

and snow
as

peas continue to grow

taller

and produce peas

long as

the plant stays in good health and the weather stays

cool.

Snow peas.
when
quite

These

varieties are generally harvested

before the individual peas have

grown
full

to the size of bbs,

Pepper, Capsicum

annuum

the pods have reached their

flat.

length but are

still

(also

known

as

mango),

is

a tender,
all

warm-season
peppers are also

This stage

is

usually reached 5 to 7 days after

vegetable. Technically speaking,
(at least

flowering.

Snow

peas must be picked regularly

known

as "chiles,"

though hot peppers (Capsicum

every other day) to assure sweet, fiber-free pods. Pods can

annuum,

C. chinense,

and

C. frutescens)

more

usually are

be

stir-fried,

steamed, or mixed with oriental vegetables

associated with this

name. Pepper plants require some-

95

MAJOR VEGETABLES

Variety

Color progression,

comments

Days to maturity

Hybrid bell peppers:

Bell

Boy

green to red

70

Camelot
Cardinal

green to red
green to red

67
70

Four Corners King Arthur

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

green to yellow green to yellow green to yellow

"white" (immature yellow) to red "white" to bright yellow "white" to bright yellow

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

green to chocolate brown

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

green to red, sutured green to red, top-shaped

70
75

green to yellow, sutured

73

Sweet frying or salad type:

Biscayne
pale green to red pale yellow to orange to red pale green to red pale yellow to orange to red

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,

Cayenne, long, slim

Cherry

round

75 75

Cold Spike

Habanero (Scotch Bonnet)

Hungarian
Jalapeno

extremely hot!

85-90
70

Wax
Hybrid
mild

80
70

Mexi
Red

Belle

Chili

84

Serrano Chile

75-80
75
mild mild

Super Chile Hybrid

Tarn Jalapeno

65-70
(to green harvest) 57

Zippy Hybrid

what higher temperatures, grow more

slowly,

and

are

smaller than most tomato plants. Brightly colored, sweet

bell

pepper varieties have recently burst onto the scene.

vast range of other garden peppers (pimiento, tabasco,

chili,

cayenne,

and paprika) may be grown

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

the most popular in the

(6-8 inches)

United

States.

They

are eaten green or ripe

and

are used

for salads, stuffing, soup, stews, relishes,

and

pickling.

New
ties

developments in color and form have done nothing

to dull the popularity of sweet peppers.

Hot pepper

varie-

have also enjoyed

a rebirth of popularity recently,

mainly due to various ethnic cuisines that use their

Banana
(6-8 inches)
Frying type

unique flavors and heat

creatively.

Many
at the

pepper types

listed in

the preceding paragraphs

(5-8 inches)

should be familiar to you from names on the spice rack

grocery store.

Many people do

not

realize that

6
Spike

most of these diverse types can be grown

country
if

in

much

of this

plants are started indoors

and transplanted

into the garden after frost danger passes.

Do

not confuse

Cherry
(172 inches)

these peppers (Capsicum species) with black pepper {Piper

nigra),

(4-5 inches)

the familiar table condiment. The two species are

not

related,

though Columbus's confusion on

his arrival

in the Western

Hemisphere cemented the problem

in the

language.

When

to Plant
late

Peppers are best started from seeds indoors in

winter and then transplanted into the garden after the

soil

and

air

have warmed

in the spring.

The

plants can-

100

MAJOR VEGETABLES

not tolerate

frost

and do not grow well

in cold,

wet

soil.

To dry

chiles, individual fruits

can be picked and

When
plants

night temperatures are below 50 to 55F, the

strung in a "ristras" or entire plants can be pulled in the

fall

grow

slowly, the leaves

off.

may

turn yellow, and the

before frost

and hung

in

an outbuilding or basement

flowers drop
floating

Raised beds, black plastic mulch, and

to advantage with

row covers may be used

peppers to

warm and

drain the soil and to enhance the

in spring,

microenvironment of the young pepper plants

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

harvests usually result.

Common

Problems People who use tobacco

should wash their hands

Spacing of Plants
Set transplants 18 to 24 inches apart in the row, or

with soap and water before handling pepper plants to

prevent spread of tobacco mosaic disease.
tant varieties
if

Grow

resis-

14 to 18 inches apart in
plants, including

all

directions in beds.

one or two salad

A dozen and hot types, may

more may be

possible.
(see

Watch
branch
sticky
If

for

accumulation of aphids

page 40) on

provide enough peppers for most families; but with so

the underside of the leaves, especially near growing

tips.

many colors,

flavors,

and types

available,

When

a large aphid population

is

present,

necessary for truly devoted pepper lovers or for devotees

of ethnic cuisines.

"honeydew" appears on the lower

leaves

and

fruit.

this situation occurs,

apply a suggested insecticide.

transported

Bacterial diseases

may be

on purchased

Care
Peppers thrive in a well-drained,
fertile soil

transplants, so look over potential purchases carefully for

that

is

well

any

leaf spotting or

stem cankers.

supplied with moisture. Use a starter

fertilizer

when

trans-

planting (see page 20). Apply supplemental

dressing) after the
first

fertilizer (side-

Questions
Q.
fruits?

and Answers

flush of peppers
is

is set.

Because a

Why do my

uniform moisture supply

cially

essential

with peppers, espeduring dry periset or

pepper plants grow large but not develop They are dark green and do not appear to be disA. Several

during the harvest season,

irrigate

eased.

weather conditions can reduce

fruit set

of

ods. Hot, dry

winds and dry

soil

may prevent fruit

fruits.

peppers. Early in the season, extreme cold

may prevent

fruit set.

The most
with

cause abortion of small immature

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

Harvesting Fruits may be

varieties,

varieties.

harvested at any size desired. Green bell

often suspected in these cases because the growth

luxuriant,

peppers can actually produce

ridiculously high fertility

fruit

quite well under almost

however, are usually picked

when

they are fully

programs. Pepper plants that have no

the nutrients can

grown and mature

3 to 4 inches long, firm, and green.

they break easily from the
if

developing
er

fruit

attached normally maintain a greener, healthiall

When the fruits are mature,

plant. Less
fruits are

appearance because

go

into producing

damage

is

done

to the plants, however,

off.

the
bell

leaves

and stems

instead of fruit.

cut rather than pulled

The new, colored

to develop full

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

fully to red, yellow, orange, or

brown; or
(in-

they

may be

harvested green and immature.

lilac,

Some

by drought, uneven water availability, or pruning roots through improper cultivation. Blossom-end rot is more severe on some
varieties of peppers

cluding "white," light yellow,

that develop in the

and purple)

are colors

than on others. Remove infected

Irrigation

fruits

and

immature

fruit

and that should be

throw them away.

blossom-end
rot.

and mulching can

is

help to prevent

harvested before actually ripening,

when

Though the condition

caused by a calcium

they turn red.

deficiency in the affected fruit tissue, addition of calcium to the

soil

Hot peppers
stage;

are usually harvested at the red-ripe

fruits,

seldom

alters the condition.

The problem

is

one of calcium
soil.

but "green chiles," the immature

are also

mobility in the plant, not lack of calcium in the

required for

some

recipes.

Some

dishes

may

actually call

for a specific variety of chile to

be authentic. Hot pepper

flavor varies

more from

variety to variety than

was

previ-

ously appreciated.

MAJOR VEGETABLES

101

Green Mountain
noted
for
its

is

an old semi-rough white variety

great taste.
it

Due
all

to a fairly high

number

of

misshapen

tubers,

has

but disappeared from comall

mercial production. For dependable production in

seasons and the greatest-tasting baked potato ever, Green

Mountain

is

worth the
is

effort to find certified seed.

Yukon Gold
Potato, Solarium tuberosum,
is

the most famous of the

new wave

of
in

yellow-fleshed varieties

now

available.

Long popular

a cool-season vegetable that ranks with

wheat and

rice as

Europe, these have good flavor and

more moist

flesh,

one of the most important

diet

staple crops in the

is

human

which many people claim

requires less of the fattening

around the world. The white potato

it is

referred to as

condiments required by dry-as-dust Russet Burbanks.

the "Irish potato" because

associated with the potato

Yukon Gold
tive tubers

is

a very early bearer of large, round, attrac-

famine in Ireland in the 19th century. Potatoes are not

roots but specialized
"tubers."

with a hint of pink around the eyes.

Many
some
this

underground storage stems called

at soil

grocery stores around the country

now

feature

Maximal tuber formation occurs

70F.

temper-

name-brand version of "golden" potatoes, usually

variety. If

atures

between 60 and
the
soil

The tubers

fail

to

form

the flavor of these

market potatoes

suits

you,

when

temperature reaches 80F. Potatoes with-

look for seed of Yukon Gold.

stand light frosts in the spring and can be grown

throughout most of the country in the cooler part of the

When

to Plant

growing season, but they prefer the northern

states for

tier of

Potatoes are

among

the earliest vegetables planted in

all

maximal

yield

and

quality.

the garden. Early, midseason, and late varieties

may

be planted in

March

or early April. Planting too early in

it

Varieties
There are more than 100 varieties of potatoes. Whiteskinned (actually very light brown) and red-skinned
eties

damp, cold

soils

makes

more

likely that seed pieces rot

before they can grow. Potatoes planted in

March
frosts.

also

vari-

may be

frozen back to the ground by late

Plants

with white flesh are the most

common

in

home
are also

usually recover fully but the blackened shoots are always

gardens.

Some

russets

and yellow-fleshed types

is

demoralizing to the gardener. Medium-early plantings,

grown. Russet Burbank

cial variety

the most important

commer-

when

soils

have dried and warmed,

early,

may do
the

as well as

produced

in the

United
is

States,

but the weaththe moisture

extremely

winter-defying plantings. Midseason and

er over

most of the country

too

warm and

late varieties

may be

planted as

late as

first

of July.

fluctuation too great for the production of

smooth tubers
use anyway.

Late potatoes are best for winter storage.

and good

yields.

Common garden varieties offer better

for

taste, texture,

and cooking quality

varieties are well

home

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

Potatoes are started from "seed pieces" rather than

The following
conditions.
If

adapted to a variety of

possible, use

northern-grown seed potatoes

from true

seed.

These seed pieces

may be
1
l

small whole

that are certified disease free.

Early: Caribe (magenta skin;

potatoes or potatoes that are cut into

k- to 2-ounce

good

size, attractive,

pieces. Plant the pieces

soon

after cutting.

Be sure that

smooth);

Irish

Cobbler

(light

brown

skin; often irregu-

there

is

at least

one good "eye"

in each seed piece.

Some

larly shaped);

Norgold Russet

(russet skin, attractive

"baker" shape, poor keeper); Norland (red skin, smooth,

resistant to scab);

and Superior

(light

brown

skin; often

irregularly shaped).

Midseason: Red Lasoda

(red skin, smooth);

Red

Pontiac (red skin, deep eyes); and Viking (red skin, very
productive).
Late: Katahdin (light

brown

skin;

smooth;

resistant to

some
(light

viruses, verticillium, bacterial wilts)

and Kennebec
viruses, late

brown

skin,

smooth;

resistant to

some

blight).

102

MAJOR VEGETABLES

garden centers and seed suppliers

sell

"potato eyes" that

the potatoes reach

to 2 inches in

size,

you may wish

to

weigh

less

than an ounce. These

may

be too small for

dig a few hills to use for soup or to cook with creamed

optimal production. Small, whole, certified seed potatoes

are often the best choice for

peas or to butter and roast.

Late potatoes are usually

home

gardeners.

dug

in

August or early

Plant seed pieces 10 to 12 inches apart,

and cover

in a

September. They keep in the garage or basement for

several

furrow between 2 and 3 inches deep. Space rows 24 to 36

inches apart. The 24-inch spacing
cause the plants shade the
soil
is

weeks in their natural dormancy. Store over the

often beneficial besoil

winter in a dark

room

at a

temperature between 38 and

and prevent high

40F with high humidity (see pages 167 and 168). Check
periodically for spoilage. Temperatures
internal

temperatures that inhibit tuber development.

below 38F cause

damage

to the tubers.

Care
The
soil

should be

fertile

and well drained. Clay

soils

"Straw Potatoes"
Potatoes

should be improved with organic matter and plowed

deeply in the
clover,
fall. If

grown by

a special cultural

method

in that

space allows, a cover crop such as

they are not hilled or cultivated after planting are called

"straw potatoes."

buckwheat, or winter rye grown in the potato bed

soil struc-

The seed

pieces

and rows should be

the year before potatoes are planted improves

ture,

spaced the same as for conventional cultivation, but the

seed pieces are planted at the soil surface. Place loose

organic-matter content, and subsequent potato

production.

straw 4 to 6 inches deep over the seed pieces and beis

Mulching

usually beneficial in growing potatoes.

tween the rows. Potato sprouts should emerge through

the straw cover. Cultivation should not be necessary. Pull

After the potato plants

have emerged, organic mulch can

be applied to conserve moisture, help keep

down

weeds,

any weeds that manage to emerge through the straw

cover,

and cool the

soil (see

page

35).

Some

gardeners cover

and add more straw through the season

if

decom-

rows of early potatoes with clear

(see

plastic film at planting

position starts to thin the layer. Harvest by carefully

page 36) to
the
soil

warm

the

soil
is

and promote

early

growth

removing the straw and picking up the tubers that

the
soil surface. In

lie

on

when

temperature

low.

When the

plants

addition to

weed

control, strawing has

soil

emerge, remove the film to allow the plants to grow

unrestricted.

several other advantages.

The straw keeps the

tem-

perature

more uniform and about

and

10F cooler, reduces

It is

After the potatoes break the surface of the ground,

water

loss,

results in better-shaped tubers.

gradually build

up

low ridge of loose

soil

by cultivation
be-

usually

more rewarding
is

to straw late varieties than early

and hoeing toward the

plants. This ridge,

which may

ones because there

a longer period for tuber develop-

come 4

to 6 inches high

by summer, reduces the number

ment.

Many gardeners who grow

and
fairs

potatoes for competi-

of "sunburned" (greened) tubers.

cultivation
is

The object of potato

tion in exhibits

use the strawing

method
shape,

to eliminate competition from weeds, to

soil,

because the potatoes are of excellent

size, color,

loosen and aerate the

and

to ridge the row. Misshapsoil.

and smoothness.

en potatoes develop in hard, compact

caution

Use extreme

when hoeing

near potato plants because devel-

oping tubers are

easily cut

and

ruined.

Irrigate to assure

uniform moisture while the tubers

page
37).

Colorado potato beetle

(V2 inch)

are developing (see

A uniform

moisture supply

also helps to cool the

ground and eliminate knobs caused

by secondary growth.

Common
Harvesting
Harvest potatoes after the vines have died. Handle as
gently as possible during harvest. Because the rubers

Problems
brown

Early blight causes yellowing and dying of the leaves.

The

first

signs of the disease are the presence of

spots

and yellowing
if

of the lower leaves.

The

entire plant

develop 4 to 6 inches beneath the

or spading fork
is

soil surface, a

shovel

becomes infected
blight
is

the disease

is

not controlled. Early

a useful tool for digging potatoes.

best controlled

by weekly applications of sug-

Potatoes for use in early

summer ("new"

potatoes)

gested fungicides, beginning

when

the seedlings are

may be dug

before the vines die (usually in July).

When

6 to 8 inches

tall.

MAJOR VEGETABLES

103

The potato scab disease

skins) does

(indicated

by scabby, rough
is

not develop

Plant resistant

when the soil pH varieties when available.

beetles, flea beetles,

5.6 or lower.

Colorado potato

and leafhop-

pers (see page 40) can significantly reduce potato yields.

umpkin
Pumpkin
(Cucurbita pepo, C.
a

These insects can be controlled with suggested

insecticides.

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

vegetable that can be

grown throughout much

United

States. Besides

being used as jack-o'-lanterns

Halloween, pumpkins are used to make pumpkin butter,

pies, custard, bread, cookies,

and

diseases.
free

Whenever possible, plant seed

be picked
just before or as

potatoes

certified to

be

from certain viruses and diseases.

and soup. The flowers may

batter,

they open, dipped in

small,

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

the seed develops)

may be

summer

squash. These young, tender fruits

may be
The

either

a troublesome and

steamed or boiled and then served

as a buttered

unrewarding

exercise.

vegetable; or sliced, dipped in batter,

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

sometimes cut into

strips

and

eaten raw with dips for snacks. The seeds of "naked-

deeply enough or not covered with straw. The green portions

taste bitter
loid.

seeded" varieties do not have tough seed coats and can

because they contain a moderately poisonous alka-

be roasted in the oven or sauteed for snacks.

These green areas should be cut off and discarded. Expo-

sure of potato tubers to fluorescent light or sunlight causes

Varieties
Small Cucurbita pepo pumpkins are grown primarily

greening during storage.

Q.

How should

cured? A. 60 to 65 F with high humidity (85 percent or

treatment
I

potatoes that are cut into seed pieces be They can be cured by holding them for a week at
higher). This

for

fall

decorations or for cooking and pies and are

usually referred to as "pie" types because they are associ-

is

of guestionable value for the

home gardener.

ated with cooking.

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

2 pounds in the case of Baby Bear to more than 5 pounds

with some of the larger

varieties

varieties. In general, small-fruited

fruit

and starchy. Commercial

chips are

produce more

per vine than larger ones

made from

selected varieties that are naturally high in solids,

because each individual

produce.

fruit takes less

plant energy to

carefully handled,

and properly stored

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

avoid buildup of sugars. Chips

made

from potatoes stored at

low temperatures

for long periods are

ring because they contain excessive

brown or have a dark amounts of sugar.

Q.
in

Can

ably not. They

use grocery store potatoes for planting? A Probmay have been treated with a sprout retardant,
will

developments have

greatly strengthened the walls of these

pumpkins so

that

which case, they

not grow. Even

if

they are sprouting,

much
fewer

rounder,
flat sides.

more

attractive fruit are

produced with

they have not been inspected

results occasionally

and
is

certified free of disease.

While

may be acceptable,

Generally, these varieties take

fruits

up more

the

risk

of introducing a

nematode, disease, or other pest

quality-certified

much

higher than from

space in the garden and produce fewer

Flesh quality
is

per plant.
are

seed potatoes.

pretty uniformly poor,

and they

consequently almost never used for cooking.

Processing

pumpkins

of the species C. moschata are

almost exclusively canned commercially, yielding the

familiar dark orange, fine-textured, dry-fleshed product

most consumers expect to find when they begin to make

their holiday

"pumpkin"

pies.

Because these varieties

look more

like buff-colored

watermelons than pumpkins,

104

MAJOR VEGETABLES

Dickinson Field (12 inches long)

Triple Treat

(naked-seeded)

Connecticut

Field

Sugar

Pie

(7 inches long)

(18 inches long)

(8 inches long)

their C. pepo cousin's picture graces the can; but the true,

out hulling. Newer varieties in this classification include

small pie types

high-quality flesh desired for

pumpkin

pies

comes from

and

at least

one

variety that produces

fruit.

these relatives of butternut squash.

very acceptable jack-o'-lantern-sized

species

Because the

Jumbo
C.
tion.

or

mammoth pumpkin varieties of the

recently

seeds are not protected

by

a seed coat, however, they are

maxima have

begun

to attract

much

attenfor

While these

varieties
fairs,

have long been used

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

locations around the country

and through-

and

quickly. Fresh seed also helps. These types

may be

out the world. The most recent winner topped 900

worth the trouble to germinate

ized seed-starting

in cell-tray flats of steril-

pounds, with 1,000 pounds the goal of these professional

growers by the year
thing.
a.d.

medium

or in peat pellets, where

2000. Here, genetics

is

every-

temperature and moisture can be controlled. Transplant

to the garden

The

better

and

larger the

pumpkin your

seed

when

they have two to three true leaves.

Asia, are the type
States.

comes from, the

better your

chance of producing a

Chinese pumpkins, developed in

whopper
giants

of your own. Seeds are so valuable that

some

most recently introduced into the United

Although they
in soups

on

display in malls or other businesses actually

are eaten pureed, baked, or stir-fried (and

have been destroyed by night raiders and their seeds

stolen.

and

pies in Asia), they are

more frequently used

Buy your seed from

a reliable source,

and

try

your

as fall decorations here.

They

are typically flattened, with

color.

hand
have

at

producing the Great Pumpkin.

are C. pepo or C.

prominent sutures and bright orange

Where

space

White painting types

light,

maxima but

is

limited, they

may be

trained

on

a fence or other

creamy white skin instead of the orange more

background
is
is

support. Although they resemble gourds in both plant

typical of these species. This colorless

habit
pale

and

size of

the miniature pumpkins, these are good

regarded as ideal by

some pumpkin

painters. Flesh

tasting, unlike gourds,

though almost

as durable. Produc-

yellow, similar to the orange varieties. Fruits of these

tion

is

heavy in terms of number of

varieties of

fruit

per plant.

types are often marketed as "ghost" pumpkins.

The following

pumpkins
and

are well adapted

Cushaws

are relatively large

and long necked, with

blossom end. Most
like

to a variety of conditions. All are vining types that

an enlarged, bell-shaped base

at the

require considerable growing space

are best suited

cushaws are of the species C. mixta, though some,

for large gardens, unless otherwise indicated.

The bush
in

Golden Cushaw,
solid flesh,

are C. moschata.

The long necks have

is

and semi-vining types

smaller gardens.

are best suited to be

grown

with a characteristically coarse texture that

for cooking.

preferred

by some people

The

large size

and

unusual color patterns make them popular, as well, for

fall

STANDARD ORANGE
Baby Bear

(C pepo)
Baby Pam;

decorations. Cushaws, especially the C. mixta types,

Small: All 2 to 5 pounds, 100 to 110 days to harvest:

(small, flattened shape; fine stem);

typically
species.

produce long, less-branched vines than other

Oz

(hybrid, semi-bush; very

smooth

skin,

heavy stem,
England
Pie

Naked-seeded types produce seeds without the tough

seed coats of

immature yellow

color); Small

Sugar or

New

common varieties.

These "naked" seeds are

the
fruit

(the standard pie type); Spooktacular (hybrid; bright

ready to roast and eat as they

come from

with-

orange; ribbed; strong stem); Sugar Treat (hybrid; semi-

MAJOR VEGETABLES

105

bush; bright color); and Winter Luxury (old variety, good

for cooking;

unique netted

skin).

Intermediate: All 8 to 15 pounds, 100 to 110 days to

harvest:

Autumn Gold

(hybrid, yellow

when

immature);

Bushkin (hybrid, bush type); Frosty (hybrid; smoothtextured skin);

Funny Face

(hybrid); Harvest

Moon
and

(hybrid); Jack-O-Lantern; Spirit (hybrid, semi-bush);

Young's Beauty.
Large: All 15 to 25 pounds, 100 to 110 days to
harvest:

Aspen (hybrid, deep orange, uniformly

(hybrid, yellow

large);

When

to Plant
is

Big

Autumn

when immature);

Big

Tom

Pumpkin

a very tender vegetable.

soil,

The

seeds

do not by

(selection of Connecticut Field); Connecticut Field (the

germinate in cold
frost.

and the seedlings

all

are injured
is

old standard, continually reselected); Ghost Rider (dark

Do

not plant until

danger of

frost

past

and the

orange; very dark green handle);

Happy Jack

(uniform,

soil

has thoroughly warmed. Plant pumpkins for Hallolate

dark orange; good handle);

standard for the
last

Howden

Field (the industry

ween from
they

May

in northern locations to early July in

sites. If

20

years);

Jackpot (hybrid; round;

(large,

extremely southern
early,

pumpkins
rot before

are planted too

compact vine
heavy,

habit);

Jumpin' Jack

dark orange,

may

soften

and

Halloween.

tall fruit);

and Pankow's

Field (large, variable

pumpkins with exceptionally

Vif d'Estampes
is

large,

long handles). Rouge

that
is

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.

orange, flattened, heavily sutured.

for Cinderella's carriage
as "Cinderella"

It

was the prototype

is

Plant seeds
feet

inch deep (four or five

hills,

pumpkin and

sometimes sold

Allow 5 to 6
feet apart.

between

spaced in

pumpkin.

rows 10 to 15

When the young plants are well

two or three
plants.
1

established, thin each hill to the best

SPECIALTY
Processing: All C. moschata, tan skin color, widely

Plant semi-bush varieties seeds per

hill),

inch deep (four or five

and thin

to the best

two plants per

hill.

used for commercially canned pumpkin: Buckskin

(hybrid); Chelsey (hybrid); Dickinson Field;

Allow 4

feet

between

hills

and 8
1

feet

between rows.

and

Plant miniature varieties

inch deep, with two or

Kentucky

three seeds every 2 feet in the row.

Field.

Rows should be 6

to 8

Jumbo:
giants

All C.

maxima, 50 to 100 pounds, or

much
Max; Big

feet apart, with seedlings thinned to the best plant every

more; 120 days to harvest: Atlantic Giant (most true

2 feet

when they have

and thin to

their
1

first

true leaves.
(1

come from
size,

selections of this variety); Big

Plant bush varieties

of row),

inch deep

or 2 seeds per foot

Moon; Mammoth Gold; and Prizewinner

uniform

(hybrid;

most

a single plant every 3 feet.

Allow 4 to

shape, orange color; not the largest, but the

6 feet between rows.

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

group: Green-Striped Cushaw, Sweet Potato,

hoeing and shallow cultivation.

38)
if

pages 37 and

Tennessee, and White

(C. moschata).

Cushaw

(all

C. mixta);

and Golden

an extended dry period occurs in early summer.

tolerate short periods of hot, dry

Pumpkins

weather

Naked-Seeded:

All C. pepo: Trick or Treat (hybrid,

pretty well.
Bees,

semi-bush, 10 to 12 pounds, good for carving); Tricky

Jack (hybrid; small; bush type); and Triple Treat (thick
fresh;

which

are necessary for pollinating squash

killed

and

pumpkins,

may be

by

insecticides.

When

insecti-

6 to 8 pounds; cooks, carves well).

cides are used, they should be applied only in late after-

Miniature: All C. pepo: Baby Boo (white); Jack-BeLittle

noon

or early evening

when

the blossoms have closed for

visiting the blossoms.

(standard orange miniature); Jack-Be-Quick

(taller,

the day and bees are

no longer

As

darker orange);
fruit); fruit).

Munchkin

(uniform, attractive orange

new
safe

blossoms open each day and bees land only inside

and Sweetie

Pie (small, scalloped,

medium orange

the open blossoms, these pollinating insects should be

from contact with any potentially deadly

sprays.

106

MAJOR VEGETABLES

Harvesting
Pumpkins can be harvested whenever they
solid color (orange for

are a deep,
is

most

varieties)

and the rind

hard.

If

vines remain healthy, harvest in late September

If

or early October, before heavy frosts.

turely
fruit

vines die prema-

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

from disease or other causes, harvest the mature

store

with

develop,

and

them

in a moderately

warm, dry place

fruit

more leaf surface before setting fruit. Allow a single fruit to and pick off all female flowers that develop after this

has set on the plant.

this

Do

not allow the vine to root

fruit

down

at

until Halloween.

Cut pumpkins from the vines

carefully,

the joints near

developing

because these

varieties de-

using pruning shears or a sharp knife, and leave 3 to 4

inches of stem attached. Snapping the stems from the
vines results in

velop so quickly the vine as they

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

Pumpkins without stems usually do not keep

gloves

Wear

long-necked pumpkin.
The variety
texture,

this variety

available? A.
it

Yes.

when

harvesting

because

many varieties have

when
do not
is

Green-Striped Cushaw. Because

prefer
it

has a unique

some cooks

for custards

and pies.

sharp prickles on their stems.

Avoid cutting and bruising the pumpkins

handling them.
Fruits that are

Q. Will pumpkins, squash, and gourds cross-pollinate and produce freak fruit if interplant several kinds in
I

my

not fully mature or that

frost

garden?

A.

Pumpkins, squash, and gourds are members of the

have been injured or subjected to heavy

keep. Store in a dry building

vine crops called "cucurbits. " The

name

is

derived from their

where the temperature

botanical genus classification ofCucurbita (often abbreviated

between 50 and 55F (see pages 167 and 168).

C). There are four main species ofCucurbita usually included

the pumpkin, squash,

in

and gourd grouping. The

varieties within

a botanical species (which

may be referred to

as pumpkins,

Common

Problems
causes a white,

squash, or gourds) can cross-pollinate. Varieties from different

Powdery mildew
can

powdery mold
growth

species
Field

do

not. For example, zucchini crosses with

Howden's

growth on the upper surfaces of the

kill

leaves. This

pumpkin, acorn or spaghetti squash, small decorative

all

gourds, or Jack-Be-Little miniature pumpkins because they are

the leaves prematurely and interfere with proper

if

members

of the

same
fruit.

botanical species (C. pepoj. However,

ripening. Apply a suggested fungicide

powdery mildew
ripened.

cross-pollination does not affect the taste, shape, or color of the

appears before the

fruits are fully

grown and
(see

current season's
fruits

Crosses

show up

only

if

seeds from these

Cucumber beetles and squash bugs

attack seedlings, vines,
fruits.

page 40)

are saved

and grown
all

the following year. Butternut squash,

and both immature and mature

a suggested insecti-

Small Sugar pumpkin, White

pumpkin could

be grown

in

Cushaw pumpkin, and Big Max the same area without crossing
different species.
in

They can be controlled with

alert for

because each variety comes from a

areas where

Because

cide.

Be

an infestation of cucumber beetles and

late

bees carry pollen for distances of a mile or more,

suburban

squash bugs, as populations build in

summer,
fruits,

many gardens

are in close proximity,

if

fruits

must be
vari-

because these insects can damage the mature

ring their appearance

mar-

bagged and pollinated by hand

eties
is

pure seed of nonhybrid

desired.
is

and making them

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

in this section are

and

var-

Questions

and Answers

ieties

of each are called "squash,

fact,

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

orange color sometimes helps determine what

varieties of the

a pumpkin. Two
variety called

same

species, C.

maxima, hold

the records for the world's largest squash

muskmelon, pumpkin,
flowers are almost always
attracts bees
vines.
is

squash,

and watermelon). The

first

squash

is

gray to green,

and pumpkin. The and largest one called a

first

male. The pollen on these

alerts

them

to the location of the

male flowers blooming

and

By the time
well estab-

the

first

female blossoms open, the bees' route

the male flowers pollen
'

lished

and

is

transferred to the female

for

flowers

by the

bees.

Male

flowers

bloom

one

day, then drop

off the plants.

The male flowers

fruits, visible
is

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

conditions, especially early in the season, or

under certain kinds

many common

vari-

of stress. The small

ers, identify

at the bases of the female flow-

them. There

no swelling on the bases of the male

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

cool-season, fast-maturing, easy-to-grow vegetable. radishes can be

fertile soil,

Garden
Garden
(172 inches)
Icicle

grown wherever

there

is

sun and moist,

V
Winter
(8-9 inches)

even on the smallest

city lot. Early varieties

(3-6 inches)

usually

grow

best in the cool days of early spring, but

varieties

some later-maturing
use.
ter

can be planted

for

summer
bet-

The

variety French Breakfast holds

up and grows
if

than most early types in summer heat

water

is

sup-

plied regularly. Additional sowings of spring types can

commence
to late

in late
fall.

summer, to mature

in the cooler,

more

moist days of

Winter radishes are sown in midsummer

as fall turnips.

summer, much

They

are slower to

develop than spring radishes; and they grow considerably

larger,

Seed
(6X)
Seedling

remain

crisp longer, are usually

more pungent, and

varieties.

hold in the ground or store longer than spring

spaces between slow-maturing vegetables (such as broccoli

and

brussels sprouts) or in areas that will be used

Varieties
Spring: Burpee White (25 days to harvest; round;

later for

warm-season crops (peppers, tomatoes, and

squash). Spring radishes also can be planted in late

smooth white
red);

skin);

Champion
red,

(28 days, large, round,

red);

winter in a protected cold frame,

tainer in the

window

box, or con-

Cherry Belle (22 days, round,

Cherry Queen

house or on the

patio. Later-maturing vari-

Hybrid (24 days, deep

Early Scarlet

round, slow to become pithy);

eties of radishes (Icicle or

French Breakfast) usually with-

Globe (23 days; globe-shaped, small taproot,

stand heat better than the early maturing varieties and

are

bright red); Easter Egg (25 days; large, oval; color

mix

recommended

for late-spring planting for

summer
the same

includes reddish purple, lavender, pink, rose, scarlet,

white); Fuego (25 days; round, red;

harvest.

Winter radishes require a

much

longer time to
at

medium

tops; resis-

mature than spring radishes and are planted

time as
late turnips (usually

tant to fusarium, tolerant to black root/black scurf);

Plum

midsummer

to late

summer).

Purple (25 days, rounded, large, deep magenta);

and

Snow

Belle (30 days, attractive, round, white,

smooth).

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

Sow
y 2 to
1

For Spring or

Summer Use:
tip)

French Breakfast (23 days,

Icicle (25 days, long, slim,

seed

% to

'/

inch deep. Thin spring varieties to

oblong red with white

tapered white).

and

inch between plants. Winter radishes must be

thinned to 2 to 4 inches, or even farther apart to allow

Winter

(for storage):

China Rose (52

large, long,

days, white);

for

proper development of their larger roots.

On

beds,

Chinese White (60 days;

square-shouldered,
Black Spanish

radishes

may be

broadcast lightly and thinned to stand

all

blunt-tipped, creamy white roots);

Round

2 to 3 inches apart in

directions.

(55 days; rough, black skin, white flesh);

and Tama

Hybrid (70 days; daikon type; roots as long as 18 inches,

with 3-inch diameter; smooth, white; blunt
tip).

Care
Radishes grow well in almost any
well,
is

soil

that

is

prepared

fertilized before planting,

and has adequate mois-

When
soil

to Plant

ture maintained.
in taste

Slow development makes radishes hot

in texture.

Spring radishes should be planted from as early as the

and woody

can be worked until midspring. Make successive

Radishes mature rapidly under favorable conditions

plantings of short rows every 10 to 14 days. Plant in

and should be checked often

for

approaching maturity.

106

MAJOR VEGETABLES

Harvest should
size

commence

as

soon

as roots reach edible

and should be completed

quickly, before heat, pithi-

ness, or seedstalks

can begin to develop.

Harvesting
Pull radishes

when

they are of usable

1

size (usually

starting

when

roots are less than

inch in diameter) and

relatively

young. Radishes remain in edible condition for

Rhubarb, Rheum rhabarbarum (also

only a short time before they become pithy (spongy) and

hot. Proper thinning focuses the harvest

known

as pie plant),

is

a very hardy perennial garden

and avoids

disap-

vegetable that grows well in most of the country.

pointing stragglers that have taken too long to develop.

Although considered
fruit in pies, tarts,

a vegetable,

rhubarb

is

used as a

Winter

varieties

mature more slowly and should be

size.

and

sauces. Because rhubarb produces

harvested at considerably larger

Once they reach

weather. Size
conditions.

yields for 5 years or longer in the

same

location,

it

should
it

maturity, they maintain high quality for a fairly long

be planted
will
soil

at

the end or one side of the garden where

activities to

time in the garden, especially in cool

continues to increase under favorable

fall fall

not be disturbed by normal

prepare the

each

year.

half-dozen plants should provide

for all

Daikon, or Chinese radish, can achieve particularly large

size

enough rhubarb

but truly rhubarb-loving families.

and

still

maintain excellent

quality.

Winter radishes

can be pulled before the ground freezes and stored in

moist cold storage for up to several months.

Varieties

Red

Petioles (leafstalks):

Canada Red

(long, thick

stalks, extra sweet);

Cherry Red

(rich red inside

and

out);

Common

Problems
(see

Crimson Red

(tall,

plump

petioles);

MacDonald

(tender

Root maggots

page 40)

may runnel

into radishes.

skin; brilliant red);

1 /2
1

Ruby; and Valentine (petioles 22 by

These insects are more

latitude.

common

above 40 degrees north

before plant-

inches,

good

flavor).

Apply a suggested

soil insecticide

Green

Petioles (leafstalks): Victoria (shaded with red).

ing

if

this insect previously has

been

a problem.

When
Questions
Q.

to Plant

and Answers
my
radishes to crack

Plant or divide rhubarb roots in early spring while the

What
A

causes

and

split? A.

The

plants are

still

dormant. Planting seeds

is

not recom-

radishes are too old. Pull

smaller.

them when they are younger and

a period of relative dryness

mended

except in extremely southern parts of the counit

flush of moisture after

also

may cause mature

try because

roots to burst

and

may take too

long for the plants to become

split.

Try to avoid

uneven moisture
Q.

availability.

established. Also, the seedlings

do not come

true to color

Why do my radishes grow all

A.

and
tops with no root develseed planted too
the

size.

Seed-grown rhubarb also tends to produce more

opment?
thickly

There

may be several reasons:

seedstalks,

which sap strength from the developing

for

leaves,

outside of the

and plants not thinned (though some roots along row usually develop fairly well even under
in cool

than do the cultivars selected

production.

moderate to

light seed

extreme crowding), weather too hot

for the spring varieties that

do best

temperature (planted too late or unseasonable

too

weather),

and

much shade (must be

really severe to

com-

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

Plant the roots with the

pletely discourage root enlargement).

crown bud 2 inches below

Q.

What

causes

my

radishes to be too "hot"?

A.

The "hot-

the surface of the

soil.

Space the roots 36 to 48 inches

ness" of radishes results from the length of time they have

apart in rows 3 to 4 feet apart.

essential in

Good garden

drainage

is

grown rather than from

slowly or are too old.

their size.

The radishes either grew too

growing rhubarb. Planting on raised beds

MAJOR VEGETABLES

109

ensures against rotting of the crowns. Working plenty of

well-rotted

You can grow tender

rhubarb
Forcing
at
is

stalks

out of season by "forcing"

winter and early spring.

manure

into the rhubarb bed before planting

home

during the

late

greatly increases production.

most successful with the Victoria variety bestalks

Old roots may be dug and divided to make new plantings.

cause

it

normally produces

with large diameters.

Cut the roots into four to eight

at least

pieces.

Each piece

Dig the roots of plants that are to be forced (3-year-old

plants are best)

must have
leaf size,
lish a

one strong bud. To improve vigor and

and allow them

soil

to freeze

on top the damage

to a

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

ground. Keep excess

on the

roots to prevent

from subzero

freezing. After the roots are

thoroughly

Plantings older than this tend to begin crowding themselves out.

chilled (about 45 to

50

days), take

them indoors

warm, dark place (such

with peat,
soil,

as a cellar or

hotbed) and cover

plants to establish a

new bed

the spring before the old

or sawdust. Place the crowns close to-

planting

is

to be discarded.

gether and keep

to 60F. Harvest

them

moist.

The

ideal temperature

is

55

when

the stalks are 12 to 18 inches

tall,

Care
Cultivate shallowly as often as necessary to

the leaves small, and the petioles tender and uniformly

remove

bright pink.
1

The harvest period

for forced roots

is

about

weeds. Apply a complete garden

fertilizer

before growth
tea or

month.

It is

usually best to discard roots after forcing.

begins in the spring and side-dress with

manure
(see

other high-nitrogen

fertilizer in late
sites,

June

page 20).

Except in poorly drained

organic mulches help

Irrigate

moderate

soil

temperature and moisture.

during
or

extended dry periods.

post
is

An

application of

manure

comcover

beneficial in late

fall

or early winter.

Do not

the crowns.

Harvesting Do not harvest rhubarb during

ing.

Common
Rhubarb
the
first

Problems
curculio, a snout beetle, bores into the
It

year of plantstalks,

Newly

set plants

need

crowns, and roots of rhubarb plants.

is

also attacks

all

their foliage to build a

strong root system. Stalks

may be

harvested for
for 8 to

or 2
(a

wild dock, a weed that

country. Destroy
all

prevalent in

many

areas of the

weeks during the second

full

year,

and

10 weeks

wild dock growing around the

harvest season) during the third and subsequent

garden. Treat the base of plants with a suggested insecticide.

years. Harvest in the fall

only

when

the plants are to be

Burn badly infected rhubarb plant parts in July

after

discarded the next season. To harvest, pull the leafstalks

the beetles have laid their eggs.

from the

plant,

and trim

off the leaf blades.

The

leaf

blades contain large

amounts of oxalic acid and should

Questions
Q.

and Answers
damaged my
rhubarb. Can
I

not be eaten. To keep the plants healthy, vigorous, and

severe freeze has

A.

safely

producing
leaves
If

well,

remove only about one-third of the

at

eat the leafstalks?

No. The

leafstalks will

be of poor texture
the leaf

and
from a plant

flavor,

and

oxalic acid

may have migrated from

any one time.

blades.

seedstalks

and flowers develop during the spring and

as

summer, cut them from the base of the plant

soon

as

they appear and discard them. Vegetatively propagated,

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

from excessive crowding, old plants, or low

soil fertility.

Allow more space between rhubarb plants, divide

fertilize regularly.

The

parent plants, and

petioles (leafstalks) are of the highest quality
color, flavor,

plants produce small foliage the best conditions. Buy only

varieties; or

Some seed-propagated and many seedstalks even under

named, vegetatively propagated who has a

(maximum
are highest

and tenderness)
have

in early spring.

They should be
if

crisp

and

fairly thick. Yield

and quality
full size are

get divisions from another gardener

petioles that

just

reached

high-quality planting.

harvested before any coarse fiber can develop.

110

MAJOR VEGETABLES

Salsify,

Tragopogon

porrifolius,

and Black
cooked
foliage

Salsify,

Scorzonera hispanica, are both

known

as

vegetable oyster or oyster plant, from the flavor of the

roots.

Care
Salsify

Both are hardy biennials that produce

first year. Salsify is

grows slowly when young, and frequent

is

shal-

and an edible root the

low cultivation

necessary to remove weeds.

insects

It is

free

creamy white root that produces purple flowers the

second season. Scorzonera
is

horn most garden diseases and

dry conditions once
it is

and withstands

a black-skinned root that

well established.

produces yellow flowers. The tops form a spreading

rosette of narrow, pointed leaves, giving salsify

and

scor-

Harvesting
The
flavor of salsify
is

zonera a somewhat exotic appearance compared to most

other garden vegetables. Because they are able to withstand hard freezing in the winter, either crop

and scorzonera,
hard

like that of

parsnip,

improved

after several

frosts in

the

fall

may be

sweeten the roots. Harvest anytime through

April.

Top
tender

harvested anytime frozen ground allows until early

spring,
roots.

growth in the spring

may be
To

cut

when young and

when new growth

depletes the overwintered

3

and used
leaves
1

like asparagus.

store the roots, cut off the

The tapered

roots (V2 to

A inch in diameter and

inch above the roots and hold the roots under

8 to 10 inches long) are

made

into a

chowder or cooked

conditions similar to those for storing parsnips (see page

95).

and served cold

as a salad vegetable.

The

roots of salsify

Gardeners without storage

facilities

may mulch

the

are usually peeled after cooking, while the roots of scor-

vegetable oyster rows with straw and dig the roots as

zonera are not because a large proportion of their flavor

is

needed throughout the winter.

second
year, salsify sends

If

allowed to grow a

in the skin of the roots. Spring shoots of either plant

up

a seedstalk

and bloom.

may be

eaten like asparagus. Scorzonera

is

reputed to be a
fly.

good companion plant

to carrots, repelling the carrot

Varieties
Salsify:
vest;

Mammoth

Sandwich Island (120 days to harroots)

creamy white, 8-inch

European
variety,

and Lange Jan (115

days,

very resistant to bolting).

Scorzonera: Gigantia (120 days; long, cylindrical,

thick roots).
Either salsify or scorzonera
variety names, simply
is

sometimes sold without

by the name of the vegetable.

Spinach, Spinacia oleracea,

When

to Plant

is

a hardy, cool-season vegetable.

fall

It is

grown

in early

Salsify

and scorzonera

are

both grown

in

much

the

spring or late

because long, hot

summer days
making
it

cause

it

same way
prepared,

as parsnip. Plant seeds in a deep, wellfertile soil in early

to "bolt" (form premature seedstalks),

able. Rich in vitamins,

unus-

spring (about 100 days

fall).

spinach

is

one of the more imporUnited States for both

before freezing weather in the

tant vegetable greens

salads

grown
it

in the

and cooking, and

all

can be grown in certain

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

Plant seeds y2 to 3 A inch deep (10 to 12 seeds per foot
of row) in rows 18 to 24 inches apart.
lings are 2 inches
tall,

seasons in

parts of the country.

leaf

Savoy (crinkled)

spinach catches fine

soil parti-

When

the seed-

cles, like tiny grains that are splashed

by

rainfall.

This
If

thin to 2 to 4 inches apart.

makes the spinach

slightly "gritty"

when chewed.

you

MAJOR VEGETA6LES

111

successive crops for several weeks after the initial sowing

to keep the harvest going until hot weather. Seed spinach

again in late

Chill seeds for

tor for 1 or 2
tions,

summer for fall and early winter harvest. summer or fall plantings in the refrigeraweeks before planting. In southern
loca-

immature spinach seedlings survive over winter on

well-drained soils and resume growth in spring for early

harvest.

With mulch, borderline gardeners should be able

an early spring
sunrooms, or

to coax seedlings through the winter for

find this unacceptable, plant

sorts,

one of the the

as

plain-leaf
particles,

harvest. Spinach can be

grown

in hotbeds,

which do not catch and hold

cleaner.

many soil

protected cold frames for winter salads.

and wash
tion
is

on organic

Much of commercial spinach producmuck soils, which have little or no minmake

the spinach
gritty.

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

Sow 12
deep.
to 15 seeds per foot of row. Cover
'/

eral content,

and, thus, do not

inch

When

the plants are

inch

tall,

thin to 2 to 4
is

Varieties

inches apart. Closer spacing (no thinning)

best varieties for spring or
fall

satisfactory

Choose the

planting.

when

the entire plants are to be harvested. The rows

may

Crinkled-Leaf: Bloomsdale Long Standing (48 days to

harvest; thick, very crinkly, glossy dark green leaves)

be as close as 12 inches apart, depending upon the

and

method used

for

keeping weeds down. In beds, plants

to stand 4 to 6 inches apart in
is

Winter Bloomsdale (45 days, tolerant to cucumber mosaic

virus,

may be thinned

all

direc-

slow to bolt, cold tolerant, good for over-

tions. Little cultivation

necessary.

wintering).

Hybrid Savoy: Indian Summer (39

resistant to

days; semi-savoy;
2,

downy mildew

races

and

tolerant to
resis-

Spinach grows best with ample moisture and a

well-drained
soil.

fertile,

spinach blight); Melody (42 days; lightly crinkled;

tant to

Under these conditions, no supplemenIf

downy mildew,
fall,

mosaic; good spring or

fall);

Tyee

tal fertilizer is

needed.

growth

is

slow or the plants are

fertilizer

(39 days; dark green; heavily savoyed; tolerant to

downy

light green, side-dress

with nitrogen

(page 20).

mildew; spring,
very savoyed;

or winter);

and Vienna (40

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

harvested whenever the leaves are

Plain-Leaf: Giant Nobel (43 days; large,

leaves; long-standing).

smooth

enough

to use (a rosette of at least five or six leaves).

Late thinnings
eaten.

harvested as whole plants and

Plain-Leaf Hybrid: Olympia (46 days; slow to bolt;

spring,

Cut the plants

is

at or just
if

below the

soil surface.

summer

harvest).

Spinach

of best quality

cut while young.

Two

or three

separate seedings of short rows can provide harvest over

When
The

to Plant
first

an extended period. Some gardeners

prefer to pick the

planting can be
If

made
soil

as

soon

as the soil in the

is fall,

outer leaves

when

they are 3 inches long and allow the

for later harvest. Harvest the

prepared in the spring.

the

was prepared

younger leaves to develop

entire

seeds can be broadcast over frozen ground or

in late winter

snow cover

remaining crop

when

seedstalk formation begins

and germinate

as the soil thaws. Plant

because leaves quickly lose condition as flowering begins.

112

MAJOR VEGETABLES

Common

Problems Cucumber mosaic virus

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

causes a condition in
Plant seeds
1

inch deep where they are to grow in the

early in
flats.

spinach called blight.

garden, or start
leaf diseases are a

them

Soak seeds overnight

soil

Downy mildew and other fungal

both.

in

lukewarm water before planting, and keep the

after planting

problem, especially in seasons that are wet, humid, or

moist

because they are sometimes slow to

Some

resistance

is

available through variety selecair

germinate. Thin or space plants 12 inches apart in the

garden. Starting plants in
flats

tion. Raised

beds create excellent

and water drainage

allows precision spacing.

in the spinach bed,

which

also helps prevent infections.

Be sure to allow space between rows because the plants

may
Questions
Q.

spread 4 to 6 feet by the end of the season, dependdiligently

and Answers

ing

on how

you harvest them.

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

Care New Zealand

spinach requires no special care other

Warm

temperatures accelerate

this

development. Varieties that

than normal cultivation.

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.

inches) are cut as needed throughout the summer. Plants

may be

cut back (sheared) occasionally to force

first

new
fall.

New Zealand
New Zealand
salads or greens.
different species
It is

Spinach
is

growth. Harvest until the

fall

hard freeze in the

As

plantings of true spinach begin to mature about the

time, the supply of "spinach" can be relatively

spinach, Tetragonia tetragonioides,

same

vegetable that thrives under

summer

heat and

is

used for

uninterrupted.

not true spinach, but an entirely

as a

grown
it is

warm-season substitute

for

spinach because because

it is

similar in taste

and

texture

and

tolerant to heat

and drought. The

large,

spreading plants produce succulent leaves and branch

tips that are

used in the same way as spinach.

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

garden catalogs simply as

is

Spinach." There

some

variation in plant type, but

if

named

varieties are

seldom,

ever,

seen in this country.

Summer squash, Cucurknown as vegetable or ital-

ian marrow),

a tender,

warm-season vegetable that can

When

to Plant

be grown throughout the United States anytime during

spinach plants are cold tender,
the warm,
frost- free season.

Because

New Zealand

The
is

true English vegetable

seeds should not be planted before the frost-free date.

(See the maps, page 26.) Seeds
for transplanting.

marrow

is

a vining type that

It is

of

good quality when

can also be started indoors

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

selected to be harvested before the

fruit

and the

matures.

It

grows on bushfall

type plants that do not spread like the plants of

and

winter squash and pumpkin.

A few healthy and

yields.

well-

maintained plants produce abundant

MAJOR VEGETABLES

113

Botanical species
Cucurbita pepo

Gourds and ornamental

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

Black Jack Black Zucchini

Autumn Queen Cream of the Crop

Ebony
Raven
Royal Acorn

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

Extra Early Sugar

Frosty

Funny Jack Ghost Rider

Half

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 round Sun Drops

Suntop

yellow elongated

naked-seeded
Lady Godiva
Mini Jack

Blondie
Butterbar
Classic

Sugar Treat
Trick or Treat
Triple Treat

Condor
Crescent
Early Prolific

Straightneck

miniature Baby Boo (white)

Jack-Be-Little

Eldorado

Jack-Be-Quick

Munchkin
Sweetie Pie

Cold Finger Gold Slice Goldbar Golden Girl

Goldie

Medallion

Seneca

Sundance
Super Spike
Superpik
Supersett

flat-shaped Patty Pan

Peter Pan

Sunburst

114

MAJOR VEGETABLES

Botanical species
Cucurbita

Gourds and ornamental

Pumpkin
Atlantic Giant

Summer squash

Winter squash
All

squash
Aladdin
Turk's

maxima

Season Bush

Big Big

Max Moon

Baby Blue Hubbard Banana

Buttercup
Delicious

Turban

Casper (white painting)

Hungarian
King of the

Mammoth

Mammoths
Lumina (white)

Mammoth
Rouge
Vif

Prize

Emerald Gold Nugget Golden Hubbard Green Warted Hubbard

Prizewinner

Honey Delight
Kindred

d'Estampes

(also called

Cinderella;
flattened, dark

Marblehead Mooregold

orange)

Snowball (white)

NK530 NK580 NK 4000

Red Kuri Sweet Mama

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

staggering. See table starting

still

on

Summer squash
and flattened

many different

fruit
is

page

13 for a wider (yet

far

from complete)

listing

shapes and colors: scallop (or Patty Pan), which

like a plate

round

of varieties.

with scalloped edges, usually

Recommended

varieties of

summer squash

include:
(best-

white but sometimes yellow or green; constricted neck

(thinner at stem end than blossom end, classified as
either "crookneck" or "straightneck"

Zucchini (open-pollinated): Black Zucchini

known summer
if

squash; greenish black skin, white flesh);

depending on

the

stem end

is

straight or bent),

which

is

usually yellow;

and the

cylindrical to club-shaped italian marrows, such

as zucchini, cocozelle,

and

caserta,

which

are usually

shades of green but

The

varietal

may be yellow or nearly white. selection of summer squash has markedly

and the number of varieties
as the result of

changed

in recent years,

offered has greatly

expanded

new

interest,

hybridization,

and introduction of

disease resistance.

The

MAJOR VEGETABLES

115

color, attractive straight fruit)

and Goldbar

(hybrid;

golden yellow; upright, open plant).

Scallop:

White Bush Scallop

(old favorite Patty

Pan

type, very pale green

when immature,

very tender); Peter

Pan (hybrid, AAS winner,

light green); Scallopini (hybrid,

AAS

winner); and Sunburst (hybrid, bright yellow, green

spot at the blossom end).

Other: Butter Blossom (an open-pollinated variety

selected for
its large,

firm male blossoms; fruit

may be

harvested

like

summer

squash, but remove female blos-

soms
Straightneck

for largest

supply of male blossoms); Gourmet

light

4-6 inches

Crookneck 4-6 inches

Globe (hybrid; globe-shaped; dark green, with

stripes; delicious);

and Sun Drops

(hybrid,

creamy yellow,

unique oval shape,

may be

harvested as baby with blos-

som
Zucchini

attached).

When

to Plant

4-6 inches

Plant anytime after the danger of frost has passed,

from early spring

26.)

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.

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

Sow two
or three seeds 24 to 36 inches apart for
single-plant production, or four or five seeds in hills

3-4 inches

3-4 inches

48 inches

apart.

Cover

inch deep.

When

the plants are

2 to 3 inches
Black Beauty (slender, with slight ridges, dark blackgreen); Cocozelle (dark green overlaid with light green
stripes; long,

tall,

thin to one vigorous plant or

hill.

no more

than two or three plants per

very slender

fruit);

and Vegetable Marrow

oblong shape).

Care
Any well-drained garden soil produces excellent yields of summer squash. Certain mulches (see page 36) increase earliness

White Bush (creamy greenish

color,

Zucchini (hybrid): Aristocrat (AAS winner; waxy;

medium

green); Chefini (AAS winner; glossy,

medium

and

yields because the roots are shallow.

dark green); Classic (medium green; compact, open

bush); Elite

(medium

green; lustrous sheen; extra early;

spines, high

Harvesting
Because they develop very rapidly after pollination,

open

plant);

Embassy (medium green, few

green

yield); President (dark green, light

flecks;

upright
spine-

summer squash
and tender

are often picked

when they

are too large

plant);

and Spineless Beauty (medium dark green;

and overmature. They should be harvested when small

for best quality.

less petioles).

Most elongated

varieties are

Golden Zucchini
deep gold
straightneck).

(hybrid): Gold Rush (AAS winner,

picked

when they

are 2 inches or less in diameter

and

color, superior fruit quality, a zucchini

not a

6 to 8 inches long. Patty Pan types are harvested

when
fruit

they are 3 to 4 inches in diameter. Slightly larger

Yellow Crookneck: Early Yellow Summer Crookneck

(classic

may be

salvaged by hollowing out and using

them

for

open-pollinated crookneck; curved neck; waited;

stuffing.

These larger

fruits

heavy

yields)
skin).

and Sundance

(hybrid; early; bright yellow,

in breads

and other

items.

may also be grated for baking Do not allow summer squash

smooth

to
Prolific

become

large, hard,

and seedy because they sap

Pick oversized squash with

Yellow Straightneck: Early

Straightneck

strength from the plant that could better be used to

(standard open-pollinated straightneck, light cream

produce more young

fruit.

116

MAJOR VEGETABLES

developed seeds and hard

skin,

and throw them away.

Varieties

Go

over the plants every

or 2 days. Squash

grow

The following

varieties of

squash are adapted to a

are vining types unless

rapidly, especially in

hot weather, and are usually ready

wide variety of conditions. They

to pick within 4 to 8 days after flowering.

otherwise indicated. Vining squash plants require considerable growing space

Although summer squash has both male and female

flowers, only the female flowers

and

are best suited for large

produce

fruits.

Because

gardens.

The bush and semi-vining types can be grown

the fruits are harvested

when

still

immature, they bruise

in smaller gardens. Occasionally,

some

of these varieties

and scratch

easily.

Handle with

care,

and use immedi-

may be
The
in

listed as

pumpkins by

certain seed companies.

is

ately after picking. Be careful

when

picking

summer

distinction

between squash and pumpkins

mainly

squash, as the leafstalks and stems are prickly and can

scratch

what you choose

to call them. Here, open-pollinated

and

irritate

unprotected hands and arms. Use a

varieties are identified as OP.

sharp knife or pruning shears to harvest, and wear gloves

if

Acorn

(C. pepo):

80 to 100 days to harvest: Cream of

possible.

Some

gardeners also pick the open male and

fruits

the Crop (hybrid-AAS winner; uniform white acorn type;

female blossoms before the female blossoms, with tiny

develop. Especially the

delicacy

creamy smooth,

tasty flesh);

Ebony

(early; glossy

dark

fruit attached, are a

fried.

green; flaky flesh texture);

Swan White (OP-creamy

smooth,
delicate,

when dipped

in a batter

and

white skin; pale yellow

flesh);

flesh;

sweet

Table Ace (hybrid-semi-bush; uniform, near black

Common
borer (page

Problems Cucumber beetle (see

40).

fruit;

excellent, low-fiber flesh); Table

Gold (OP-compact

page 40) and squash vine

bush

habit, attractive bright golden yellow,

may also

be

harvested as

summer squash when

light yellow); Table

well);

King (OP-compact bush; dark green, color holds

Questions

and Answers

Table

Queen (OP-standard dark green acorn

type);

and

Q. Will summer squash cross with winter squash? A. Summer squash varieties can cross with one another, with acorn
squash,
1

Tay-Belle (OP-semi-bush, dark green).

Delicata (C. pepo): Delicata (also

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

potato squash; long cylindrical shape; cream color with

dark green

stripes);

Honey Boat (shaped

stripes,

like Delicata,
flesh);

tan

Summer squash

does not cross with melons or cucumbers.

background with dark green

very sweet
stripes,

Sugar Loaf (tan background, dark green

oval, very sweet);
fluted; light
stripes).

elongated

and Sweet Dumpling

(flattened round,

cream to white background, with dark green

Spaghetti (C. pepo): Orangetti (hybrid-semi-bush

Squash,
Inter
Winter squash (Cucurbita pepo,
C.

plant, orange version of spaghetti, high in carotene);

Pasta (yellowish cream

fruit,

improved

flavor); Stripetti
taste, stores

(hybrid of Spaghetti and Delicata, great

better); Tivoli

(hybrid-bush habit; AAS winner; light

fruit,

yellow, uniform

3 to 4 pounds);

and Vegetable
fruit).

Spaghetti (OP-good keeper; light yellow, oblong

maxima,

C. moschata,

and

C. mixta), in

is

warm-season
It

Butternut
early, 1- to

(C.

moschata): Butterbush (bush habitfruit);

vegetable that can be

fers

grown

most of the country.

it is

dif-

2-pound

Early Butternut (hybrid-AAS

from summer squash in that

mature
fully
fruit stage,

harvested and eaten

winner,
early,

early,

medium

size,

high

yield);

Ponca

(extra

in the

when

the seeds within have

a

small seed cavity, stores well); Puritan (OP-uni-

matured
rind.

and the skin has hardened into

fruits

tough

form, blocky, smooth, slightly smaller than Waltham);

When

ripened to this stage,

for use

of most varieties

Supreme (hybrid-thick neck;

(largest fruit

early,

uniform, sweet); Ultra

can be stored

throughout the winter.

be steamed, baked, or

6 to 10 pounds; good leaf canopy);

Waltham
and

Winter squash
pies;

may
rice.

made

into

(OP-uniform, thick-necked, 10- to 12-inch

Zenith (hybrid; smooth, attractive
in
fruit;

fruits);

and

it is

frequently used in place of irish potatoes,

high

yield).

sweet potatoes, or
batter

Squash blossoms

may be dipped

True Winter Squash

orange skin,
flesh;

(C.

maxima):

All

Season (bush;

and

fried in the

same manner

as

pumpkin blossoms

8 or more small

fruit

per plant);

MAJOR VEGETABLES

117

Hubbard 12-18 inches

Butternut

9-12 inches

Acorn 5-6 inches

orange; teardrop-shaped; smooth-textured flesh; 3 to 5

pounds). For giant

varieties, see

"Pumpkin" (page

103).

When

to Plant
is

Squash

a very tender vegetable.

soil,

The

seeds

do not by
soil

germinate in cold
frost.
is

and the seedlings

all

are injured
is

Do

not plant until

danger of

frost

past

and

thoroughly warmed.

Delicious

Turk's

Turban

10-12 inches

8-10 inches

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

The vining types
square feet per
seeds per
hill).
hill.

of squash require at least 50 to 100

1

Plant seeds
feet

inch deep (four or five

hills.

Allow 5 to 6

between

When

the

young
best

plants are well established, thin each hill to the

plants.

two or three

Allow 7 to 12
1

feet

between rows.

Plant semi-vining varieties seeds per

hill),

inch deep (four or five

and thin to the

best

two plants per

hill.

Allow 8

feet

between rows.
1

Plant bush varieties

Buttercup

inch deep

(1

or 2 seeds per foot

6-8 inches

Banana 18-24 inches

Cushaw
18-30 inches

of row),
5 feet

and thin

to a single plant every 3 feet. Allow

between rows.

Banana

(pink, blue, or gray; long, slim, pointed at the

Care
Squash plants should be kept hoeing and shallow cultivation.
free

ends; 10 to 30 pounds); Buttercup (dark green fruit with

distinct gray cap at

from weeds by
page 37)
if

blossom end; the standard

for fine-

Irrigate (see

grained, sweet flesh; 3 to 4 pounds); Delicious (5 to 12

an extended dry period occurs in early summer. Squash

requires
Bees,

pounds;

large,

top-shaped, green or gold

fruit,

smoother

minimal care

after the vines

cover the ground.

than Hubbard); Emerald Bush Buttercup (bush habit);

which

are necessary for pollinating squash

killed

and

Honey Delight (hybrid-3

cup type; excellent
flattened round;
1

to 4 pounds; buttonless butter-

pumpkins, are

by

insecticides.

If

insecticides are

flesh quality);

Gold Nugget

(5-inch,

used, they should be applied in late afternoon or early

to 2 pounds; orange skin, flesh;

bush

evening

after the bees stop visiting

blossoms for the day.

habit); Baby, Blue, Chicago,

Golden, Green, and Warted

pointed at ends; warted

Hubbard
skin; 8 to

(large teardrop shape,

Harvesting
Winter squash can be harvested whenever the
fruits

25 pounds); Mooregold (bright orange skin,

keeper with tough rind; buttercup type;

flesh; excellent

have turned

a deep, solid color

and the rind

is

hard.

2 to 3 pounds); Sweet

Mama

(hybrid-AAS winner; semi-

Harvest the main part of the crop in September or October, before

vining, buttercup type; uniform; tasty; 2 to 3 pounds);

heavy

frosts hit

your

area.

Cut squash from

if

Sweet Meat (OP-old time favorite; flattened;

skin;

slate

gray

the vines carefully, leaving 2 inches of stem attached

possible.

10 to 15 pounds); and Red Kuri (OP-bright red-

Avoid cuts and bruises when handling.

Fruits

118

MAJOR VEGETABLES

that are not fully mature, have been injured, have

their stems knocked
frost
off,

had

Q.

or have been subjected to heavy

as

do not keep and should be used

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

or be composted (watch for seedlings in the compost).

Store in a dry building

where the temperature

is

between

50 and 55F (see pages 167 and 168). For prolonged storage,

do not

pile

squash more than two

fruits

deep.

It is

preferable,

where space

allows, to place the fruits in a

single layer so that they

do not touch each

other. This
rots.

arrangement minimizes the potential spread of

Common
vines,

Problems Cucumber beetles (see

page 40) attack seedlings,

fruits.

and both immature and mature

They can be
batatas,
is

Sweet potato, Ipomoea

a tender,

controlled with a suggested insecticide applied weekly

either as a spray or dust. Be alert for

warm-weather vegetable that requires

large, useful

an infestation of

a long frost-free
roots.
cal
It is

growing season to mature

cucumber

beetles in early

September because these

fruits.

one of the most important food crops

countries,

in tropi-

beetles can

damage the mature

(see

and subtropical

where both the roots and

Squash bugs
begin to
set

page 40) attack vines as the

fruit

tender shoots are eaten as a vital source of nutrients.

and

increase in

number through the

late

Commercial production

in the

United States

is

mainly in

summer, when they can be quite damaging to maturing

fruit.

the southern states, particularly

Louisiana.

North Carolina and

They hatch and

travel in groups,

which seem to

travel in herds until

they reach maturity. Using the

the numbers of this pest are
still

Sweet potatoes, which are related to morning

glory,

proper insecticide

when

grow on
at the

trailing vines that quickly cover the soil, rooting

small minimizes damage.

nodes along the way. "Bush"

varieties

with shorter

vines are available for situations where space

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

orange-fleshed varieties are most

common

today in commerce, white- or very light yellow-fleshed

types were once considered the finest types for sophisti-

the
7

same

species

can cross-pollinate (see

does not affect

on pages

1 1

and

4). Cross-pollination

cated people.

Some

white-fleshed types are

still

available,

the current crop, but the seed does not

year.

come

true the following

though they may be hard to find outside the Deep South.

For their ornamental value, sweet potatoes are often

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

ground cover or in hanging

baskets, in planters,

not surprising given the whimsical applica-

and even

in bottles of water in the kitchen. Cut-leaf

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

types exist that are particularly attractive.

The sweet
are often used

potato

is

rich in vitamin A.

It is

not related to the yam,

though

in the marketplace the

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

entirely separate species that

grows only in the

effectively with insecticides.

You can reduce potential

damage

Varieties
Beauregard (100 days to harvest, light purple skin,
dark orange
flesh,

the following season by disposing of infested plants. Vining

types of squash can be encouraged to root at the nodes, giving

the plant

some

ability to

withstand attacks of vine borers.

Some

extremely high yielder from Louisiana

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,

Bush Porto Rico (110 days, compact

orange
flesh,

copper

skin,

heavy

yield);

Centennial

(100 days; orange

skin, flesh;

good keeper;

resistant to

internal cork, wilt); Georgia Jet (100 days, red skin, orange
flesh,

somewhat cold

tolerant); Jewell (100 days,

orange

MAJOR VEGETABLES

119

flesh,

good

yield, excellent keeper);

Sumor

(ivory to very

wise

damage the
the

roots.

Dig below the

level of the ridge,

light yellow flesh,

may be

substituted for irish potatoes in

days, golden
foliage pur-

and gradually move

soil until

closer

toward the plants, removing

very
skin,
ple).

warm

regions);
flesh,

and Vardaman (110

type,

fat roots are

exposed. Carefully dig under

orange

compact bush
is

young

these roots to gauge the depth to dig as you go row.

down

the

Commercial production

currently dominated

by

Jewell in North Carolina

and Beauregard

in Louisiana.

Proper curing can be a problem in the cool

son. Ideally, the roots should be allowed to dry

fall sea-

on the
for

When

to Plant
"slips."

ground

for

2 to 3 hours, then placed in a

if

warm room

Sweet potatoes are started from plants called

Transplant the
last frost

curing (85F and 85 percent humidity

to 14 days,

possible) for 10

slips as

soon

as the soil

warms up

after

the

and then stored

in a cool (55F) location (see

to allow the

maximal wann-weather growing

certified disease-

pages 167 and 168). Sweet potatoes should be handled as

little

period. Always
free roots.

buy plants grown from

as possible to avoid scuffing

and

bruising. In case of

To grow your
1

own

plants, place several sweet

frost,

cut the vines from the roots immediately to

potato roots about

inch apart in a hotbed, and cover

soil.

prevent decay spreading from the vines to the roots; and

dig sweet potatoes as soon as possible. Cold soil temperatures quickly lessen the roots' ability to keep in storage.

with 2 inches of sand or light

Add another

inch of

sand

when
it

the shoots begin to appear. Keep the

soil in

the bed moist throughout the sprouting period, but never

Do

not allow roots drying in the garden to be frosted

allow

to

become waterlogged. Keep

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

80F. Plants are ready to pull in

about 6

weeks (when they are rooted and 6 to 8 inches

tall).

You

can allow roots to continue possibly producing additional

flushes of plants
if

Common

Problems
varieties

more

are desired.

The sprouts

(slips) are

To prevent diseases, plant

with multiple

planted directly in the garden from the sprout bed.

resistance, use "certified" plants,

toes' location in the garden.

and

rotate sweet pota-

Spacing of Plants
Set the plants 12 to 18 inches apart, preferably

At certain

sites,

mice may become

problem by

wide, raised ridge about 8 inches high.

dries better in the spring

but also

on a A ridge not only warms earlier than an

burrowing into the

mound and

eating the tasty, nutrifor

tious roots before harvest can

commence. Check

evidence of mouse infestation regularly, and apply appropriate control

unridged area. Black plastic mulch can be a good way to

speed early season growth by capturing and storing more
of the sun's heat in the soil under the plastic cover.

measures

as

needed.

Questions
Q.

and Answers
I

Because the vines of spreading varieties need a great deal

of space, allow at least 3 to 4 feet between rows.

My

splotches in the skin.

dition?

sweet potato roots are covered with black What can do to prevent this conA. This condition
is is

probably caused by a disease

Care
After early cultivation (which
is

known
not necessary with

as "scurf" that
still

superficial in the skin of the root.

to eat,

The

sweet potatoes are

keep as well
problem.

good

although they

may not

in storage.

Check

for varieties resistant to this

black plastic), sweet potatoes need minimal care to keep

down
little

weeds.

Once the
is

vines spread to cover the ground,

if

Q.

Why did my

sweet potato roots grow long and

weeding

required. Irrigate

an extended drought
3 to 4 weeks before

stringy instead of short

and plump? A. Too much

rain,

irri-

occurs.

Do

not water during the

last

gation, or poorly drained soil prevents proper root formation.

harvest to protect the developing roots.

Sweet potatoes prefer

ground.

hot, dry

weather once the vines cover the

Harvesting
Early roots

Q.

What makes sweet potatoes

much
for

crack and split?

especially

A.

Heavy

rains or too

irrigation during the final

3 to 4 weeks before
if

may be

"robbed," starting in late summer,

harvest

may cause

the roots to

split,

conditions

by digging into the

ing

side of the ridge

and

carefully

remov-

have been dry

a period before

late

water application begins.

some developing

roots while leaving the plant in

place.

Dig the main crop of sweet potatoes around the

first frost

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

The length of time that they can be stored

may be

stout shovel,

and be

careful not to bruise, cut, or other-

reduced,
roots

and some

experts say that taste

and

quality of the

may be adversely affected.

120

MAJOR VEGETABLES

o
Globe
(2-4 inches wide)

Beefsteak
(6 inches wide)

Tomato, Lycopersicon
sicum,
is

lycoper-

today the most popular garden vegetable in

America. For

many years,

however, tomatoes (then called

"love apples") were considered poisonous

and were
(1

8
Pear
V2 inches wide)

grown

solely for their

ornamental value. Tomatoes are

a

Roma
(2 inches wide)
(1

Cherry
-1 V2 inches wide)

usually easy to grow,

and

few plants provide an

fruit

adequate harvest for most families. The quality of

picked in the garden

when

fully ripe far surpasses

during the growing season.

Some

of the extreme dwarf

anything available on the market, even in season. The

types are determinate as well as dwarf, producing

truly tiny

some

tomato plant

is

a tender,

warm-season perennial that

all

mature plants.
varieties are listed in order of maturity in the

is

grown

as

an annual in summer gardens

over the

Tomato
table

continental United States. Spring and

fall

freezes limit

on pages 121 and

122.

Most of the

varieties listed

the outdoor growing season.

here are widely adapted to a variety of conditions and

produce good yields around the country.

Varieties

Hundreds of varieties of tomatoes

for the

are

now available
in size, shape,

FIRST-EARLY RED (60 or fewer days to harvest)

These varieties have more compact plant growth than
the main-season varieties, and sunburning of the
a
fruit is

home

gardener.

They range widely

color, plant type, disease resistance,

rity.

and season of matuoffer a

Catalogs, garden centers,

and greenhouses

problem in hot weather. The main-crop

varieties are

large selection of

tomato

varieties;

and choosing the

difficult.

best

generally far superior for summer-long harvest. First-early

varieties are better suited for

one or two

varieties

can be extremely

Evaluate

northern

areas,

where the
cooler.

your needs, then choose the

varieties best suited to

your

growing seasons are shorter and the summers

intended use and method of culture.

They have
types,

small- to medium-sized red fruit

and

are

Tomato

plants

fall

into

one of two

which

usually not suitable for pruning.

affect

ultimate plant height and cultural requirements.

toes are "determinate"
cluster at the terminal
if

Toma-

they eventually form a flower

MEDIUM-EARLY RED (60 to 69 days)

These
varieties are intermediate

growing point, causing the plant

set

between the extreme

to stop

growing in height. Plants that never

terminal

earliness of the first earlies

and the sounder plant type

main-crop types.
real

flower clusters, but only lateral ones, continue indefinitely to

and production
Fruit size
is

characteristics of the
is

grow

taller

and

are called "indeterminate."

all

improved, as

quality.

The

tomato

Older varieties are almost

indeterminate. These can be

harvest season begins with the medium-early varieties.

counted upon to produce abundant foliage and to ripen

flavorful fruit.

They may, however be extremely

first

late in

MAIN-CROP
Most of these main-crop
to large fruit,
tively free
varieties bear

maturing. The
real

determinate varieties developed had

taste,

medium-sized

problems with inadequate foliage cover and

early.

have adequate
fruit

foliage cover,

and

are rela-

but they ripened very

better foliage,

Newer determinates produce

ripen fruit of similar

from

cracking and other deformities.

may grow taller, and

They

are suitable for

growing on mulch, in wire

cages, or

quality to

modern indeterminate

varieties.

They

still

tend

on

trellises.

to ripen their fruit over a shorter period of time, so

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

desirable with determinates

entire season.

bulk of the main-crop harvest because they have superior

yield, better staying

coming through the

and

fruit

of

Determinate vines are easier to control and support

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

trailing plant, large fruit clusters

Early Girl

V
VFFNTA

54 60

earliest full size

Quick Pick

4 oz

round, smoth, heavy yield

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

no green shoulders deep globe, high

yield

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

crack-resistant, attractive fruit

solid,

Supersonic

crack resistant

Extra- large red

Delicious (OP)

77

ind. ind. ind.

over
1

lb

world record (7
extra

lb

2 oz) with this variety

Supersteak

VFN VFN

80
81

to 2 lb to 2 lb

meaty

Beefmaster

large Beefsteak type

Yellow or orange
Mountain Gold (OP)
VF 70 72
72
det.
ind. ind. ind.

8oz
7oz

deep tangerine orange

lemon
yellow, mild flavor, productive

Lemon Boy
jubilee (OP)

VFN

8oz 8oz

deep orange-yellow deep golden

fruit,

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

Other colors and types

White Wonder (OP)
Evergreen (OP)

85
85
78

ind. ind.

8oz 8oz
6 oz

creamy white

flesh

and

skin
flesh bright

green skin tinged with yellow; green at maturity

Long Keeper (OP)

Yellow Stuffer (OP)

ind.

orange

skin,

orange-red

flesh; solid,

keeps for weeks

80

ind.

4 oz

lobed,

lemon

yellow,

shaped

like

pepper;

semi-hollow, easy to stuff

Red paste types

Veeroma (OP)
VF VF
72
det.

2 to 3 oz

early

Roma

type,

deep sguare shape

Roma (OP)
San Marzano (OP)
Viva
Italia

75

det. det. det.

2oz
3oz

standard red plum, tolerant to early blight

80

deep

red, crack resistant, meaty,

and dry

VFN

80

3oz

meaty, sweet; good fresh

122

MAJOR VEGETABLES

Variety
Small-fruited salad types
Super Sweet 100

Disease resistance

Days to harvest

Plai Plant type

Weight

Comments

VF

70 65 70

ind.
ind. ind.

in. in. in.

2 in.

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

red, tasty fruit

Mountain

Belle

VF

65

det.

y4

in.

red, crack resistant, ripens uniformly

and

holds on the vine

Dwarf
container types
Tiny Tim

45 45
55
55

det. det. det. det. det. det.

in. in. in. in.

very dwarf, red cherry

fruit

Cherry Cold

golden version of Tiny Tim

super-dwarf plant, 6 inches
similar to
tall;

Red Robin
Yellow Canary
Pixie

mild taste
fruit

Red Robin, but yellow

plants

Hybrid

II

52
65

2 oz
3 oz

compact dwarf

Patio Hybrid

strong dwarf plants, relatively large

ideal container plant

fruit,

Small Fry

72 VF

det.
ind.

in.

red,

good

in

hanging baskets
extended harvest

Husky Red Hybrid Husky Gold Hybrid Husky Pink Hybrid

68
70 72

6 oz 6 oz

dwarf

plant, large fruit;

VF
VF

ind.

AAS winner; same

gold
fruit

plant type as Red

and

Pink;

ind.

6 oz

smooth pink

fruit

on same husky-type plant

Abbreviations used for disease resistance:

A = Alternaria;

= Fusarium; FF = Fusarium Races

and

2;

= Root-knot nematodes; T = Tobacco mosaic

virus;

V=

Verticillium

EXTRA-LARGE RED
These
varieties are relatively late maturing.

PINK
The
fruits

These

varieties always

have maintained a loyal follow-

may be
rough

extremely large but also can be misshapen, with

ing in certain regions of the country. Pinks traditionally

scar tissue ("cat-facing")

this scar tissue

on the blossom end.

Large

have been similar to yellows with regard to plant type

When

must be cut away, some of the

size
is lost.

and maturity. Recent breeding work has developed

is

advantage of extra-large
almost never about total
novelty of huge
size.

size,

though,

disease-resistant plants with very attractive fruit. For the

yield,

but more often about the

highest eating quality,

some

of the older types

may

still

Some

of the newer hybrid large

fruit

be

at

the top for flavor.

types like Supersteak

and Beefmaster have

with

much more

consistent shape.

OTHER COLORS AND TYPES

Although odd colors and types have been around
for

YELLOW OR ORANGE
Contrary to popular
varieties are
belief,

a long time, they

have experienced

a resurgence of

popu-

yellow- and orange-fruited

larity,

fueled in part by the upscale salad bar. As these

not significantly lower in acid content than

outlets

have competed to

offer the

newest and brightest

red tomatoes,

and they

are equally safe to

can or process.
they have
classifica-

assortment of produce, some almost-forgotten tomatoes

They

"taste" sweeter

than red

varieties because

have been "rediscovered."

a higher sugar content.

Current varieties in this

tion have

much

earlier

maturity and better plant-growth

Red Paste
Paste tomatoes are usually used for
paste,

characteristics

than older yellows and oranges, which

making

catsup,
solid,

tended to be

big, sprawling,

and

late

maturing.

and sauces and

for

canning whole. Their

meaty, low-moisture flesh makes processing these prod-

MAJOR VEGETABLES

123

ucts less complicated. Recently,

some
up

of

them

are

becom-

the gardener wants to try a few truly weird or tasty types,

these usually mature

ing trendy and popular for eating fresh. These are usually
short plant types that tend to set
a short time
at once.

some

fruits

almost anywhere except

a large load of fruit in

in the shortest-season areas. Specialty seed houses

and

and then ripen

a large proportion of this fruit

fresh,
it is

exchanges are a source of the widest variety of heirloom

tomatoes imaginable.

With tomatoes used

fruit

usually seen as an

advantage to have

ripening over an extended season

The

table

on pages 121 and 122

most of the

gives cunently recom-

on

individual plants, but ripening most of the crop in a

mended

varieties in

listed classifications.

short period has been a

bonus

for paste

tomatoes because
lots.

processing activities are best done in fairly large

When
gets

to Plant
early,

Buying transplants, or starting seeds indoors

Small-Fruited/Salad

tomatoes off to the best

finally arrives,

start in

the garden

when
toma-

These

varieties are generally vigorous

growing and

warm weather
in

and

it

saves several weeks

their

productive.

They vary

in size

from

to 1V2 inches in

growing time. Some gardeners transplant

soon
after the soil
is is

diameter and are usually suitable for pruning. Production

per plant
is

toes

prepared for spring gardening,

very high, to the point that picking

may
be

when

there

a high risk of

damage from

freezing. (See

become
to be

tedious.

Whole

clusters

may sometimes

page 26 for the average

prepared to cover early

frost-free date for

set plants

your

area).

Be

picked at one time to speed the harvest. Splitting seems

overnight to protect

more

of a problem with cherries,

though newer

them from

frost.

For best results with very early plant-

hybrids have attempted to lessen the problem. These

types are usually described as especially sweet and tasty.

ings, consider black plastic

mulch and
plant

floating

row

covers for heat accumulation and frost protection. For

best results with

minimal

risk,

when

the

soil is

Dwarf/Container
These tomatoes are popular
for use in containers,

warm, soon
For
fall

after the frost-free date for

your

area.

harvest

and

early winter storage of tomatoes,

late spring until

hanging baskets, and garden or patio locations where

space
is

late plantings

may be made from

mid-

limited. Because

more people now

is

live

where

summer, depending on the length of the growing season.

These plantings have the advantage of increased vigor

traditional vegetable gardening

not possible, container

and patio gardens have become more popular. Their

ornamental value
is

and freedom from

early diseases,

and they often produce

from early
yield

an added benefit, and their

fruit

better-quality tomatoes than later pickings

quality has recently been

fruit in

improved
colors

as well.

They have

spring plantings.

Time

late plantings for

maximal

red

and some other

and

are not suitable for

before killing freezes in your area (up to 100 days from

pruning (except the

new Husky hybrids).

transplanting for most varieties).

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

environment. Some catalogs

now

routinely

list

12 inches apart in the row, staked plants 15 to 24 inches

apart,

these types,

which should be used

for the

most

satisfac-

and

trellised or

ground bed plants 24 to 36 inches

tory results. Consult catalogs for varieties available.

apart.

Some

particularly vigorous indeterminate varieties

may need
Heirloom

4 feet between plants and 5 to 6 feet between

rows to allow comfortable harvest room.

particularly large

number

of heirloom

tomato

vari-

eties are available today,

mainly because tomatoes

fruits of

normally do not cross-pollinate. Seed saved from

nonhybrid

varieties

produce plants

fairly identical to

the

parent plant.

Many

of the odder colors

and types that

older,

have resurfaced

lately

have their origins in these

is

self-saved varieties.

The plant type

compared

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

Firmly anchor posts or stakes every 2 to 3 plants in the

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

without bruising. The short, small, narrow type often

when

transplanting (see page

sold at garden centers

is all

but useless for anything but

Hoe

or cultivate shallowly to keep

is

down weeds withespe-

the smallest of the dwarf types. Most nate tomatoes easily grow 3 to 4 feet

modern determitall,

out damaging roots. Mulching

cially for

recommended,

and indetermifall,

gardeners

who

wish to maintain their plants for

nates continue to get taller until frozen in the

easily

full-season harvest. Black plastic or organic materials are

suitable for

reaching at least 6 feet in height. Use cages that match in

height the variety to be caged, and firmly anchor
to the

mulching

(see

page

35).
soil

Delay application of
has

them
fruit-

organic materials until after the

pletely in early

warmed comnot retarded by

ground with stakes or

steel posts to

keep the

summer

so that

growth

is

laden plants from uprooting themselves in late-summer

cool

soil

temperatures early in the season.

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

commercial operations and can work

need daily or even more frequent watering. Side-dress

nitrogen
1

garden planting. Tall stakes are securely driven into the

fertilizer

(ammonium
first

nitrate) at the rate of

tomato row about every two or three plants in the row.

pound

per 100 feet of

row (equivalent

to

tablespoon
size

Make

sure the stakes are

tall

enough

to

accommodate the
sure they are

per plant) after the

of golf balls.
3
(If

tomatoes have grown to the

nitrate
is

growth of your tomato

varieties,

and make

ammonium
later. If

not available, use

applica-

driven very securely into the ground to prevent wind

pounds of 10-10-10

fertilizer.)

Make two more

is

damage. (The woven rows of tomatoes can catch

much

tions 3

and 6 weeks

the weather

dry following

wind.) As the tomatoes grow upward, strings are attached

to the

these applications, water the plants thoroughly.

get fertilizer

Do

not

end posts and woven back and

forth

between the
off the

on the

leaves.

supports, holding the tops of the plants

up and

Many gardeners
trellises,

train their

tomato plants to

stakes,

ground. This operation

is

repeated about as often as the

or cages with great success.

Not

all varieties,

tomatoes grow another 6 inches, until the plants reach

maturity.

however, are equally suitable for staking and pruning.

The

fruit is

held off the ground as with staked

is

The advantages and disadvantages of various

systems are

cultural

or caged plants; but the foliage cover

better than with

shown

in the table

on page

125.

staked plants, and the fruit

is

more

accessible than with

Tomato cages may be made from concrete-reinforcing

wire,

cages. (See the illustration, page 125).

woven-wire stock fencing, or various wooden

designs.
large

Choose wire or wooden designs that have holes

to allow fruit to be picked

enough

and removed

MAJOR VEGETABLES

125

Wire cages placed over small tomato plants

support themselves
(unlike

(left)

hold the vines and

fruit off

the ground. Short cages

{2} 12 to 3 feet tall) usually

when

the wire prongs at the bottom are pushed into the ground. Taller cages require a stake, post, or wire for

support. Large (6-inch by 6-inch)

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.

main stem and

tie tightly

to the stake (right). Tying the stems too tightly injures

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.

recommended: increases size and

earliness;

highly

intermediate yields

more

fruit

cracking
rot-

recommended

(10-15 pounds per

plant); least space;

and blossom-end

may

use

lowest yield per plant;

labor and time to tie and prune the plants

single-stem, double-

plants can be closer

stem, or multiple-stem

together; fruits are

larger

pruning systems
Plants

and easy to pick

cost of cage; storage

grown

Most

varieties

not generally

highly

high yields (15-25

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;

difficult to pick inside

grow
in

naturally later

weather; normal

foliage

the season

no tying necessary

Harvesting
Tomatoes should be firm and
of highest quality
daily
fully colored.

two, harvest the fruits

when
is

color has started to develop,

They

are

and ripen them

day before a
mature

further indoors (at 70 to 75F).

On

the

when

they ripen on healthy vines and

average about 75F.

killing freeze
is

expected, harvest

all

green

summer temperatures
(air
is

When

fruit that

desired for later use in the

fall.

Wrap

temperatures are high

the softening process

temperature of 90F or more),

the tomatoes individually in paper and store at 60 to

65F.

accelerated

and color develop-

They continue

to ripen slowly over the next several

ment
hot

is

retarded, reducing quality. For this reason, during

weeks.

Whole

plants

may

be uprooted and hung in shelcontinues to ripen.

summer

weather, pick your tomatoes every day or

tered locations,

where

fruit

126

MAJOR VEGETABLES

increase the incidence of blossom-end rot.

Some tomato

Tomato hornworm
(2-3 inches)

varieties are

much more

susceptible to this condition

than others. Mulching and uniform watering help to

prevent blossom-end
rot.

Once the blackened ends

They
are best

appear, affected fruits cannot be saved.

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

removed and destroyed

so that healthy fruit setting later

can develop more quickly.

Poor color and sunscald occur when high temperatures retard the

end of

development of

full

red color in toma-

worm. Tomato hornworms

and
several

feed

on the

leaves

and

toes exposed directly to the hot sun. Sunscald occurs as a

large,

fruit,

worms on one
fruit.

plant can quickly defoli-

whitish area
a

on the

fruit

during hot, dry weather.

It

ate

it

and ruin developing

Because their green

becomes

problem when

foliage has

been

lost

through

coloring so closely resembles tomato foliage

and stems,

other diseases such as early blight, or on early varieties

that normally have poor foliage cover as the fruit ripens.

they are

difficult to see.

Handpick

in cooler parts of the

If

day or use suggested biological

insecticides.

you

see

hornworms with

small, white

cocoons protruding, leave

Questions
Q.

and Answers
my tomato
is

them

alone. These structures are the

pupae of

parasitic

What
up?

causes the lower leaves of

plants to

insects that help control the

hornworm
is

population, and

roll

A. Leaf roll (curling of the leaflets)

a physiological

the individual wearing

Verticillium

them

already

doomed.
and

condition that occurs

most commonly when plants are trained

fruiting or quality.

and fusarium

wilts are soilborne

and pruned.

It

should not affect

diseases that cause yellowing of the leaves, wilting,

premature death of plants. These diseases

dens where susceptible plants
up, the only practical control
varieties.

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

grown. Once they build

with drying

hot winds), tomatoes do not set and flowers drop. The problem

the use of resistant (VF)

Q.

What can do
I

to prevent

my tomatoes from

cracking?

Early blight

is

characterized by dead
leaves

brown

spots

A.

Cracking varies with the

variety.

Many of the newer varieties

and plant

that usually start

plant.

on the lower

and spread up the

see concentric
is

are resistant to cracking. Severe pruning increases cracking.

Upon

close inspection,

you can

Keep

soil

moisture uniform as the tomatoes develop,

rings within the spots.

Although early blight

most

resistant varieties to

minimize

this

problem.

severe

on the

leaves,

it

sometimes occurs on the stems

Q.

What

causes small, irregular, cloudy white spots just

skin of

and can cause

severe defoliation. In

some

seasons,

you

under the

my

tomatoes.

A.

These spots on green or

may need

ripe fruits are

caused by the feeding of stink bugs.

to use fungicide sprays to achieve high yields

fruit.

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

tolerant of early blight than others.

is

of the leaves
first

and stems

after spraying the plants for the

it

Septoria leafspot
black spots

characterized

by numerous small

time.

A.

Judging from the description,

seem

likely

that

on the

leaves.

The

centers of these spots later

your tomato plants have been injured by 2,4-D or a similar

growth-regulator weed
killer.

turn white, and tiny black dots appear in the white centers.

Never use the same sprayer

for

in

The

disease starts

on the bottom

leaves

and may

your vegetable garden that you use

also

weed

control in your

lawn. Drift from herbicides originating

'/>

mile or

more away
use extreme

become

severe in wet weather. Use suggested fungicides

can

injure

your tomato plants. For

this reason,

for control.

caution
is

when

applying lawn-care chemicals near vegetable or

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

caused by the combination of a local-

ized calcium deficiency in the developing fruit

fluctuations of soil moisture.

The problem

is

especially

bad

in hot weather. Soil applications of calcium

help,

though

foliar

calcium sprays

may minimize

occurrence of the problem.

Make

sure the formulation

designed for
result.

foliar application, or severe stress to

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

the plants that

may

tomatoes " by some seed

stores.

MAJOR VEGETABLES

127

Rutabaga, Brassica napus var.

napobrassica (also

known

as

swede or swede

turnip),

and

turnip, Brassica rapa var. rapifera, are frost-hardy, cool-

season vegetables that are often used as substitutes for

potatoes in the
nips,
diet. In fact,

these roots, along with pars-

were staples in parts of Europe before the introduc-

tion of the white potato from the Western Hemisphere in

the late 15th century.

Turnips are easy to grow

if

sown

in the proper season.

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

months and may be planted

fall

either in

the spring, late summer, or

spring crop
crop,
is

for roots or greens.

The

planted for early

usually larger

summer

use.

The

fall
is

which

is

and of higher

quality,

often stored for winter use.

Because rutabagas require 4 weeks longer to mature

than turnips, they are best grown as a

leaves are smoother;

fall

crop.

The

opposite directions

until

they snap. Prune the

plants every 5 to 7 days. Be careful not to prune the develop-

and the

roots are rounder, larger,

is

ing flower clusters that

off

grow from the main stem

the plant.

or to pinch

the growing
severely

tip (terminal) of

Remember

the

and firmer than those of

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

Canada but should perform

fairly well

anywhere there
or early winter.

a fairly long cool period in the

autumn

some

of the earliness

and

fruit size for less risk of

cracking, blossom-end rot,

and

sunburn.

Varieties

Turnip (white-fleshed unless noted): Just Right

Q.

What

is

"potomato?"
commonly

A.

Although both potato and

(hybrid-28 days to harvest for greens and 60 days for

roots;
fall);

tomato plants can be

called "topato")

intergrafted, the

"potomato" (sometimes
is

smooth, high-quality, mild

roots,

pure white; for

advertised

simply a tomato seed

together, producing
in

inserted into a potato tuber

and planted

Gilfeather (75 days;

large;

Vermont heirloom; egg-shaped,

texture, delicate

both a tomato plant and a potato plant

results are

the

same

hill.

The

uniform,
flavor,

creamy white, smooth

foliage,

not

likely to

be particularly

successful.

smooth

almost

like a rutabaga);

Golden
Market

Q.

My grandpa grew a
I

heart-shaped, dark pink tomato

Ball (60 days, sweet, fine-grained

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

turnips, pure white

roots); Purple

Top White Globe

(55 days, the standard

purple and white; smooth, globe roots); Royal

Crown
flesh;

exchanges
rah,

Seed Savers Exchange, RR #3, Box 239, DecoIA 52101, which have been finding and rescuing old varilike

(hybrid-52 days, purple top,

fast

growth, uniform roots,

eties.

More

old

and heirloom

varieties are also available

from

resistant to bolting); Scarlet Ball (red skin,

white

conventional seed sources these days. Perhaps, by doing

some

cooked or pickled in the

Scarlet

skin, the flesh turns red as well);

homework and contacting one or several

can find a variety that
is

of these sources, you

like

Queen (hybrid-45

days, bright scarlet root,

exactly (or very nearly)

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-

Tokyo Cross (hybrid-35 days; AAS winner;

white, uniform, round roots; slow to get pithy);

White

Knight (75 days, smooth, uniform, pure white, flattened-

126

MAJOR VEGETABLES

globe roots); and White Lady (hybrid-pure white, sweet,

tender, delicious roots, slow to get pithy;

Thin turnip seedlings to 2 to 4 inches apart when they

are 4 inches
tall.

smooth

tops).

The removed plants

are large

enough

to

Turnip Greens: Alltop (hybrid-35 days, vigorous,

high-yielding, rapid regrowth, resistant to mosaic); Seven

use as greens.

If

you have planted turnips

for greens,

harvest the tops as needed

tall. If

when

they are 4 to 6 inches

Top (open-pollinated-40
only);

days; dark green leaves; for tops

the growing points are not removed, tops con-

Shogoin

(42 days; tender, mild; roots

good when

tinue to regrow. Successive plantings at 10-day intervals

young); and Topper (hybrid-35 days; heavy yields, vigor-

provide later harvests of quality roots or greens. Old

turnips tend to be tough
usually

ous regrowth; good bolt resistance; resistant to mosaic;

pale green roots also edible).

and woody. Rutabagas

due to
their longer

are not

sown

in succession

time

Rutabaga (yellow-fleshed): Altasweet (92 days; purple shoulders, light yellow below; mild, sweet flavor);

requirement before harvest. In mild

areas, large rutabagas

may

hold in the garden well into the winter.

American Purple Top (90 days,

large globe-shaped roots

flesh);

with purple top and light yellow

Improved Long

Care

Island (90 days; large, spherical; purplish red shoulders,

light yellow below; small taproot); Laurentian (90 days;

When

the plants are small, cultivate 2 to 3 inches

larger, cultivate

deep between rows. As the plants become

dark purple shoulders, pale yellow below; smooth,

more shallowly
roots. Pull
left

to prevent injury to the tender feeder

in the

uniform

roots, small necks); Pike

(100 days; purple shoul-

weeds that appear

large.

row before they

ders; similar to Laurentian, better leaf cover,

may be

become too

in field later in

fall);

and Red Chief (90

days).

Harvesting

When
For

to Plant summer use,

Spring turnips should be pulled or cut

turnips should be planted as early in
fall

when

the roots

or tops reach usable

early

size.

Harvest

fall

roots starting in
are of

the spring as possible. (See the maps, page 26.) For

harvest, plant rutabagas about 100 days before the
frost,

autumn

or as needed. Turnips

and rutabagas
are of

first

best quality (mild

size (turnips

and tender) when they

medium

and plant turnips about

turnips

3 to 4

weeks

later.

should be 2 to 3 inches in diameter and

Fall

may also be broadcast

after early potatoes,

rutabagas 3 to 5 inches in diameter) and have grown

cabbage, beets, and peas, or between rows of sweet corn.

Prepare a good seedbed, and rake the seed in lightly.
cultivation
is

quickly and without interruption. Both are hardy to

frosts

fall

No

and may,

in fact, be

sweetened by cool weather.

early
in

necessary, but

you may

find that a few large

heavy straw mulch extends harvest through the

part of the winter. Turnips
refrigeration, in
cellar (see

weeds must be removed by hand. Provide ample water

for seed

and rutabagas keep well

pit,

germination and vigorous plant growth. Both

an outdoor

or in an underground

turnips

and rutabagas have been used

for excellent fall

pages 167 and 168). They

may be dipped

in

and
left

early winter stock feed

when

broadcast onto fields

warm

(but not hot)

wax

to prevent loss of moisture.

vacant by

earlier

crop harvest.

Common
Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting
Plant seeds
'/

Problems
(see

Root maggots
where
previous year. The

page 40) can be a problem in areas

inch deep

(3 to

20 seeds per foot of

if

radishes, turnips, or rutabagas

soil

were grown the

row). Allow 12 to 24 inches

between rows. Water

should be treated with a suggested

necessary to germinate the seed and establish the seedlings (especially for

insecticide before the next planting.

seedlings to 6

summer sowings). Thin rutabaga inches apart when they are 2 inches tall.

Question and Answer

Q. Why are my rutabagas small, tough, and bitter tasting? A. Rutabagas are best grown in northern areas or as a fall crop. When they develop and mature in hot weather, they do
not develop typical sweetness
try adjusting the planting

and

flavor. In

southerly locations,

season so that root development

fall,

takes place in the cooler days of

whenever that

may be

in

your area.

MAJOR VEGETABLES

129

Varieties
Early (70 to 75 days to harvest): Golden
flesh,

Crown
Sugar

(red

green skin; skin turns yellow

when

ripe);

ermelon
j
tender,

Baby

(red flesh, 6 to 10 pounds); Yellow

flesh, flesh,

Baby (hybrid-

yellow yellow

6 to 10 pounds); and Yellow Doll (hybrid6 to 10 pounds).

(red,

Main-Season (80 to 85 days): Charleston Gray

Watermelon,
Citrullus lanatus,
is

20 to 25 pounds); Crimson Sweet

(red,

20 to 25 pounds);

warm-season vegetable. Watermelons can be

in
all

Madera (hybrid-red, 14 to 22 pounds); Parker (hybridred,

grown
atures

parts of the country, but the

warmer temper-

22 to 25 pounds); Sangria (hybrid-red, 22 to 26

and longer growing season

of southern areas espe-

pounds); Sunny's Pride (hybrid-red, 20 to 22 pounds);

cially favor this vegetable.

Gardeners in northern areas

and Sweet Favorite (hybrid-red, 20 pounds).

Seedless
(all

should choose early varieties and use transplants.

are triploid hybrids, 80 to 85 days):

Mulching with black

motes
earliness

plastic film (see

soil

page 36) also proplastic.

Cotton Candy

(red, 15 to

20 pounds); Crimson Trio

(red,

by warming the
(see

beneath the

14 to 16 pounds);

Honey Heart

(yellow flesh, 8 to 10

Floating

row covers

page 32) moderate temperature

pounds); Jack of Hearts

(red, 11 to

13 pounds); King of
(red, 15 to

around the young

plants, providing

some

frost protec-

Hearts (red, 14 to 18 pounds);

Nova

17

tion in unseasonable cold spells.

Seedless watermelons are self-sterile hybrids that

pounds); Queen of Hearts

(red,

12 to 16 pounds); and

Tiffany (red, 14 to 22 pounds).

develop normal-looking
seeds.

fruits

but no fully developed

are

The

seeds for growing

them

produced by

cross-

When
frost
soil,
is

to Plant
is

ing a normal diploid watermelon with one that has been

Plant after the soil

past.

warm, and when

all

danger of

changed genetically into the tetraploid

from
this cross

state.

The seeds

Watermelons grow best on a sandy loam

soils

produce plants

that,

when

pollinated by

although yields on clay

can be increased

normal

plants,

produce seedless melons.

significantly

by mulching

raised planting rows with

In seedless watermelons (genetic triploids), rudimentary seed structures

tasteless,

black plastic film.

form but remain small,

soft,

white,

and undeveloped tiny seedcoats that

are eaten

Spacing of Plants and Depth of Planting

Watermelon vines require considerable
seeds
1

virtually

undetected along with the flesh of the melon.

is

space. Plant

Seed production for these seedless types

labor-intensive process,

an extremely
relatively
is

inch deep in

hills

spaced 6 feet apart. Allow 7 to

which makes the seeds

10 feet between rows. After the seedlings are established,

thin to the best three plants per
hill.

expensive. Because germination of these types

less

often
that

Plant single trans-

vigorous than normal types,

it is

recommended

plants 2 to 3 feet apart or double transplants 4 to 5 feet

apart in the rows.
Start the seeds inside 3

they be started in peat pots or other transplantable

containers,

where the germinating conditions can be

weeks before they are to be

at

set

closely controlled.
lar

Once

transplanted, cultivation

is

simi-

out in the garden (see "Starting Plants

Home," pages
peat pots, or
plants. For
cell,

to that for regular watermelons.

45 to 48). Plant 2 or 3 seeds in peat

pellets,

For pollination necessary to set

types

fruit,

normal seeded

cell packs,

and thin

to the best

one or two

must be interplanted with

seedless melons.

The

expensive seedless types, plant one seed to a pot or

pollinator should be distinct from the seedless cultivar in

color, shape, or

and discard those that do not germinate. Do not

early

start

too

type so that the seedless and seeded

at harvest.

large watermelon seedlings transplant poorly.

melons in the patch can be separated

seedless types
flesh
is

Because

do not put energy into seed production, the

often sweeter than normal types, and the vines are

noticeably

more vigorous

as the season progresses.

130

MAJOR VEGETABLES

Growing transplants

inside requires a

warm

temperature,

Questions
Q.

and Answers

ideally between 80 and 85F. Place black plastic film (see

page 36) over the row before planting. Use a

izer (see
less

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

melons, you must plant a standard seeded variety

one another,

cross-pollination

is

alongside.
fertile

The

seedless

melon

varieties

do not have the

fruit.

not apparent unless seeds are saved

and planted

the following

Watermelons do not cross with muskmelons, squash,

pollen necessary to pollinate and set the

pumpkins, or cucumbers. The poor quality of your melons

result

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

extreme northern areas.

from weeds by

shal-

cultivation.
is

The

plants have moderately

and watering
for a

seldom necessary unless the

areas,

weather turns dry

prolonged period. In cooler

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

causes deep holes

A.

in

the tops of

my wateror

producing a good crop in a short season.

melons?
other

The holes were probably

made by pheasants

wildlife

searching for water during dry weather.

Harvesting Many home gardeners experience difficulty in determining when watermelons are ripe. Use a combination
of the following indicators: (1) light green, curly tendrils

on the stem near the point

usually turn
fruit

of attachment of the

melon

brown and
(3)

dry; (2) the surface color of the

turns dull;

the skin becomes resistant to penetrais

tion

by the thumbnail and

rough to the touch; and

it lies

(4)

the bottom of the

melon (where

on the

soil)

turns

from

light green to a yellowish color.

These indicators for

choosing a ripe watermelon are

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.

Problems Cucumber beetles (see

Apply

page 40) attack watermelon

If

a suggested insecticide for control.

row

covers are used in the early season for temperature

eration, early-season insect pests

modif

may also be
left

excluded

the covers are applied so that the pests cannot penetrate

to the crop below. These covers

may be

in place until

the plants start to bloom, at which time pollinating insects

must be allowed to reach the

flowers.

MINOR VEGETABLES

133

compound

leaves with a biting, pungent, spicy flavor

Minor
Vegetables
Amaranth Greens
Amaranth
Amaranthus
greens,

reminiscent of peppercress or horseradish. Leaves should

be harvested in the young-tender

stage, as a bitter flavor

develops in older leaves, especially as flowers develop.

Arugula quickly bolts to seed

temperatures.

when exposed

to hot

Plant seeds in the garden about the

tricolor

same time
fall.

as

Amaranthus

and other

radishes or spinach, in either early spring or

Sow

species, are also

know

as tampala, Chinese

seeds

'/

to

inch deep in rows 12 to 18 inches apart.

apart.

spinach, hon-toi-moi, or pigweed. Leaf shapes are varied,

Thin plants to stand about 4 inches

plants
are

Thinned
as

with red, green, purplish, and variegated color patterns.

may be added

to salads or

mixed greens

they
after

Tampala

is

a broad-leaf variety,

which

is

most often

avail-

removed from the row.

Starting about 6

weeks

able in the United States.

sowing, individual young, tender leaves

'/

may be

Seeds should be sowed about

inch deep, in rows 18

harvested from the remaining plants, as they enlarge,

until the plant bolts to seed.

to 24 inches apart. Soil temperature should be at least

55F,

Remove

flowering plants to

and the planting planned so that the seeds do not

after the

avoid self-seeding problems.

Successive plantings

germinate until

average last-frost date, as the

may be made

every 7 to 10 days
as the plants

seedlings are frost tender.

Thin seedlings to stand 3 to 6

through the early spring season, so long

inches apart. Thinned plants

may be

eaten, composted,
like spinach;

have enough cool days to mature the crop before

or discarded. Greens are usually

cooked

and

summer's heat. Each planting remains in peak eating

condition for only a short time. Resume plantings in
late

the taste
at

is

similar,

with an added zesty tang. Harvested

the proper stage (about 7 weeks after sowing) these

summer
Few

for fall harvest.

greens have

more

iron

and calcium than

kale, chard,

pests normally bother this plant,

though

it is

spinach, or collards.

probably wise to be on the lookout for

leaves are ready for harvest

common

pests of

The shoot
about 3 weeks
regrow

tips

and young

the cabbage family.

after

sowing. Plants should branch and

after harvest. Eventually,

they will attempt to

Bean
Adzuki bean, Vigna
angularis,

flower, at

which time

new

planting

may be made.
well through the
for the year.

Amaranth should grow and produce

has been cultivated for hundreds of

years in the Far East. Because the

warm

season. Frost marks the

end of harvest

beans are high in protein, low in

Arugula
Arugula,

sugar,
vesicaria var. sativa,
is

and easy

to digest

and have

<\

^^^^r

\ _S
t

Emca

also

slightly sweet flavor,

they are often used in desserts.

know

as roquette, rocket salad,

and white

Many of the
States are

adzuki beans imported into the United

pepper. Roquette was the preferred

used for sprouting (see "Sprouting Seeds," page

common name until

recently,

when

this

169).

plant has enjoyed a surge in popularity,

or boil

Some gardeners harvest the immature pods, saute them briefly, and eat adzukis as a fresh vegetable.
is

and arugula has now become the name

of choice in the trendy greens trade.

Plant seed in the spring after frost danger

past.

Successive plantings
Rich,
is

may be made
apart,

to extend the season.

1

Arugula

is

commonly used

in

mixed
taste

loamy

soil is best,

with seeds planted about

inch

salads or as a

cooked green. The

deep in rows 24 to 36 inches

to 3 inches apart.
early
fall.

with plants thinned

in late

probably too strong to be eaten alone,

The beans mature

summer

or

though

it

can add considerable

zest

and

Pull and dry the plants once they are fully

interest to salad mixes.

mature, and the seeds then are removed easily by

shelling.

Arugula

is

a cool-season plant in the

Cruciferae (cabbage) family, closely related to the

Fava bean,
quickly
cut,

Vicia faba (horse bean,

broad bean, or

mustards. Under favorable growing conditions,

it

Windsor bean), pods are edible

when young and may be

in

forms a low rosette of succulent, dull green, deeply

cooked

as

snow

peas.

They have never been popular

the United States, as they require cool summers.

Young

134

MINOR VEGETABLES

fresh beans

may be

shelled from pods

and eaten
shelled,

like

Immature seed pods may be harvested and cooked

like

green peas; or mature dry pods

may be

and the

snap beans or asparagus beans. Both mature shellout

favas prepared like dry beans for use in casseroles.

beans and dried seeds also can be cooked and eaten.

Culture
1
is

Fava beans are a cool-season vegetable, hardier than

green beans, and should be planted earlier in the season,

much
deep

like

pole beans, with seeds planted

to 2 inches

after all

danger of

frost

is

past

and the

more

like

garden peas. They grow to 40 to 50 inches in

variety. Plant in

soil

has

warmed

thoroughly. In areas of short growing

started early indoors or in a
after

height,

depending on the

30-inch rows,

seasons, plants

may be

with seeds 5 to 6 inches apart and 2 inches deep. Favas

also

greenhouse and transplanted outside

arrives.

warm weather
strings,

make

good cool-season cover crop

for green-

The stems

are twining

and

will

climb

manure

soil building.
first

Care should be taken

when
Italy,

eating

wires, poles, or

most other
is

common

supports. Culture
is

favas for the

time because a few people carry a

Portu-

without supports
to be

not advised. This

a gorgeous plant

genetic allergy to them. Favas are popular in

gal,

grown where the vegetable and flower gardens

all

and Spain. Some sources

offer

them simply

as fava

meet, or where

plants are freely interplanted.

is

beans, but varietal

names used may include Long Pod,

Cicer arietinwn (also

Mung bean,

Vigna radiata (Chinese bean),

popular

Windsor, or Broad Windsor Long Pod.

with gardeners interested in oriental vegetables.

ancient crop of India,
vegetable

An

Garbanzo bean,

mung beans may be

eaten as a

known
that
is

as chickpea, chestnut bean, pea),

is

when

the pods are green, or as a dry bean

and egyptian

a tender annual
It is

when
which
are dried or are a long-

they mature. There are two types, one with green

neither a pea nor a bean.

seed coats and one with yellow. Selections are available

that are adaptable to long or short day length. In the

grown

for its chestnut-flavored seeds,

roasted for soups

and

salads.

Garbanzo beans

United

States,

where

mung beans

are mostly used for

season crop (about 100 days to harvest) and are not a

sprouting, seeds
are

may be

ordered from a very limited

rarely are

common
listed as

garden vegetable in the United

States.

They

number

of seed houses

and catalogs and very

racks.
If

garbanzo or chickpea in garden catalogs.

variety

found on garden-center seed

be found, seeds
soil.

no other source can

Commonly, no

name
in

is listed.

may be

purchased in gourmet food stores

Garbanzo beans grow

any well-drained garden

fertility,

and planted

in your garden.
vari-

Because they do not require high

fertilizer

side-dress

Berken and Oklahoma- 12 are two commercial

eties,

applications are not necessary. After the soil

1

sometimes

available, that are suitable to

warms, plant seeds

apart.

inch deep in rows 24 to 36 inches

apart.

locations.

They

are listed

simply as

many U.S. "mung bean" in most

1

Thin seedlings to 3 inches

feet tall.

The bushy plants

by
ripe.

seed catalogs.
Plant

grow about 2
short,

White flowers

are followed

mung beans

inch deep and

inch apart.
free of

rounded green pods, which turn brown when

Allow 24 to 30 inches between rows. Keep

weeds
formto

Pick fully mature pods as they turn brown, shell as dried

by shallow hoeing and

ing

cultivation.

The beans
tall

start

beans,

and

store in airtight jars or cans.

lablab,
is

when

the plants are 15 to 18 inches

and begin

Hyacinth bean, Dolichos

Although the
for

also called lablab,

flower.

Chinese flowering, pharaoh, wild

ripe seeds

field,

and indian bean.

are widely used

Mung beans
Tie the plants in

are ready to harvest as dry beans in

and green pods

about 100 days. Harvest by pulling up the entire plant.

food in southern Asia and

is

Africa, in the

United States

bunches and hang them overhead, or

the plant
Its

more often
is

cultivated as an ornamental vine.

a

dry them on clean papers on the floor of a shed or garage

that
is

appearance

somewhere between
trifoliate leaflets are

southern pea and

well-ventilated.

The beans can be

easily shelled or

a pole bean.

The

broad, oval, and

to

flailed

from the pods when they

are completely dry.

They

pointed.
tall

With support, the vines may grow 15

frost-free

20

feet

can be stored
year. See

for sprouting or for planting the following

where the

season

is

long enough.
is

"Sprouting Seeds," page 169, and gourmet and

The most

spectacular feature of the hyacinth bean

specialty vegetable references for

more information
or sprouts.

the 4- to 6-inch clusters of sweet-scented flowers in

about sprouting and using

mung beans
max

shades of pink, purple, or white. Fruits resemble lima

Edible soybean, Glycine

(also called

bean pods and

purple.

may be

either glossy green or reddish

soya bean), can be successfully grown as a

shellout or dry bean in of the country.

The pods contain three

brown, or white. There

to six seeds,
is

which may

most

parts

be

red,

a distinctive, long white

food naturally
prepared as

seed scar along most of one side of each seed.

high in protein,

it is

MINOR VEGETABLES

135

a fresh vegetable. in

Cooking makes the vegetable protein

easily digestible

Yard-long bean, Vigna unguiculata subspecies

pedalis (asparagus bean); see

sesqui-

soybeans more

and

palatable.

"Southern Pea," page 143.

Varieties available include Black Jet, Butterbeans,

Envy, Fiskeby
varieties of

V,

Maple Arrow, and

Prize.

These garden

Burdock
Burdock, Arctium lappa (also called gobu in Japanese
or

soybeans are usually larger-seeded, shorter

plants than the field varieties.

They

also

mature

earlier

and

are easier to shell. Field soybeans, harvested

when

ngau pong

in Chinese), has enlarged storage roots

immature, also
flavor

may be used may be more bitter.

1

as edible soybeans; but their

valued both for food and as a tonic to purify the blood

and
and grown much
like

relieve arthritis.
is

Burdock

is

a hardy biennial plant

large storage root

Edible soybeans are planted

that

grown

as

an annual because the

snap beans. Plant seeds

foot) after the

inch deep (8 to 10 seeds per

has passed and the
26.)
soil

forms the
ible in

first year,

quickly toughens, and becomes ined-

danger of

frost

has

the second, flowering, season.

warmed.

(See the

maps, page

Allow 24 to 30 inches

There are two closely related species, A. lappa and A.

minus.

between rows.
Edible soybeans reach the green-shell stage of maturity in

The one most commonly found growing wild

States
is

around the United

is

A. minus. A. lappa, however,

if

about 70 to 90 days. Dry beans can be harvested

the choice one for eating;

you had

bad experience
eat,

in 95 to 110 days. Green-shell beans are ready to harvest

digging burdock out of the raspberry patch to

then

when

the seeds are fully enlarged, but before the pods

seeds harden. At this time, the
hairy.

maybe you have not

In the garden,

tried the true

gobu.

become brown and the

sow

seeds of burdock in the spring

to at least 50F. Fall sowings

pods are plump, green, rough, and

all

Because nearly

when

the

soil

has

warmed

the beans are the same size and maturity, you can pull

are possible, but fall-planted seedlings

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

As they come from the garden, soybeans are

to shell, but boiling

difficult

prefer light to germinate, so press

them

into the soil at a

them

for

to 3 minutes or steaming

spacing of 4 to 8 inches. Soaking or scarifying

piercing or breaking the seed coat)
tion. Seeds also

(somehow

them

in a covered

pan

for 5

minutes makes shelling a

if

may

speed germina-

comparatively easy
are not ready to use

task.

The beans may be frozen

you

may be

started in flats indoors, but they

them. To harvest dry soybeans

for

should be transplanted before the taproot becomes

distorted within the container. to stand
1

sprouting, tofu, seed, or other uses, wait until the leaves

Thin or space transplants

soil

have turned yellow and

brown.

fallen.

At this time, the pods are

to 2 feet apart.

Almost any

where weedy

When

completely

dry,

they
as

or flailed in the edible soybeans

same manner

may be easily shelled mung beans. Most

burdock grows can produce cultivated gobu. Added

compost or

fertilizer

helps

make more
grow

spectacular results.
roots the size of

have some tendency to shatter (burst

Some

plants of burdock actually

if left

from the pods) once the pods dry; you

may want

to

baseball bats

to

grow through one whole season.

begin harvest before the beans are completely dry to

avoid having too

Space can be a problem. The leaves of a thriving

many of them

spontaneously popping

burdock plant

may

spread 2 to 3 feet in

all

directions.
is

out of their pods in the garden. Harvest carefully, too, to

avoid losing beans because the pods
touched.
while
If

Allow enough space so a neighboring crop

ered.
If

not smoth-

may burst when

day
help.

allowed to go to seed the second year, the plants

seedstalks

this

is

a problem, harvesting early in the

may grow

up

to 8 feet

tall.

dew

still

moistens the pods

may

Because mature roots often

may be

2 feet or more in

Winged bean,

Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (goa bean or

length, digging the crop can be a challenge, especially in

four-angled bean), has been cultivated for centuries in

parts of Asia but in recent years has

stony or heavy

soil.

Care should be taken to dig the bed

drawn much

atten-

deeply before planting the seeds, so that the young roots

will

tion in the United States for

its

high protein content and

not be deformed by encountering impediments in

soil.

the edible nature of the entire plant at various stages. Im-

the

Small root pieces that break off in the

soil

may

mature pods, mature

leaves
all

seeds, tender shoots, flowers,

and

form new plants and become moderately weedy, so dig

carefully alongside the plants,

can be eaten.
is

and

pull cautiously to

After frost danger

apart, in

past, seeds are

planted 2 to 3 feet

minimize breakage. Harvest can begin about 10 weeks

after seed

rows 4

feet apart.

Flowering occurs under short

to facilitate the

sowing in most

years. Roots allowed to

grow

days. Plants should be

grown on wires

too large

develop a tough outer bark that requires peeling

harvesting of

tips, leaves,

and the young beans.

of the roots.

136

MINOR VEGETABLES

To prepare tender, young roots

outer layer from them,
Slice or julienne

for eating, scrape the

should be harvested before freezing weather and stored

in

down

to the white fiber beneath.

some

sort of protected cold storage.

Some

gardeners

the roots, and soak in cool water or

mulch the

plants with straw or leaves to protect the

place directly in the

cooking

utensil.

Changing the water

and
flavor.

roots, permitting harvesting at

any time during the

1

two

to three times improves the color

Cook

winter months. The yield should exceed

pound

of

until tender,

though cooked gobu remains more crunchy

is

usable root per foot of row. Celeriac can be blanched by

slightly hilling the plants to cover the roots as

than a cooked carrot and

as

slightly stringy.
stir-fry

It

can be used

they

an ingredient in oriental

dishes or

combined

develop. Although the exterior

flesh

is

brown

in color, the

with carrots as a vegetable side dish. The roots also add a

pleasantly aromatic flavor to soups

remains a bright white.

and

stews.

Chicory
Celeriac
Celeriac,
var.

Chicory, Cichorium intybus,

is

Apium graveolens
(also

a hardy vegetable that

rapaceum

known

as
is

used in three basic forms. The

celery root,

knob

celery,

roots are dried, roasted,

and prepared

turnip-rooted celery, and

celery),
is
is

german
as a coffee substitute or in coffee blends.
celery.
It

a novel

form of

The

slightly bitter, curled, dandelionlike

grown

for the swollen root that

line.

greens (sometimes called italian dandelion)

are

develops at the ground

The
leaves

grown and used

as potherbs. Witloof
is

attractive dark green stems

and

chicory (also called french or belgian endive)

a blanched, tender, fresh-salad delicacy.
It is

forced as

are generally free

from

pests. Celeriac,

sold at high

popular with
is

many European

cultures,

prices in

some produce markets.

varieties are listed according to intend-

grated or sliced in salads

and cooked

in soups

and

The following

stews.

ed use. Greens: Catalongna (asparagus type); Radichetta;

Celeriac requires a

minimum growing

period of 120

San Pasquale; and Sugarhat

(cut-leaf).

Chicory Root:

days and can be grown successfully throughout most of

the United States. Alabaster, Giant Prague, and Large

Brunswick, Madgeburg, and Zealand. Forcing: Flash;

Mitado; Monitor Hybrid; Robin (pink color

in

when

forced;

Smooth Prague

are the varieties

most frequently found

unique); Turbo Hybrid; Witloof; and

Plant seeds
l

Zoom

hybrid.

the United States; but

new

introductions

now

include
/2

inch deep (12 to 15 seeds per foot of

Alba, Brilliant, Diamant, Dolvi, Jose,

and Monarch. The two or three

flat.

row). Allow 18 to 24 inches between rows.

When the

seed should be planted in the early spring in cell packs,

either in a cold frame or greenhouse. Plant
l

seedlings are 2 to 3 inches

tall,

thin to 9 to 12 inches

apart for chicory roots

for witloof. Plant in

and

greens,

and 3

to 4 inches apart

of the fine seeds U inch deep in each cell of the seed

May for greens and

roots,

and about

Thin to a
least
tall,

single plant per cell after the plants

have

at

120 days before

frost for

production of roots for forcing.

two

true leaves.

When

the plants are 2 to 2V2 inches

Greens. Young, tender leaves 6 to 8 inches long can

they can be transplanted into the garden. Space the

be harvested for greens in 60 to 70 days. Chicory also

plants 6 inches apart in rows 18 to 24 inches wide.

may

be blanched by tying the outermost leaves in the

as endive

Though the

plants later

become very

robust, the

same manner

and

escarole (see page 79).

is

seedlings are rather delicate, so use caution

when
cele-

Chicory root. Chicory root

grown
is

as a long-season

handling the transplants. Use a

(see

starter fertilizer solution

annual. Most commercial production chicory root

is

in Michigan, but

page 20) to get the plants established. Because

appreciates moist soil

easily

grown under

a variety of climatic

riac, like celery,

and interruptions

conditions. Dig roots in the late

fall

before they are

is

of growth seriously decrease the size of the roots, the

frozen into the ground. At that time, the crown

7 inches in diameter, tapering into a taproot.

5 to

plants should be watered uniformly, especially during

The usable

periods of drought.
root
Celeriac does not attain
until after the
celeriac
first frost
its full
fall. is

9 to 10 inches long. The roots are scrubbed to

soil,

sweetness and flavor

In southern locations,

remove garden

cubed, then roasted for grinding.

in the

Forcing chicory.
forcing roots.
If

Do

not plant seeds too early for

may

be

left in

the garden to be harvested as

you

do, the roots

may grow too

large or

needed. Above 40 degrees north latitude, the roots

develop flower

stalks,

making then unsuitable

for fore-

MINOR VEGETABLES

137

ing.

Roots with a diameter of

to

VU

inches at the the weather

any well-drained garden

soil.

A polyethylene tunnel can

late

crown

are preferred for forcing.

cold, dig the roots

When

be placed over the row to force growth in

early spring cutting.

winter for

becomes

and cut

off the tops

about

2 inches above the crown (top of root). Store the roots in

a cool place with high moisture, such as an outdoor

Harvest in the

fall

when

plants reach satisfactory

size.

Cut

just

below the crown with

a sharp knife so that the

vegetable pit or underground

cellar.

leaves remain attached. Unharvested plants

may be

left

During the winter and early spring, roots can be prepared in

a new forcing box every 2 to 3 weeks
for a con-

for use the following spring. Harvest in early spring

before the plants form flower stalks

and go
bitter

to seed.

If

tinuous supply. Most gardeners put their forcing boxes in

the basement because the absence of light produces the
pale,

flowering occurs, the greens

become

and

are of

poor

quality.

The

cultivated sorts
if

become

just as

weedy

bleached quality of the witloof heads that

is

desired.

as the wild types

ers

allowed to reseed

freely.

Some garden-

Some

gardeners force witloof in cold frames or hotbeds,

force
it

blanch the inner rosette of leaves by tying the outer

and some

in a trench in the garden.

sheet of

leaves together over the plant. Blanching leaves milder

makes the

clear or black polyethylene film (see

page 36) should be

temperature.

and

less bitter.

placed over the trench to increase

soil

Cut

off the slender tips so that the roots are a

uniform

Garden Cress
Garden
cress,

length (6 to 8 inches), and place the roots close together

in a

Lepidium sativum,
is

is

a hardy, cool-season

box or other

container.

Fill

with sand or fine

soil

salad green. Curleycress

named

variety that grows

sifted

between the roots to the tops of the crowns. Add

rapidly (12 to

20 days to

harvest).

It is

used as a garnish or

6 to 8 inches of sand or sawdust over the crowns. The

spicy addition to salads. Winter cress, Barbarea verna,

(often listed as

blanched tops grow into compact, pointed heads. The

proper temperature for forcing
is

Upland Cress

in

garden catalogs), requires

is

between 60 and

70F.

50 days to harvest. The familiar watercress

or

an aquatic

Water thoroughly

after

preparing the forcing box.

One

plant that grows in shallow, cool, fresh, (such as streams) and

is

moving water

two additional waterings may be

requires 3 to 4

necessary. Forcing

not usually suited for

home
l

weeks to develop firm heads.

gardening.

When

the heads (chicons) break the surface, remove

Sow 10
soon
cress

to 15 seeds per foot of row,

and cover them U

Garden

the sand or sawdust. With a knife, cut off the head at the

to Vz inch deep. Plant garden cress at 2-week intervals as

as the

point of attachment with the root. Prepare heads for the

ground can be worked

in the spring.
is

kitchen by removing dirty and loose outer leaves. Store

the excess in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. Chicory

grows very rapidly and usually

not thinned. Plant

seeds of winter cress in late

summer

at the

same time that

heads keep
after the

for 2 to 4 weeks. Smaller side

is

heads develop

you plant

fall

spinach. Thin seedlings of winter cress to 2

main chicon

harvested. These heads also

may

to 3 inches apart in the row. Plantings of either type

in the heat of
results.

made

be used, though the shoot quality begins to deteriorate

after the

summer usually produce

moist

disappointing

second flush of sprouts

as the root's reserves are

exhausted.

The

cresses require relatively

soil

and cool

growing conditions. They can be grown

in protected cold

Dandelion
Dandelion, Taraxacum
officinale, is a

frames during the winter months. Pick the leaves

when
at

hardy perennial

they are 3 to 5 inches long, or cut the entire plants

size before

any

whose
lion

leaves are gathered as potherbs or greens.

Dandewild
is

the seedstalks form.

may be

cultivated in the

home garden when

plants are not available.

great.

The

variability in plant types

Garden Huckleberry
Garden huckleberry, Solatium melanocerasum
(also

The named

varieties,

Thick-Leaf and Improved

Thick-Leaf, are superior in flavor

tics

and growth

characteris-

known

as

wonderberry or sunberry),

is

a tender,

warm-

to the wild dandelion.

season annual plant of the nightshade family. The seeds

are listed in garden catalogs simply as "garden huckleberry." Ripe garden huckleberries are used for pies or

Dandelion requires a long growing season and develops best

at

low temperatures. Sow seeds y4 to y2 inch deep

in late spring to early

summer, and thin seedlings to 8 to

preserves. Unlike true

highbush

blueberries,

which grow

12 inches apart in the row. The plants form a rosette of

leaves

on a woody,
berries are

shrublike perennial plant, garden hucklefresh.

and overwinter

in the garden.

They can grow

in

not eaten

138

MINOR VEGETABLES

Sow

seeds, or start indoors

and transplant outdoors

and

white); Shenot (mixed-color

crown of thorns); Small

of Thorns (Bear Claw);

after the soil

has

warmed

in the spring. Plant seeds V2

Warted; Spoon; and White

C.

Crown

inch deep, and

thin to 12 inches apart.

The plants grow

feet tall.

maxima (ornamental

squash): Turk's Turban. Utility

semi-erect, widely branched,

related to

and 2 to 3

They

are

(Lagenaria species): Bottle; Calabash; Cave Man's Club;

Dipper; Dolphin (Maranka or

tomatoes and peppers and should be given the

care. Pick the berries

Swan

gourd);

Drum; and
Ital-

same general
ripe (usually

when

they are fully

Hercules' Club. Edible (Lagenaria species): Cucuzzi;

ian;

2 weeks after they

3

first

turn black).

The

ripe

New Guinea
and

Bean (Guinea Bean); Vegetable Gourd;

species): L. acutangula,

berries are V2 to
clusters.

A inch

in diameter

and grow

in loose

and Zucco. Dishrag (Luffa

L. aegyptica,

The

green,

immature

berries are

not edible.

L. cylindrica.

Edible (Luffa species):

Chinese Okra.
Plant seeds
1

inch deep and 6 to 12 inches apart in

rows 6 to 8

feet apart. Lagenarias are the

most vigorous
between

and may need to be spaced up

rows
if

to 12 to 15 feet

the plants are not

trellised.

When the

seedlings

are well established (with

one or two

true leaves), thin to

frost

2 to 3 feet apart. Plant after the danger of

has passed

and the

soil

has warmed

thoroughly. Both Lagenaria and

fruit.

Luffa require a fairly long season to mature

In

Gourd
"Gourd"
is

short-season areas,

you may need

to start plants indoors

to guarantee fully

in advance of settled

warm weather
(see

the

name commonly
applied to certain

ripened

fruit.

Control cucumber beetles

page 40) with weekly

warm-season vining crops that are closely related to

applications of a suggested insecticide from the time that

pumpkin and
confusing.

squash. As with other

members

the plants emerge from the

of the

soil.

Keep the rows

free

from

family Cucurbitaceae,

common
is

nomenclature can be
used to describe members

weeds by shallow hoeing and cultivation

growth covers the
further
entire

until rapid vine

The term "gourd"

ground surface and shades out

in northern

of the Cucurbita, Lagenaria, and Luffa genera. In general,

weed competition. Some gardeners

mulch
soil for better early

the C. pepo types are bitter and not eaten at any stage,

locations use black polyethylene

(see

page 36) to

being used for decoration only.

Some
the

of the Lagenaria

warm

the

season growth and to

and Luffa types

are eaten

when

fruits are

immature,

control weeds.

and these two genera have

a wider variety of uses than

The

utility

gourds (dipper, bottle, long-necked, and

fruits

the C. pepo gourds (See "Cucuzzi gourd" page 146, and

club varieties) develop the best-shaped

plants are

when

the

"Chinese okra," page 145). Luffas are most notable

the "vegetable sponge," a fibrous

grown on

a fence or

trellis.

Direct contact with

sorts, too.

for

mat

the
of tissue that devel1

soil

may mar the

surface of

some

The

fruits

ops within the mature

fruit

and has

are picked for eating

when they are immature

The New Guinea Bean

(less
is fre-

than

a variety of scouring

and cleansing

uses.

The Lagenarias

are the

most widely
raw

week

after blossom).

used gourd group. They are utilized as dippers, other

utensils, storage containers,

quently grown on a support for easy harvesting. The

and drums and

pubescent
tures)

fruits

(covered with fine,

soft, hairlike struc-

are the

material of various styles of scrimshawlike

naria

art.

Both Lagefences,

hold

soil if

allowed to

lie

on the ground.
until

and Luffa types should usually be grown on

or stakes for proper

Ornamental gourds should mature on the plant

late

trellises,

development of the
this fashion
if

summer

or early

fall,

when

the fruits develop hard,

fruit.

C. pepo types

can also be grown in

glossy, brightly colored shells. Utility types

develop hard
lighter,

space

is

limited (see pages 124

and

shells

and may begin

to

change from green to

125).
slightly yellow shades.

The following
growing
in

varieties of

gourds are suitable for

parts of the country.

The stems should be quite tough,

stiff,

most of the nonarid

The

and necks on long-handled types should be

limber. Harvest with
1

not

C. pepo varieties cross-pollinate with C. pepo

pumpkins,

to 2 inches of stem attached.

summer

squash, or winter squash varieties (see table

on

Handle gourds

carefully. Bruises, scratches, or

punc-

pages 113 and 114). Ornamental: C. pepo: Apple; Bicolor;

Large Warted; Nest Egg; Orange; Pear (bicolored, striped,

tures result in rapid discoloration

and

deterioration. Cure

gourds for a few days in the shade under warm, dry

MINOR VEGETABLES

139

conditions.

Wash

dirty fruits,

and

rinse in a

weak bleach

trenches, with the top

end

slightly elevated,

and cover

solution before drying. After curing, the fruits of brightly

with a ridge or

mound

of soil to a depth of 4 to 5 inches.

soil level.
fertile soil

colored ornamental varieties

cloth

may be

polished with a dry

Crowns should be planted even with the

Horseradish grows best in deep, loose,

and waxed or dipped

in shellac.

with

Utility

gourds require additional drying for extended

dependable moisture. The plants grow 2 to 2V2

feet tall,

periods in a warm, dry room.

The gourds should be hung

molds may develop.
gourds

and the

roots

make

their greatest increase in size during

fall.

on

wires until they are thoroughly dry. Even under the

the cooling weather of

radish to

Most gardeners allow horsealong one end of the

cultivation or
if

best drying conditions,

some

surface

grow

as a perennial
it

These usually do not

affect the usefulness of the

garden and keep

weeded by shallow
is

and may enhance the

surface with interesting patterns.

heavy organic mulch. Production

is

better

horseradish

Once

dry,

gourds

may be made
and

into dippers, plant con-

divided and replanted yearly, but plants survive indefi-

tainers, pipes, birdhouses, wastepaper baskets, works of

art,

nitely without

any

care.

Apply water

if

the plants wilt

or whatever the shape

size suggest.

during hot weather, especially in the

late

summer and
late fall

Zucco gourds are harvested before

stored for
fall

killing frosts

and

early

fall.

The

roots

may be dug anytime from

growth
starts in

use.

Some cooks

use the thick flesh in

(after a

hard

frost) until

the spring.

Some

soups and stews. Harvest mature dishrag gourds only

after

gardeners save small pencil-sized roots to produce next

year's harvest,

they have fully developed on the plant and have

a lighter, yellowish tinge.

and plant them

in another row.
after dig-

begun to develop

They may be

Use roots to prepare your favorite sauce soon

gathered before frost and allowed to ripen slowly or

may

ging. Surplus sauce can be frozen in small containers for

be allowed to freeze before harvest. Those harvested after

a

year-round use. Although the roots store best

left in

the

hard

frost

should dry quickly, with the skin loosening.

garden, they can be cleaned, stored in cold (32F), moist

storage,

When

they are dry, the outer surface can be easily

off

and used

as

needed

(see

pages 167 and 168). The

removed. Cut

both ends, shake out the

seeds,

and

free

prepared product must be kept in a closed container and

refrigerated
tions,

the center "sponge core" by cutting lengthwise halfway

between

servings.

Even under

ideal condi-

through the gourd. The resulting rectangular sponge

may

ground horseradish turns brown and develops an

be used as a scouring pad, bathing sponge, or innersole

for shoes,

off-flavor in 4 to 6 weeks. For this reason, gardeners like

and

for other purposes.

The American Gourd

to prepare fresh horseradish in small batches to

meet

their

Society, P.O.

Box 274, Mt. Gilead, Ohio 43338, publishes

immediate needs.
Horseradish
is

a newsletter

on

varieties

and uses of gourds.

grown commercially

as

an annual crop.

The

set roots,

which

are 10 to 12 inches long

and the

Horseradish
Horseradish, Armoracia rusticana,
perennial. As a condiment,
it is

diameter of a pencil, are planted in early spring; and the

is

a very hardy,
its

plants are

dug

in the

fall.

"Lifting" the roots

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

in sauces for seafood,

the plant to develop one large

main

and beef

Most home gardeners do not grow

is

root.

These

1- to

2-pound roots

are sold to

commercial

horseradish today because the prepared product

available in grocery stores.

readily

horseradish processors. The

sets,

which grow from the

The connoisseur, however,

its

bottom of the main

root, are stored to plant the follow-

continues to grow horseradish for

fresh pungency.

ing year. Illinois

is

the leading state in U.S. commercial

few plants should provide ample

roots.

production of horseradish.

Maliner Kren or Bohemian are the varieties offered in

most garden

catalogs, but they

may

not be true to the

Husk Tomato
Husk tomato,
pruinosa (also
Physalis
as

original type. Maliner Kren, also called

"common"
taller

horse-

radish
leaves.

by commercial growers, has

crinkled,

rounded

known

The Bohemian types usually grow

and have
a suit-

ground

cherry, strawberry

smooth, more pointed

ably hot preparation.

leaves. Either variety

makes

tomato, Poha berry, and

Physalis),
is

a tender,

warm-season annual

Horseradish

is

started

from crown divisions or root

can be worked in early

plant
It is

grown

for the sweet honeylike flavor of the fruits.

pies.

cuttings. Plant as

soon

as the soil

used in jam, preserves, or

as

The plants

also are

spring. Place the roots 18 to

24 inches apart in shallow

grown

pot plants or for other ornamental uses.

140

MINOR VEGETABLES

The

varieties offered in

garden catalogs have either a

2 inches) of loose organic mulch material around the

plants helps to keep the soil loose

yellow, purplish, or red fruit

are listed simply as

when
listed

mature. Most varieties

and the peanuts near

soil after

"ground cherry" or "husk tomato,"

the surface of the ground.

Do

not disturb the

but

named

varieties

may be
'A

under

Physalis.

the flower pegs have buried themselves. Usually 50 to 75

in

Plant seeds or transplants after the soil has

warmed

peanuts are formed in each

pod.

hill,

usually 2 to 3 seeds per

the spring.

Sow

seeds

to

/2

inch deep, and thin or

Hand

pull

weeds
after

in the row.

transplant to 18 inches apart in the row. Although lower-

Dig the plants

yellow) in the
a hard freeze.
fall.

they have matured (begun to turn

growing, the plants should be given the same general

care as tomatoes.
1

Harvest in early to midOctober before

soil

The

berrylike fruits are smooth, about

The

should be dry so that

it

can be

inch in diameter, and completely enclosed by a papery

shaken

off the peanuts.

Cure the peanuts by stacking the

husk.

When the

husks turn brown, the

fruits are ripe

and

plants in an

open

shelter
in a

where they

will

not

freeze, or

can be harvested. They

fully

may drop
is

off the plant

when

by hanging them

warm, dry shed or garage

for a

mature, and plants readily reseed themselves.

a very large, green-

week. After the plants have dried, shake off any remaining
soil,

Tomatillo, Physalis ixocarpa,

and

pull the peanuts

horn the vines. Continue

or shallow pans for

fruited Physalis that has recently

come

to

prominence in

to air dry the peanuts in

mesh bags

the United States as a

main ingredient
is

of the authentic

another week or two.

Mexican green

salsa.

Culture

the same as for ground

When
roast.

the peanuts are dry, they are ready to shell or

cherry, except the plants are larger

and need wider

spac-

Peanuts should be roasted in a shallow pan in a

ing to develop

fully.

350F oven for 20 minutes. Roasted peanuts are favorite

snacks and are also

made

into peanut butter.

Raw

pea-

Peanut
Peanut, Arachis hypogaea
(also

nuts are used in baking and candy. Peanut plants are

sometimes grown

for their

ornamental value

as patio or

known
is

as

goober pea or

pot plants, but they usually do not yield any harvest

earth nut),

warm-season
clover.

under these conditions.

annual plant that resembles

Although usually considered a crop

of the

Popcorn
Popcorn, Zea mays
var. praecox,

Deep South, peanuts

also

can be grown successspecial care,

fully in

most of the country and, with

states.

even

can be grown in
food and in most

in

most of the northern

large gardens for

soil

Peanuts develop best in loose, sandy

and require

gardens as an ornamental. With proper care, harvesting,

minimum
eties of

of 120 frost-free days to reach maturity. Vari-

and

storage,

homegrown popcorn
kernels).

achieves superior

peanuts suitable for growing in shorter-season

flavor

and maximal popping

size (30 to

40 times the

areas are Early Northern, Early Spanish,

Jumbo

Virginia,

volume of the unpopped

Red Tennessee, and Valencia.

Plant

There are two basic types of popping corns: round

(or the entire

two or three individual seeds

1

husk

"pearl" kernels (usually produced

on

large ears)

and

containing the seeds)

to V/2 inches

deep

in hills

10 to

sharp-pointed "rice" kernels (usually produced on

smaller ears). Pearl-type kernaels are

12 inches apart. Allow 36 inches between rows. The

seedlings emerge with three cloverlike leaflets that

smooth and

rounded and produce

large,

whole

hulls

when popped.
little

rapidly

grow into plants 18 to 20 inches

tall.

In extreme

The

rice-type hulless hybrids,

which

leave

or

no
by

northern areas, peanuts can be started indoors in peat

pots in late

hull after popping, are especially tender

and

are prized

March

or early April
is

and transplanted

to the

home

gardeners. Color varies from the standard yellow

to red, brown, black,

garden, after danger of frost

past,

without disturbing

and white

and even multicolored

the roots.

ornamental kernels. In the following,

soil

OP

refers to

the

Keep the

loose

and

hilled

toward the row of

open-pollinated varieties.
include:

Recommended

varieties

plants. After the bright yellow flowers are pollinated, the

flowering shoots elongate and send a "peg" into the

soil.

White

varieties (hybrid unless indicated): Japanese

These pegs, which form the peanuts, readily enter loose

soils

Hulless (OP-105 days to harvest, rice kernels); Peppy (90

days, rice kernels); Purdue

and do not

require that

you cover by hand; but they

soil.

307 (102 days, top white

cannot penetrate hard, baked

light covering (1 to

producer);

Snow

Puff (100 days, rice kernels);

White

MINOR VEGETABLES

141

Cloud Hulless (85 days,

mite (95 days,

rice kernels);

and White Dyna-

The popcorn should mature

in the garden,

and the

rice kernels).

plants should dry. As the ears mature

and

dry, the stalks

Yellow

varieties (hybrid unless indicated):

Creme

of

some

varieties, particularly
fall

the rice types,

may become
ears. If

Puff (100 days,

pearl kernels);
yield);

good popping

quality);

Iopop 12 (94 days,

weakened and
this

over from the weight of the

Purdue 410 (105 days, pearl kernels, high

(105 days, pearl kernels, top yielder);

happens, the ears should be harvested immediately

finish drying off the plant, to avoid moisture

Purdue 608

and should

Robust 20-70 (85 days, pearl kernels, early yellow); Tiny

damage
and
less

or sprouting caused

by contact with the

soil.

Tim (100

days, 6-inch ears, light yellow);

tiny, light

and Tom
ears).

Popcorn can usually be harvested when both the husks

leaves have turned brown.

Thumb
Red

(OP-heirloom with
varieties:

yellow

Popcorn normally

dries to

Robust Red S-100 (hybrid-105 days,

than 20 percent kernel moisture on the

first frost.

stalk in the

large ears,

high

yield,

deep

red)

and Strawberry (OP-105

ears;

garden before the

light frost does

still

not

days; rice kernels; short,

round

both ornamental

damage popcorn
kernel moisture

unless the plants are

green or the

and

tasty popped).

is

above 35 percent; and freezing does

is

Ornamental colored popcorns: Carousel (110

4- to 5-inch ears, calico or

days,

not damage popcorn unless the kernel moisture

above

mixed

colors

on each

ear);

20 percent.
Harvest by hand, shuck the
ears,
If

Cutie Blues (100 days, 4-inch

ears, solid

dark blue); Cutie

and place them

Pops (100 days, 4-inch

days,

ears, calico);

Indian Finger (110

4- to

where they can continue to

dry.

shucks are pulled

2y2- to 4V2 -inch

ears, calico);

Papoose (85 days,

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).

and speed drying. These

string

ears

can be strung in
to dry in a dry

bunches with twine or

fertile,

and hung

Popcorn may be grown in any good,

drained garden
Plant at the
Select early
soil

well-

area with

good

air circulation.

To prevent rodents from

that can produce good sweet corn.

as early or

eating the popcorn, store in coarse-mesh sacks or wire

baskets
in

same time
maturing

midseason sweet corn.

northern areas so that
frost. If at

and hang from

beam. Popcorn

dries naturally

varieties for

an outdoor shelter to about 13 to 14 percent kernel

the corn has sufficient time to mature before

all

moisture

ideal for popping.

If

stored in a heated

room

possible,

you should physically separate sweet corn

plantings.
If

during the winter, popcorn dries to 7 percent kernel

moisture. This moisture content
is

and popcorn

that cannot be done, planting

too low for good

and maturity dates should be planned so that sweet corn

and popcorn do not pollinate
at the

popping. Avoid using heat above 100F to dry popcorn,

as kernel

same time. Crossit

damage may

occur.

pollination ruins the sweet corn (making

starchy,

As ears reach proper dryness, the kernels shell from

the ears

tough, and tasteless) and reduces the popping efficiency

of the popcorn.

much more

easily

than from damper ones.

When
l

the ears have dried, the kernels are tightly pressed

Space rows 30 to 40 inches apart. Plant kernels k to

1

together, the ear has a very solid feel,

and some kernels

inch deep (two to three kernels per foot of row). Thin

may even

start to

be forced from the ear by the shrinking

the plants to 6 to 8 inches apart.

plant four kernels per
apart in
hill,

Some

gardeners check-

cob. Popcorn dried

on the cob
it

as fully as possible

is

of

with the

hills

spaced 40 inches

the highest quality because

absorbs as

much

of the

two

directions. This planting

method permits

sugars stored in the cob as possible before being

cross-cultivation to help keep

down

weeds. In most gar-

removed; during shelling,

kernel

it

sustains less seed coat

and

dens, the

first

method

is

preferred.

damage

that

might hamper proper popping.

Side-dress nitrogen fertilizer (see page 20)

when

the

Many gardeners
two
them, further
air

prefer to air dry the ears for a

if

week

or

plants are 12 to 18 inches

tall.
if

Cultivate or

hoe shallowly,

until they are nearly dried (longer

necessary), shell

close to the plants. Irrigate

an extended dry period

dry the kernels in shallow pans, and

occurs, especially during pollination

and

ear developfield

place the kernels in moistureproof jars or cans for storage. Kernels

ment. Popcorn planted near sweet corn or

corn

may

around the

tip of the ears, especially,

may be
and

be pollinated by these crops. Cross-pollinated popcorn

still

damaged

in

some way

or greatly undersized. These

pops, but do not save cross-pollinated ears for seed

any other damaged kernels elsewhere on the ear should

be removed before the entire ear
is

the following year. (Never save seed produced from

shelled; this helps

hybrid

varieties.)

The

resulting cross

may have

little

or

eliminate
uct
later.

many unpopped

kernels from the stored prod-

no popping

ability.

Popcorn can be conveniently stored almost

142

MINOR VEGETABLES

indefinitely in the

home

freezer.

Package in

-pound or

late fall,

inch above the crown, and

let

small heads

2-pound containers, and use

as

needed.

quickly form. Rubello and Firebird (both hybrids) are two

of the newest introductions,

The popcorn should be "fanned" before storage to

remove the papery cob dust that
kernels.
is

and both

are tolerant to

mixed with the

summer

heat.
is

Simply drop kernels from one container to

air

Radicchio

very tolerant to cool weather and continfrosts. It

another in the outside

and allow the breeze to sepagrain.

ues to produce even after

can be grown on a

rate the dry, light chaff

from the heavy

Two

or

variety of soil types, but avoid acidic soils

ization, especially

and

overfertil-

three passes back

and

forth

between containers should be

with nitrogen.

Ideally,

plant seed in

enough. Judge by
If

when

chaff stops

coming

off the corn.

deep, well-drained soils in rows 24 to 28 inches apart,

the corn becomes too dry for

some

reason,
1

you can

with seed about 3 A inch deep.

When

seedlings are estab-

increase the moisture content

by adding

tablespoon of

lished in the row, thin to about 4 to 6 inches

plants.

between

water to a
tainer,

-quart container of popcorn. Seal the con-

Maintain the planting bed

free of

weeds through-

shake several times, and leave at

room temperaof the shelled

this

out the growing season.

ture for a few days.

The moisture content

or other

popcorn increases about 2 percent. Do not overdo

procedure, or

Shallot
Shallot, Allium cepa var. aggregation,
is

mold

damage could happen.

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

chefs use shallots for sauces, stews, gravies,

unique, tangy-flavored
vegetable that has long been

roasts. Shallots are

planted and cared for in

much

same manner

as onions.

grown

in Italy

and only

Although there

are several varieties of shallots, they

recently has been introduced

are usually listed in garden catalogs simply as "shallots."

into this country There are

kinds, colors,

many
variegated,

Bulbs for planting

may be

obtained from seed houses,

store.

and forms; and the red or

another gardener, or the gourmet section of a food

Varieties available

loosely wrapped, semi-heading to tightly heading plants

are

by name include Dutch

Yellow, French

grown

all

across the United States today.

The heads
grilled.

Epicurean, Frog Legs, Pink, and Prince de Bretagne. Varieties

are used in salads

and mixed greens or may be

been grown

with a pink tinge are generally more highly regarded.

Traditionally, radicchio has

table,

as a fall vege-

Shallots produce a cluster of bulbs

from each single

but newer varieties have been developed for spring

bulb planted. To plant, divide the clump of shallots into

individual bulbs,

planting that can mature successfully in the summer.

which resemble
1

large, fat
l'/ 2

onion

sets.

Radicchio culture can

still

be

tricky, in
first

any season.
developed for

Plant these individual bulbs

to

inches deep and 3 to

The Giulio

variety

was the

strain

4 inches apart. Allow 12 to 24 inches between rows.

Planting during late winter or early spring, as soon as the
soil

spring planting,
ing.
It

and

it is

vigorous and resistant to boltvari-

produces small heads months before other

can be

tilled,

gives the best yields. In the southern

eties.

Caesar, another early heading variety that

may

be

half of the country, the next year's crop can be planted in

late

planted in early summer, consistently produces winecolored, uniform heads with white midribs.

October to sprout and overwinter in the garden. The

Red Treviso

bulbs should be planted 2 to 3 inches deep (deeper than

in the spring) to help prevent frost heaving. Shallots are

and

Early Treviso are planted in

midsummer and form

slender, spear-shaped

heads resembling belgian endive or

very hardy and survive most winters, especially

if

there

is

small Cos lettuce.

If

heads have not formed by Labor

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

pulled as green onions

tall.

when

their

tops are 6 to 8 inches

Each bulb produces 8 to 10

tight, attractive

heads form. Milano

sprouts, Vs inch or larger in diameter,

variety. For

depending on the

and Red Verona (Rossa Di Verona)

Italian varieties. In the

are the best

known

dry bulbs, allow the tops of the plants to die

summer, they form

loose, green

down

naturally in
as

summer. Harvest and handle

in the

rosettes that turn into brilliant little red

heads in the cool

same manner

dry onions (see page 90). The dry bulbs

weather of

fall.

Some people

prefer to cut

them back

in

may be

placed in a

mesh bag and

stored under cool, dry

MINOR VEGETABLES

143

conditions.

If

harvested while the tops remain strong,

use and then allow the remaining beans to mature and

the shallots
attractive

may

be braided into garlands, which are

until the bulbs are

dry on the plants. The vines then

dried at the

may be

pulled and
shelled for

hanging in the kitchen

end

of the season

and the beans

used. Shallots keep well

and

are stored

than onions until planting time in

eties

much more easily the spring. Some vari-

winter use or as seed for next year.

Asparagus beans, Vigna unguiculata subspecies

sesquipedalis (yardlong beans), usually are

may remain

useful into the second winter after

grown

in a

harvest.

single row, the

is

same

as cowpeas,

and then trained on

Onion yellows
bers of the

a viral disease that affects all

mem-

strings or wires as pole

beans because the plants are

onion

family, but particularly vegetatively

like shallots

vining. All

members
is

of this group are sensitive to cold

(nonseed) propagated types

and multiplier

weather. Seed
beans,

usually planted 2 weeks later than green

soil
is

onions. The virus infects the plants as they grow, de-

when

the

thoroughly warm. The

first

pods

forms the
ters in

foliage, stunts their

If

growth, and then overwin-

are ready to harvest in

60 to 90 days. Although the name

the bulbs.

these bulbs are planted the following

as well

implies long

fruits,

they should be harvested

3

when

year, insects

can quickly infect the whole planting

young, 8 to 10 inches long, about

/s

inch in diameter,
sharply.

as

any onions

in the vicinity. For this reason, planting

and

still

tender enough to snap

when bent
stir-fried

stock should be obtained only from reputable seed

Asparagus beans are often used as oriental vegetables.

houses or others
of

who

can give you reasonable assurance

They
is

are cut or

snapped and then

or steamed.

It

freedom from

this disease.

best to keep

them picked

regularly,

maybe

freezing the

excess, rather

than allowing the pods to get tough and

Southern Pea
Southern Pea, Vigna unguiculata
(also

the seeds to develop, which slows

down

or stops addidaily

known
is

as

tional

pods from

setting.

Most gardeners pick beans

cowpea, black-eyed pea, and crowder pea),

an impor-

during the peak of the season.

Two

varieties are offered,

If

tant garden vegetable in the southern part of the United

States. It is

one

red-

and the other black-seeded.

allowed to

not actually a pea but a

is

member
sites.

of the bean

mature, the beans

may grow up

to 3 feet long.

When

family and

adaptable to

all

areas of the country except

they reach this length, however, they are past the best
stage for cooking as snap beans.

the most northerly or high-altitude

Southern pea

Mature asparagus beans

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

peas or dry beans. The plants continue to produce for

Day

for

good

luck.

The yardlong

or asparagus bean
is

weeks

if

beans are kept picked

when immature.

technically classified as a southern pea but

all,

eaten as a

green bean, pod and

rather than as a shellout

Spaghetti Squash
Spaghetti squash (also

vegetable or dry bean.

Varieties of southern

known
and

pea suitable for growing in most

as vegetable spaghetti)

is

a C. pepo

of the country include Big Boy,

Brown Crowder,

Califor-

variety that

is

oval, yellowish,
It

nia Blackeye, Colossus, Crowder, Mississippi Silver,

8 to 10 inches long.

Purple Hull, and White Crowder.

planted and cared

the same

may be for in much

as other

Southern peas are grown in a manner similar to green

beans. Plant seeds
after
1

manner

inch deep and 4 to 6 inches apart

squash

(see

"Winter

the danger of frost has passed. Allow 24 to 36 inches

tall.

Squash," page 116).

When
boiling,

between rows. The bushy plants grow 24 to 30 inches

cooked by baking or

The peas

are ready to harvest as shellouts

when

the

the flesh separates into

spaghetti-like strands that taste
like

pods appear firm and plump, with swellings around each

individual seed inside (about 60 to 70 days after planting). Pick

squash. These strands, which are low in calories, can

twice a week.

The pods range from

3 to 8

be served with cheese, meat sauce, or sour cream.

Spaghetti squash can also be eaten as a salad by chilling

inches long; and the "peas" are colored or speckled or

have an eye pattern, depending upon the

variety.

Pods

the precooked filaments and serving with seasoning or

salad dressing.

develop in the order they are pollinated, so that the pods

mature

first

on the lower portion

all

of the plant.

Many
for fresh

gardeners harvest

of the seeds that they

want

144

MINOR VEGETABLES

Sunflower
Sunflower, Helianthus

mature heads. A few of these plants

left

in out-of-the-way

spaces in the garden can lend a naturalistic feel to the

garden.
animus,
is

When
a
is

small, they transplant fairly well. Birds

a tender,
also

warm-season annual
that
is

may sow

few seeds

in

unusual locations

if

sun-

grown commerand

flower seed
care

regularly fed at a bird feeder. Incidentally,

must be taken when feeding sunflower seed because

kills

cially for oil, snacks,

wildlife food.

Home
which may be
like salted

an accumulation of hulls under the feeder

grass

and

gardeners grow sunflowers for the seeds,

other herbaceous vegetation. Clean the hulls up regularly

or
site

the feeder where there

is

no danger

of

damage

to

prepared and eaten

wild bird feed.

lawns or other desirable vegetation.

nuts or used for chicken or

The plants have ornamental value

screens.

as

background
tall;

Vine Crops
The vine crops family (Cucurbitaceae)
of plants, including
all
is

Some

varieties of sunflowers

grow extremely

a large

group

others have been developed for their multiple, attractive

yellow, red, or white flower heads.

the gourds, melons, pumpkins,

Most

varieties of

squashes, and cucumbers with

which we

are familiar.

sunflower require 100 to 120 days to develop mature

seed heads.

There are a number of plants from

this family that are

Mammoth

Russian and Grey Stripe are

tall

grown mainly

in other parts of the world.

Most members

varieties (6 to 12 feet) that bear large (12- to 24-inch)

of this family require large

amounts

of space in the
fruits

single heads.

Other widely adapted

varieties are

garden. These ethnic types

shape, color,

may have

of different

Manchurian and Royal Hybrid 2141. Ornamental or

dwarf sunflowers
(l'/2

and

size

than more familiar

varieties of vine

to 6 feet

tall)

may be

multiflowered

crops

grown

in the United States.

is

and

of various colors (including white), bear single or

Bitter
for
its

melon, Momordica charantia,(ioo gwa)

grown

double flowers, and have

flower heads.
Plant seeds
1

many branches and

smaller

attractive foliage

and

fruit.

The

fruit

has a definite

bitter taste

from the presence of quinine. Acceptance of

is

inch deep. Thin seedlings of the orna-

this flavor

rapidly acquired
bitter

by both adults and children

mental

varieties to 12 inches apart,

and seedlings of the

need
with good

in areas

where

melon

is

commonly grown and

on
a trellis to display

taller varieties to
full

24 to 36 inches

apart. Sunflowers
soils

consumed.
Bitter
its

sun and can grow in most garden

melon

is

usually trained

drainage. Side-dress nitrogen fertilizer twice during the

beauty and conserve space. Being a warm-weather

it is

season to promote growth. Sunflowers shade and

suppress weeds, as well as surrounding crops, around
their bases.

crop,

not seeded until

is

after frost

danger

is

past in the
is

spring

and the ground

thoroughly warm. The seed

slow to germinate, requiring up to 2 weeks. Bitter melon

large-seeded varieties of sunflower are
requires high fertility

The

tall,

and plenty of water.

When vines

harvested for snack food. Allow the heads to mature in

the garden. At maturity, the back of the head
is

are 8 to 12 inches long, they

started

need support and can be

brown
fallen;

up

a trellis or fence.
fruit, as

You can harvest both young

less bitter.

and

dry;

most of the yellow

petals

have dried and

buds and green

fruits are

they are

Mature yellow

the seeds are plump; and the seedcoats are black-and-

not eaten but

may be

used to harvest next

white striped. Cut the main stem about

foot

below the

year's seed crop.

head before the seed

seeds loose

starts to

loosen and shatter. Rub the

store for future use.

Calabaza, Cucurbita moschata,

that identifies several strains of

is

common name

by hand,

dry,

and

pumpkins and squashes

grows on a vine similar to
is

Sunflower seeds

may be
heads

eaten without processing,

grown
The
size,

in the tropics. Calabaza

dehulled and roasted, or salted in the hull.

In

other winter-type squashes but which

leaves are mottled

usually longer.
in color. Fruit

many

areas,

may need

to be bagged (after

and grayish green

they are pollinated) to keep birds and squirrels from

stealing the harvest of seeds.

shape, and color vary greatly between growing areas

local strain selection.

Heads also

may be

picked

due to outcrossing and

The most

when

the back turns from green to rich yellow and then

common
and has
a

form of the

fruit

weighs about 6 to 10 pounds

is

dried in a dry, protected location.

In the garden, sunflowers

round shape, which

Its

flattened a bit

on the

may

"volunteer," that

is,

top and bottom.

color

is

usually either green or yellow

is

come up

the next year, where seeds shatter from the

mottled with buff-cream. The firm, meaty flesh

light

MINOR VEGETABLES

145

yellow, with a comparatively large central cavity.

The

inside in peat pots

and transplanted. Unless cucumbers

ample supply of water, they may

seeds are rather small,

which

is

typical for C. moschata

have

a continuous,

pumpkin and squash

other

varieties.

develop a bitter

taste. If

you keep mature

fruits harvested,

Calabaza tolerates hot weather conditions,

much
frost

like

more continuously develop.

Armenian cucumbers,
also called Syrian, turkish, or
fruits

members

of the cucurbit family.

it is

tender crop,

acclimated to the tropics,

freezes.
It

easily injured

by

and

yard-long cucumbers, have lighter-colored

also

but are
all

should be planted in the spring as soon as the

frost
is

members

of the Chinese

cucumber group, with

danger of
least 60F.

past

and the ground has warmed

to at

cultural

and handling suggestions the same.

(cee gwa), Luffa acutangula

Because calabaza requires a somewhat longer

Chinese okra
or aegyptica
fruit of

growing season than some other

common

varieties of

(L. cylindrica), is

the immature

squash, planting should not be delayed

much

past this

the plant grown as vegetable

early opportunity, especially in northern areas. In

sponge, dishcloth gourd, running okra,

subtropical areas of the United States,

fall

crops

may be

and

loofah. Both species are

in this country.

sometimes
luffa
is

sown. Calabaza can be grown as

far

north as 40 degrees
earlier, cultural prac-

grown

Angled

L.

north latitude. Other than planting

tices are similar to

acutangula,
is

and the smooth-fruited version

have value

those for the

common

kinds of

I. cylindrica or L. aegyptica.

squashes.

The plant

requires about four

warm months

Both

luffas

as

food items,

from seeding to harvest.

Because seed
channels,
source.
isolated
is

but most gardeners grow them for their

fibrous interior,

not readily available through regular

to find a seed

which

is

useful as a rough

some searching may be necessary

of calabaza,
it

cloth or sponge for cleaning

(See "Gourd," page 138).

and scouring.
species

Once you have seed

from
if

must be

The two

all

other C. moschata varieties or be handto plant in

are

somewhat

similar in appearance.

Both

pollinated
years.

you want to keep seed

this

upcoming

are vigorous, climbing,

annual vines with

Other members of

group that cannot be

for seed

several-lobed cucumberlike leaves.

When

grown near calabaza intended

production
all

crushed, the leaves have a rank odor.

include Golden Cushaw, processing pumpkins, and

butternut-type squashes.

Both male and female flowers are yellow and occur

on the same
females.
rather large
tary,

plants, with flower,

males greatly outnumbering

The male

which occurs

in clusters,

is

and bright

yellow.

The female flower

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

2 feet in length and 4 to 5 inches thick. The

has been in existence for

exterior

is

green.

The

interiors of

both are cucumberlike

hundreds of years. Unlike

bles, there are several

many

so-called ethnic vegeta-

when immature but

(less

quickly develop a network of fibers

flat,

recognized and readily available

surrounding a large number of

blackish seeds. Small

varieties.

Chinese cucumbers are forerunners of the

than 6 inches long), young

luffa

gourds are desired

"burpless" varieties,
ter

which

are usually thinner in

fruit.

diame-

and

are prepared like squash or eaten

varieties, particularly

raw

like

cucumbers.

and longer than conventional cucumber

Some

Some

the smooth type, are sweeter

of the

more common

varieties include Early Occhai,

Prolific,

than others.
Because Chinese okra requires

Green Knight, Green

Long, Tokyo
Slicer,

Kyoto, Serpentine, Sooyou

much growing

space,

Yamato Extra Long, and Yard Long.

plant seeds in hills spaced 6 feet apart, or space plants

Rules for planting oriental

for

cucumber

are the
frost

same

as

about 3 to 4
or provide a

feet apart in a single row. Plant

trellis.

along a fence

conventional cucumbers. Plant after

danger

is

Prepare the

soil

and

fertilize as

you

past

and when the

soil is

warm. They may be grown on

would
the

for

squash or cucumbers. Because

develop decay, mulch
is

fruits

touching

the ground or
Fruit

on fences

or trellises to conserve space.

are longer

soil

may

helpful.

grown on supports
1

and

straighten Plant

Chinese pumpkin, Cucurbita pepo (nung gwa); see

"Pumpkin," page 103.

seeds

inch deep, in rows at the base of the support.

After seedlings are established, thin to 10 to 12 inches

apart. In short-season

Cucuzzi gourd, Lagenaria

siceraria, is a

vining,

musky-

growing

areas,

they

may be

started

scented annual plant of the same species as dipper, bird-

146

MINOR VEGETABLES

house, and other utility gourds.

It

has

large, hairy, shalutil-

6 feet wide. Harvest

when

fruits

have matured to the

size

low-lobed leaves on long petioles. Like the Lagenaria

ity

you choose

for the type of pickle

you want to make,

types are

gourds, both male and female flowers are white, with

similar to the

way conventional cucumber

all cases,

the male flowers borne

on long slender stems

up

that raise

harvested. In

harvest fruit before they start to

is

them above the

foliage. Fruits are edible

only in the

lighten in color. There

wide choice of varieties, from

young, immature

stage, usually

to about 10 inches in

light to dark green in color.

length, before the hard fibrous shell begins to form.

are light green in color, with a very
their

They
As

Sweet melon, Cucumis melo (chung gwa),

familiar
varies

is

similar to
Size

smooth

surface.

melons
a

like

honeydews and cantaloupes.

name might

imply, cucuzzi

is

a popular Italian

from

few ounces to 3 pounds.

Many varieties
Drip, Takii

are

vegetable, often served in a

tomato sauce.
if

available, including

Honey Gold, Honey

Shape
it

varies, especially

fruit

is

not

trellised to

keep

Honey, and Sakata's Sweet. Varieties range from white to

golden rinds, with various degrees of netting. Plant four
to five seeds per
best plants.
is

off the

ground; but most

fruits are

long and cylindrical,

routinely

up

to 3 feet long

and

3 inches in diameter at
If

hill, 1

inch deep, then thin to the two

maturity, with record lengths exceeding 8 feet.

flat

grown

Melons

are best planted after

danger of

frost

on the ground, the

fruits are coiled

and

twisted;

past

and the ground has thoroughly warmed.

fruit is ripe

when grown on
The
seeds,

supports,

most

are very straight

and

Knowing when
knack that
is

enough

to harvest
is

is

club-shaped, due to the influence of gravity.

interior
at
is

developed by experience. Aroma

fruit, as

one of

white and pulpy and contains

many

the best indices for ripeness of

the pleasant,

which

maturity are y2 inch long, white, and

sweet smell increases with maturity. The cantaloupe

types "slip," that
is,

uniquely shaped.

One end

of the seed

is

pointed, while

the stem of the ripe

fruit is easily

the other has three lobes.

Like other

removed from the

vine; the

honeydew

types

do not

slip.

members
as

of this species, the plant grows

reach. Plant

West Indian gherkin, Cucumis angaria

as gherkin or burr gherkin),
is

(also

known

vigorously, climbing

on anything within

a native of Africa. This

in

and grow cucuzzi

you would pole beans, but

give

it

plant

is

most commonly grown

is

South America. The

watermelon's leaves

much more room. A

in agreeable weather.

structure like a grape arbor can be

plant's

appearance

somewhat

like

used to advantage. Vines

may

stretch to 25 feet or

more

and

vines.

The

fruits are 1 to

2 inches in length, oval to

The snake gourd,

Trichosanthes
is

oblong, covered with spines, and pale green in color,

angidna, also called the club, viper, or serpent gourd,

turning yellow

when

mature. They are usually processed

very similar in appearance to the cucuzzi.

into sweet pickles that are superior to the tiny

cucumber
are really

Fuzzy gourd, Benincasa hispida

gwa),
is

var. chieh-gua

(mao

pickles offered in the store as gherkins,

which

a small-sized cousin of the winter melon, in the

Cucumis

sativus.

Production

is

handled in the same

page 76.

same
ner,

species.

Fuzzy gourds are grown in the same man-

manner

as

cucumbers

for pickles. See

but the

fruits

may be

used

like

summer squash
or

in

Winter melon, Benincasa

hispida
is

(Doan Gwa), can be

bread, soup, casseroles,

and

stir-fries

may be

cut in half

grown with

great success
is

and

cultivated the

same

as

and

stuffed.

The outside of the

is

fruits

has a distinctive fuz-

watermelon. This plant

commonly known

as

wax
It is

zy coat that

removed by and

first

rubbing and then peeling.

3 to 4 inches apart next to keep the

gourd because the

for

fruit

appears gray and waxy.

grown

Plant seed an inch deep

to a fence or
fruits off
trellis,

and

soup and main dishes or to serve on a

relish tray.

train

up the supports

The seed

requires

warm

soil

outdoors or

may be
two

the ground. Harvest

when

fruits are

4 to 6

started in peat pots indoors. In the garden, plant

inches in length. Allow a few gourds on the best-looking

plants to mature for next year's supply of seed.

seeds
fruit

inch deep and a foot apart. Young stem tips and

harvested, but the mature fruit
is

may be

most

Pickling melon, Cucumis conomon (chung choy),

native to China

is

prized.

When

mature,

it is

the size and shape of a waterlayer,

and Japan and may be processed

melons

like

melon and has

a whitish
is

wax

which develops only

then ready for

sour pickles or pearl onions or by any favorite pickle

recipe. Pickling

when
use or

the melon

fully ripe.

The

fruit is

are also

good cooked and eaten

may be

stored for as long as several months.

as a vegetable.

Because pickling melon

crop,

is

another warm-weather
apart, after all

sow

seed,
frost,

an inch deep and 6 inches

danger of

allowing room for the rows to develop to

frfcn,.

1t

HERBS

149

Herbs usually do well in any

soil

that

is

suitable for

Herbs
A
fun,

vegetables.

The

soil

should be moderately

fertile

and well
is it is

supplied with organic matter.

is

Good
soil

soil

drainage
is

vegetable gardening book, like a garden,

incom-

essential for

most herbs.

If

your

drainage

poor,

plete without herbs. Herbs are easy to grow, beautiful,

preferable to
pots.

grow herbs

in raised beds, containers, or

and rewarding
as

to use.

Most of them

are as easy to
in

Even

if

you
a

are blessed with excellent soil, raised

(see "Raised Beds,"

grow

common vegetables. Whether you use them

you can always

beds

may be

good idea

page

5).

formal herb gardens or interplanted with your vegetables

or landscaping,
a few herbs.

It is

not always best to grow herbs from seed.

started

find space in a garden for

Although rosemary thyme, and mint can be

seed, they are

from

grown most

successfully

from plants or
easily

Although some
crafts,

herbs are used for medicine, fragrance,

listed

rooted cuttings. All the

annual herbs come

from

dyeing,

and cosmetics, those

here are com-

seed. For early plantings, starting seedlings in green-

mon and versatile culinary herbs.

While the average
cook knows how
to use sage

houses or cold frames can lengthen the harvest season.

when

Direct sowing also can be used successfully later in the

stuffing the Thanksgiving turkey, chives

on

baked
still

season. Because basil prefers germinating with

light,

some
seed,

potato,

and

garlic for Caesar salad,

many

herbs

cover seeds minimally,

if

at all.

present a mystery to most Americans

fresh

especially herbs

Most of the perennials can be

and must be

started

from

with

from the garden. Today's famous chefs consider

less

the exception of french tarragon, which does not form

viable seed
started

nothing
too,

than fresh herbs

for their creations;

and you,
basil,

from some form of

can add a pinch of oregano or a dab of sweet

cuttings or division.

The

finest-flavored varieties of

most

fresh

from the garden, to prepare an outstanding,

nutri-

perennials must be vegetatively propagated as well. In

tious low-salt dish. Herbs are user-friendly:

Once you

some

instances, a large crop of seedlings can be started

begin to use them, you soon

pleasure of herbs.

come

to appreciate the pure

and the

best-flavored plants selected to propagate for

future crops.

Although herbs have long been ignored in American

gardens, there
is

Herb gardeners experience

relatively

few problems

no "mystery" about them. Over the

last

from
tastes

insects or diseases.

Many

of the strong odors

and

5 to 10 years, herbs have

larity

made

a breakthrough in

popu-

of herbs have evolved to ward

off or discourage

throughout the country. Whereas herbs were previ-

insects.

Good

soil

and

air

drainage are essential elements

ously in

demand only

in trendy spots like California

and

of disease control.

some

East Coast locations, they

have

now

"arrived."

Culinary experts classify herbs into two groups:

the
robust herbs and fine herbs. Herbs added while food
is

Herb books and recipes are abundant today. hundreds of plants used over the centuries

Among

as "herbs,"

being prepared or cooked are classified as robust; herbs

that

however, there are dangerous plants that can cause

illness or

may be

eaten uncooked in salads or sprinkled over a

classified as fine herbs. Fine herbs are
is

even death

if

misused. Therefore, always

cooked dish are

purchase herb plants from a reputable source to

exactly

know
in

also often used before or during cooking. Parsley

used
it

what you

are buying.

Do some

reading to under-

both raw and in cooking. This herb

serves as a "blender" of other herbs

is

unique because
flavors.

stand each herb's uses. Unless

field

you become an expert

is

and

botany, foraging for wild herb plants usually

not

Fresh herbs are always preferable to dried

are available. Drying, even

when

they

recommended.
Herb gardens may
be formal, informal, limited to
individual specimen plants, or integrated into other,
larger
feet

under

ideal conditions, causes

loss of essential oils

and

flavors.

While some herbs mainalmost worthless.

tain

good quality

dried, others are

garden plans. Small herb gardens of 5 to 10 square

be located near doorways or along walkways,

Although the

fresh product includes water, the flavors

may

may actually be more

adjust quantities.

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.

weight or volume, but experiment with fresh herbs to

Plant dealers sometimes offer combination packs or

Tender perennial

varieties

need to winter indoors,

"herb gardens" that contain four to six different herb

plants. For

either in a

sunny location or

in a

home

greenhouse.

many varieties

of herbs, a very few plants

produce enough harvest to season a family's cooking

150

HERBS

needs. Fresh flavors are very intense,

and only small

Anise
Anise, Pimpinella anisum,
is

amounts

are required. As

your

tastes

become more
in

sophisticated,

some types may be needed

To
start,

somewhat

an annual,
is

grown commercially
easily

in Europe, that

larger quantities.

though, a nice assortment

adapted to conditions in

much

of

usually does the trick.

An
Italian

the United States. Like most

idea for assortments

members

of

might be ethnic groupings.

the Umbelliferae family, the plant grows a rosette of
basil,

seasonings usually include such herbs as

flat-leaf parsley,

foliage, stores energy,

and then
seed.

bolts

up

to a height of

oregano, fennel,
chives).

and

garlic (or garlic

A Mexican
will

24 to 30 inches, producing
assortment would contain cilantro

The seed heads resem-

ble those of wild carrot or caraway.

(coriander), basil, chile peppers,

and

tomatillo. Because

Seeds should be planted early in the spring at the rate

you usually
good plants
quality.

not buy large numbers of plants, you

of 10 to 15 per foot in rows 2 to 3 feet apart. Germination of anise seed
is

should look for high-quality, single-plant packs. A few

are a better investment

sometimes poor or very

spotty.

The

than several of

lesser

surface of the soil should be

made smooth and

the seeds

covered to a depth of

'A

inch.

The stand should be

light cultivation
is

The following
in U.S. gardens.

are the

most widely used culinary herbs

thinned to 3 to 6 inches apart. Only

needed

for

weed

control.
as

Angelica
Angelica, Angelica
archangelica,
is

Green leaves may be harvested

soon

as plants

become
stalks)

established.

The

fruiting

umbels (seed-bearing
seeds begin to turn

should be harvested
in the

when

brown

summer. Clip the umbels from the plants

in bags to catch the shattering

biennial of the

and thoroughly dry them

seeds.

Umbelliferae family. Leaves

When

thoroughly

dry, the seeds

should be sepafor later use.

may be

used

rated

from the stems, cleaned, and stored

fresh leaves

may be candied, roots may be cooked like a vegetable, and seeds may be used in
in salads, stems

The
seeds

have a flavor similar to that of the

to fruit salads.

and may be added

with apple

They blend

espe-

cially well
ies

salads.

The seeds

are used in cook-

cooking. All plant parts are aromatic and

useful. Angelica

and candy.

produces rounded umbels

of white flowers, followed

are

by

seeds.

If

the flower stems

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

tive for several years.

Beginners should buy started plants, which self-sow

to

mint

family.

The showy, short purple flower

spikes are
is

some degree

in future years
If

if

seeds are allowed to

iresistible to

bees and butterflies. The fragrance

a blend

mature on the plants.

very fresh seed

plants cannot be found,

sow
of anise

and mint, with anise predominating (hence the

this

A inch

deep in moist, partly shaded loca-

name). Clumps of
tall

herb

commonly grow

3 to 4 feet

tions. Seeds lose viability

soon

after ripening (within

and

to 2 feet across.

2 weeks). Space plants

biennial plants,

at least

2 feet apart. As with other

Seeds should be

sown

in flats in late winter or early

last frost,

sow seed

yearly to have flowering plants

but,

each

year.

Stems are

bitter

they taste

like parsley.

when raw; Leaves may be

oil is

when

spring to be set out after the

or they

cooked,
direct-seeded
'A

to

'A

inch deep in the garden

may be when the

dried for out-ofsoil

has

warmed and mellowed

a perennial,
it

in midspring. Plants ulti-

season use. The essential

used for flavoring liqueurs

mately should be spaced 18 to 24 inches apart. Although

the plant
is

like Benedictine, chartreuse,

and vermouth.
will
ral

grow and make

if

good

flo-

Angelica prefers a cool climate and moist conditions.

It

showing the

first year,

especially

started early

once was believed to cure or prevent the plague, so was

indoors. Plants survive most winters in

Zone

5,

especially

called angelica "the guardian angel."

under good snow cover and with good winter drainage.

Mature leaves

may be

harvested fresh for tea or

may

be dried. The flowers make attractive edible garnishes

and dry

easily for use in winter everlasting bouquets. In

HERBS

151

the garden, anise hyssop makes an especially attractive

the spring, basil seedlings need

warm greenhouse

condi-

midbackground or accent planting.

larly

If

flowers are regu-

tions to develop well. Temperatures

below 50F cause

picked or

if

the spent flowers are regularly removed,

frost.

damage

to basil resembling frost injury in other crops.

the plants rebloom until

Gourmet honey producers

Fortunately, basil plants develop quickly

from seed and

often plant large ares with this herb because bees turn

need not be started very early in the spring to be ready

the abundant nectar into anise-flavored honey. While

when outdoor conditions

the
soil

are suitable.

long-term winter survival

areas,
left
it

is if

not dependable in northern

of the flower heads are
it

For field production, black plastic

mulch helps warm

basil stands

readily self-seeds

some

and keeps down weeds. Although

of dry
soil, trickle irrigation
If

on the plant
where

to mature. Also, because

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

for basil early in

winterkills.
is still

the season, row covers with

some

sort of

support to keep

While anise hyssop

to-find herbs today,
ty.
it

not one of the most easy-

the cover from damaging the succulent basil plants could

has recently increased in popularicata-

be used to advantage. Sweet

basil

is

the generic green-

You may

still

have to scour several specialty seed

leaved variety available. Other types that find market

logs or visit several herb plant sales to find

your original

acceptance include Lettuce-Leaf,

Mammoth, Dark

Opal,

planting stock. This

handsome and
search.

useful plant will

and Cinnamon

basil.

For ornamental edgings and for

more than reward the

garnishing, both Purple Ruffles

and Green

Ruffles are

hard to beat. Spicy Globe

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,

Excess basil production that flowers

and produces

tender annual plant with a spicy odor

flavor. Basil plants
is

seed makes a very attractive dried material for everlasting

green or purple. Basil

may be either known for its

is

arrangements.
attractive foliage

and growth habits and often

Dark Opal
because
it

used as a border plant.

Selections award

Bay Laurel
Bay
laurel or

basil

won an AU-American
Its flavor,

bay

tree,

Laurus

offers

wide adaptability and attractiveness in

however,
is

nobilis, is

a tender perennial tree

ornamental gardens.
for

a bit strong

native to Mediterranean
climates. Because
it

most

palates.

does not

The plants usually grow from 12

There are

to 18 inches

tall.

tolerate frost,

around most of the

many basil

species

and countless and

variations in

country

it

must remain a potted

is

plant habit, leaf shape, stiffness,

featheriness.
all

To

plant that
winter.

brought inside

for the

keep the plants actively growing, remove

the

flowers in

Mature leaves are harvested

for use in

bud

stage. Flowers that escape

make

attractive edible

and dried

cooking or everlasting

crafts (such as fresh, in

garnishes.

To harvest, cut back the growing terminals,

wreaths and garlands). Leaves

season. Bay
is

may be

used

leaving one or two pairs of leaves

on the main stem

to

used in "bouquet garni" with parsley,

produce
easily

new

shoots for the next picking. Plants can

marjoram, thyme, and a few peppercorns. These herbs

act as a unit, imparting a subtle

produce numerous harvests throughout the

warm

and unusual

flavor.

parts of the

growing season, when they grow rampantly.

should be thinned or transplanted 8 to

Plants

may be

started

from cuttings or
it

seeds. Because easier to

Basil plants

only one or two plants are needed,

may be

10 inches apart so that they develop into strong plants.

Basil

buy

started plants

from your

favorite herb source.

well, or very fast,

may be

used both as a green

is

leaf

and dried
frost,

for
it

Although cuttings do not root very

seeds germinate poorly

winter. Because basil

extremely sensitive to
first freeze.

and

slowly, too.

must be harvested before the

cut back a plant or

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

two and put them

in containers or

When

prunto dry.

pots in the house for winter use.

Basil
is

you can hang whole branches

tray dried.

one of the most popular seasonings in various

It is

may be

ethnic styles of cooking.

also

one of the
is

easiest to

grow once

its

needs are understood. Heat

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

used in spring soups or spicy

like

green salads. They also flavor vegetables

spinach or

summer
apart,

squash.
'/ 2

a range of

blossom
Plant seeds

Bergamot

is

native to North America,

and the

inch apart in the spring in rows 2 feet

in the row.
a rosette of

leaves

have been used to make an infusion called

tea."

and thin to 6 to 8 inches apart

first

"Oswego

The

Through the
leaves contain thymol. Oil of Bergthis plant

season, the plants

grow

amot comes not from

from

finely cut foliage resembling a carrot

and then they

die

but from a Citrus

tree.

In the early spring, plants

may be

down

with freezes during the winter. They regrow in the

started indoors

spring to send
seed, in flats for transplanting into the

up

seedstalks (umbels) during the second

garden

when

the temperature warms. The choicest ornamental

summer.

When

the seeds begin to turn from green to

shatter.

varieties are vegetatively

propagated by divisions. Plant

brown, cut them from the plant before they

12 to 18 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart, or plant

on

few plants usually produce enough seed for a family. Bag

18-

inch centers in mixed beds or borders. Like their mint

relatives,

dry the umbels thoroughly, either in the shade or sun,

and separate the seed by rubbing the heads over screens

they tend to spread vigorously in the garden
or papers.

from underground stems.

Harvest the foliage and flowers in
full

When

the seed has

become thoroughly

dry,

bloom and dry

bergamot may
ice cubes,

place in sealed containers for storage.

Where
autumn number

winters are mild, caraway

quickly. Store in airtight containers. Fresh

as well

(grown

be chopped, mixed with water, frozen in

used as needed. Flowers

as a winter annual).

and
of sources
to seed the

may be sown in A limited

may be
made

frozen whole by putting

now offer an
it is

annual variety that bolts

them

in ice

cube

trays,

gently covering with water, and

into a tea or used to

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-

hardy perennial with square stems. Soft white fuzz covers

the stems and leaves. Catnip was brought to America as a

/\o*

sowing annual with

thick, coarse stems;

cash crop by early European

settlers

and has escaped

It is

to

large, coarse, hairy leaves;

and

become

naturalized over most of North America.

vivid,

sky blue, star-shaped flowers.

sional plant has pink flowers.

An occa1

found almost universally around old farmsteads.

Plants

may be

started in flats in late winter, indoors or

in the greenhouse, to be transplanted into the garden.

Seed should be sown y2 to

deep, in midspring

inch

when

Mature plants
settle.

the weather has begun to

may be

increased by division of the

in the early season.

clumps or by stem-tip cuttings

Thin seedlings to
1

to 2 feet apart. Plant in locations shel-

Protect

newly

set plants from possible cat attacks,

which

tered from the wind, or stake the plants, as the flower

can quickly ruin small plants.

stalks are

very

brittle

and

easily

broken

over.

Best fragrance requires

abundant sunlight, though

Gather leaves and stem
in full
tips

Young

leaves

have a cucumberlike flavor and are used

some shade can be

in

tolerated.
is

in salads, drinks, soups, or stews.

The

colorful blossoms

make

lovely edible garnishes

and can be added

summer when

the plant

bloom. Dry carefully

stalks.

to drinks,

desserts,

and

and
salads or candied for cake decorations.

quickly, then strip the leaves

from the tough

Store in closed containers. For tea, steep in hot water a

little

more

dried leaf than

you would use of

regular tea.

Caraway
Caraway, Carum
seeds.
carvi, is a

Steep covered, as the flavor and aroma are very volatile.

biennial plant

grown

for

its

Dried leaves

may be

used to stuff cat toys, which are very

Caraway seeds Caraway

are used in baking

is

and with many and

popular with cats and cat lovers.

vegetables.

particularly popular for use with

cabbage or cole slaw,

breads.

carrots, cheese, potatoes,

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

then served with butter or white

HERBS

153

Chamomile
Chamomile, the famous
herb,
is

to seed, especially in hot weather. Seeds

late fall to

may be sown

in

germinate the following spring. Harvest leaves

still

tea

actually

two

when

they are fully expanded but

tender.

different plants
flavor.

possessing the plant

is

same
erect

One

tall,

annual reaching

Chives
Chives, Allium schoenopra-

2 to 3
tita,

feet in height, Matricaria recu-

commonly known
other,

as

german

sum,

is

a perennial plant belongIt is

chamomile. The

ing to the onion family.

Chamaemelwn
nobilis),

nobile (Anthemis
is

grown throughout most

grow

of North

roman chamomile,
(3- to

America. The small, bulbous

plants
in

low-growing

6-inch) perennial. Both have daisylike

clumps 8 to

flowers, feathery foliage,

and

a sweet applelike fragrance

12 inches

tall.

The

attractive violet-

and

flavor.

Chamomile

in Greek

means "ground
seeds,

apple."
it is

colored flowers appear in May.

Either type can be started

easier to propagate

from

though

The

plants are usually propagated by

roman

(perennial)

chamomile from

dividing the clumps, keeping four to six

bulblets per clump.

offshoots or divisions.

Sow tiny

seeds in spring. For the

in

They

are planted in
(see

german (annual) chamomile, seeds should be sown

fall

the same

manner

as

onion transplants
in the

or early spring. Freezing

and thawing seem

established,

to

page

91).

They can be divided

It is

fall

or

enhance germination. Once

usually reseeds
if

chamomile
and

early spring.

necessary to divide clumps every 2 to 3

a few blossoms are allowed to mature

years to prevent overcrowding. Chives

started

may

also be

and

shatter seed. Both types like well-drained soil

locations.

from seed planted

in the early spring. Seedings

sunny

vary in height, thickness of the leaves, and

number

of

Harvest the blossoms for drying

when

the petals
Separate the

leaves per plant.

If

extremely uniform plants are needed,

begin to curve back from the disk

florets.

selections for type can be

made when

old plantings are

flowers from the stems, as the stems have a bitter offflavor that spoils the flavor of the sweet blossom. Tray

divided after 2 to 3 years. Single clumps of the plants can

be separated into individual plants and then form identical

dry the flowers and store in closed containers. Steep in

clumps of their own.

hot water for traditional chamomile

tea.

The tender

leaves

and the stem may be harvested

are

whenever desired during the season. Chives

normally

Chervil
Chervil, Anthriscus cerefolium,
is

harvested by snipping off the

a hardy annual plant

amount

of leaves

you need,
is

then chopping them into or onto whatever dish

prepared.
of the Umbelliferae family. Like parsley, there are curled-

being

The

flavor

is

similar to

onion but more

subtle.

and

plain-leaf types.

The

The bulbs
flavor of

are not used.

fresh

both

is

between anise
others

Some
and

gardeners dry the leaves;

and parsley

a warm, subtle taste in the background. The

borne in a basal
rosette, before

chop them

freeze

them

for winter use.

Many gardeners
place

dig a

clump of chives

in late January,

delicate fernlike leaves are

it

bolts

up

to flower

and

set seed.

Both leaves and stems

used as a

them

in a pot,

and bring them

in the

house

for

are used in cooking,

and whole

fresh use during the winter.

sprigs are

Chives are used with

garnish. Chervil accompanies parsley, thyme,

and
tions for salads

many

foods and frequently

tarragon in the "fines herbes" of French cooking, which

are

blended with other herbs to make excellent combina-

added

at the last

minute to soups,
bitter.

stews,

and

and omelets. The green

leaves

add a

deli-

sautes.

cate onionlike flavor to soups, salads,

and

sauces.

The

Lengthy cooking makes chervil

flowers should be

removed

to ensure greater

growth of

As chervil transplants poorly, direct seeding

prefers light to germinate.

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

dishes that have the

are a pretty,

chopped
dependable

regularly to keep moist or cover the

row with cheesecloth

leaves as

an ingredient. Chives

or other porous cover to keep seeds

moist until they germinate.

tall,

When

perennial that needs division only every 2 to 4 years to

seedlings are 2 inches

thin to 6 to 12 inches apart.

Sow

keep growth vigorous.

successive plantGarlic chives, Allium tuberosum,
is

another

member
and

of

ings to assure a continuous supply, as they quickly bolt

the onion family that has

flat

leaves like leek

garlic.

154

HERBS

The

flavor

is

very

much
taller

like garlic,

and the tops

are

For coriander, the seed heads should be cut

when

harvested like the regular chives. Garlic chive has white

flowers

they are starting to turn brown and before shattering of

the seed begins (about 90 days from planting). Another

and grows

than regular chives. Flower

heads are edible. Remove seedheads before they mature

to prevent excessive production of

method

is

to harvest the entire plant

when most

of the

weedy

seedlings.

seeds are mature,

and

tie

the plants in bundles or spread

them on

screens to dry. As soon as the plants are dry,

Cilantro

and

separate the fruit

by rubbing the plants

together. Clean
it

Coriander
Cilantro and coriander, Conun-

the fruit by

winnowing

in a light breeze before storing

is

in containers. Cleaning

necessary to ensure the pleas-

drum sativum,

are

two products

ing flavor of the coriander fruit because both the foliage

derived from different stages of the

and green seed may have an

off-taste.

same

The seeds
plant. In fact, coriander
is

are used in desserts (particularly cookies) in

generally considered a spice

cilantro

and
the

dressings, with meat dishes, and in combination with

an herb. Cilantro

many
is

other spices and herbs.

green rosette of foliage that forms

when

the plants are immature.

When a

Dili
Dill,

combination of day length and

temperature reaches a certain
the plant
is

Anethum graveolens,

is

level,
is

common
the seed that

herb that has become

associated with

induced to flower. Coriander

plants are allowed to flower

very

much
is

forms

when

and mature.
mexican

cucumber
plant

pickles.

The

Both Asian and Latin cuisines use large quantities of

cilantro,
ley,

a tall-growing,

which

is

called either Chinese or

pars-

self-reseeding annual with

depending on
is

who

is

using the cilantro. Mexican

feathery leaves

and open,

salsa

the number-one use of cilantro in the United

umbrella-shaped seedheads.

States today.

The plants
varieties, bolting

are similar to wild

is

With some
cially in

can be a problem, espeLong-Standing and

carrot in appearance. Dill

easily

grown
types

summer. Other

varieties, like

from
of

seed.

It
it

can usually grow in

all

Santos, have been selected to hold longer without bolting.

soil;

but

prefers well-drained, fertile

dill

These types

may give an

extra

week or two of

leafy

conditions. To prevent
a

from becoming

production before the inevitable flowering. Successive

plantings are necessary to maintain a supply of cilantro.

weed

in

your garden, remove the heads before the seed

shatters so that the plants

do not

reseed.

Even then, in the heat of summer

keep
it

it

may be

difficult to

After the seeds

have germinated and the seedlings

(1

picked before flowering

starts.

Cilantro plantings
as corian-

have established themselves

to 2 inches

tall),

thin

that get

away and flower then can be harvested Resume planting

in late

them

to 6 to 9 inches apart. The ultimate height of the

3'/2 feet.

der seed.

summer
fall.

for

abundant

plants should be 3 to

crops in the cooler, shorter days of

The method of harvesting depends upon how you

then a variety
intend to use the herb
seed.

By

contrast,

if

you want coriander

is

seed,
is

as

dill
is

weed, flower heads, or

in pickles, for

that quickly bolts

desired. Coriander

an annual plant

The most common use

which the

that

is

found

in all parts of the world.

It

has long been

flower heads are preferred. Cut the stems with the flowers in full

cultivated for the flavor

and odor of

its

dried seeds.

bloom. Tie the stems in bunches and dry

as described

in the

The seeds should be planted

in early spring in

rows 20

open or bag dry soms

on page

163. For seed, allow

to 30 inches apart. Plant one seed every inch, and do not

thin.

the flowers to mature (usually 2 to 3 weeks after the blosappear), then cut

Whole

cilantro rosettes should be harvested

by

and

tie

the plants.

cutting at the base

leaf

when

the plants have

made abundant

plants in bunches with papers spread beneath

collect the seed.
"Dill

Hang the them

to

growth, but before seedstalks appear. Leaves

may be

harvested from the plants even after seedstalk formation

begins.

weed," the immature rosette of foliage that

is

The flowers

are

borne

in flat

umbels resembling

grows before the plant bolts to seed,

at

its

best

when
is

queen anne's

lace (wild carrot).

used fresh from the garden. The flavor of the foliage

similar to the seed, but

more

subtle

and more

useful for

HERBS

155

cooking. Successive plantings are the only

dill

way

to keep

flower,

and

set seed. Plants

should be staked, as they

Plants in flower
fine,

weed

available through the season.

Fernleaf, keeps

recently intro-

rapidly

become top-heavy.

grow

3 to 5

duced variety

producing bushy side

is

feet tall,
vari-

with thick, hollow stems, and

feathery

shoots through the season and

ety for

an especially good
a steady but
dill

foliage.
ters

Golden yellow flowers appear

in flat-topped clus-

home

gardeners

who want

not over-

(umbels) atop the plants. Harvest seed

whelming

supply. For out-of-season use,

weed may

begins to turn brown. Stems and leaves

as

when it may be harvested

are

be prepared by bag drying or tray drying the young plant

foliage before the flower

needed throughout the season, whenever they

heads appear. After drying,

foliage in a container

green, succulent,

and the proper

entire plant

size. If

seed

is

desired,
dill,

remove the stems, and place the

that
is

do not harvest the

if

when

it is

small. Like

stored in the dark.

dill

Many gardeners

dry the

self-

seeds are allowed to shatter from mature plants, they

seeded

that appears in their gardens in the

fall. It

reseed themselves plentifully.

of

normally winterkills anyway and makes the

the highest quality. Dill
salads, omelets,

dill

weed

weed

is

used as a fine herb in

Garlic
Garlic, Allium sativum, a

and herb blends.

onion

family,

member of the may be grown success-

Fennel
Fennel, Foeniculum vidgare,
is

fully

throughout the temperate

a licorice- or anisedill; it

United States in
is

home

gardens.

flavored annual with leaves resembling

usually

Garlic

is

started

by planting small

one of two

distinct types.
seeds,

The

first

grows

tall

and stemmy

cloves that are divisions of the large

bulb. Each bulb

and produces
and
type

and the other forms

a flattened

may

contain a dozen or
variety;

rosette of thickened petioles (often referred to as a "bulb")

is is

more

cloves,

depending on

each clove

is

planted

called finocchio or florence fennel. This

second

separately.

The

larger the clove, the larger the size of the

becoming more
where

common on vegetable markets,

it

mature bulb

at harvest.

Do

not divide the bulb until you

and once

in a great while
its

can be found in upscale

is
is

are ready to plant

early separation of the cloves results

free of disease.

restaurants,

mild sweet flavor

a real treat

in decreased yields. Select "seed bulbs" that are large,

steamed. The aniselike flavor of fennel

fish.

used widely with

smooth,

fresh,
is

and

Fennel seeds are the ingredient that gives italian

its

Garlic

member

of the onion family that

is

comlike

sausage
act as

characteristic taste. Fennel seed

is

also said to

monly
herb.

sold as a vegetable,

though

its

use

is

more

an

an appetite suppressant when chewed, though

Its

health benefits are becoming so well-known

as well

sources differ

on

this point.

The bulbing type may

form

bolt to

that
is

it

might

be considered here as an herb. Garlic

seed in the heat of

rosettes.

summer without forming acceptable

is

used both cooked and raw in a wide variety of dishes.

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

to produce the bulbs that are com-

Seedlings do not transplant well because they have a

taproot, but they transplant acceptably
if

mon on the
garlic at
all,

market. Several types are available, both

is

started in cell

with and without topsets. Elephant garlic

not

really a

packs or peat pellets so that the roots can be

undisturbed. Seeds

moved
soon
as frost

but a type of leek that forms a pungent bulb

may be sown outdoors

as

that tastes like

and resembles the

garlic bulb.
soils that are fertile

danger

is

past.

Thin seedlings to stand 8 to 10 inches

flor-

Garlic grows best

on

friable

loam

apart as soon as they are well established. Bulbs of

and high

in organic matter. Gardeners that

garlic. Garlic

grow good

ence fennel should be covered with

large as a good-sized egg, to

soil,

when

they are as

onion crops can grow good

fertility levels.

does well at high

fertilizer

blanch them. Harvest the

in a dry, cool place.

Apply 3 pounds of 10-10-10

per

bulbs, tie the tops,

and hang them

100 square
dry,

feet.

The bulb

is

small
if

if

the

soil is

excessively

They

store acceptably in this

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.

seedlings started ahead of time

may be

the only

Throughout
the country,
fall

all

but the hottest and coldest areas of

is

way
be

to get

good bulbs

to

form on finocchio before the

planting

preferable.

Dry bulbs

are
fall.

plants bolt to seed. Again in late

set

summer, seedlings may

normally divided into cloves and planted in the

Plants root

out to mature in cool

fall

weather. Fennel

grown

and begin

to sprout before cold weather.

for seed

may be

seeded directly and allowed to bolt,

Planting should be late

enough

to allow roots to develop

156

HERBS

well

and top growth thaw

to begin before the soil freezes. In

is

from stem-tip
types.

cuttings,

which root

fairly readily for

most

most areas, this planting date

the
first

sometime

in October. In

Some

of the flowering types actually

come

rather

of spring, the plants are off

and growing

true

from

seed. Plant outside in containers or in

all

ground

luxuriantly.
If

beds only after

danger of

frost

has passed. Harvest

planting must be delayed until spring, garlic should

full

leaves as needed.

Some

of the

most popular types include

If

be planted very early (March or April) to permit

lemon-,
so

rose-, apple-,

and peppermint-scented.
are

you

development.

Fall

preparation of the

soil is desirable

become

bitten

by the novelty bug, there

hundreds of

that the soil can be fertilized

tillage

and planted with minimal

types available.

whenever

it first

can be worked. Plant the cloves

3 to 5 inches apart in an upright position (with points

Horehound
Horehound, Marrubium
vulgare,
is

up) to assure a straight neck, and cover

of
1

them

to a depth

to 2 inches. Allow 18 to 30 inches

all

between rows, or
raised beds.

a hardy,

bushy

plant 5 inches apart in

directions

on

perennial with woolly leaves and

stems, growing

Bulbing occurs in June, and bulbs can be dug

when

up

to 2 feet

tall.
is

the tops start to yellow, usually in July or August. Tops

The best-known use

of this herb

as a

normally cannot be allowed to dry completely in the

field

soothing agent for sore throats, usually in the form of

candies,
tive

because the unpredictable moisture in the

scales.

soil

may

cough drops, and

syrups.

It

also

makes an

attrac-

begin to rot the delicate papery wrapper

wait until
all

leaves have browned, but

Do not harvest when

on
trays

ornamental plant in the garden.

seeds y2 inch deep in light, sandy
1
soil.

Sow

Thin

about
pers

five

green leaves remain: This assures good wrapdried bulbs. Place the bulbs

seedlings to stand

foot apart, or plant flat-started

on the

with

seedlings at 1-foot spacing.

Horehound

also

may be
a

screens or slatted bottoms,

dry. Bulbs

and remove the tops when

complete drying. The

divided to produce

new

plants. Unless

you remove seed

can be braided or bunched with twine and

heads before seed

in the garden.

is

shed,

horehound can become

weed

hung

in a dry, dark, airy place to

mature bulbs are best stored under cool, dry conditions.

Harvest by cutting one-third of the top growth,

They then usually keep

for

months.
is

removing the
the culture of

leaves,

and quickly

tray drying. Because

An

interesting recent

development

horehound
second
just

loses flavor quickly drying

should be

fast

and

garlic in the

form of

scallions. Topsets or small cloves are

the dried product stored in airtight containers. In the

year, for the highest flavor, harvest as plants are

planted
cleaned,

fairly thickly in a

row and the green plants dug,

green onions. The whole
for flavor.

and bunched and

all, is

like

budding to

flower.

plant, tops

then chopped into dishes

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-

variety of other plants. Flowers are

often secondary to the scent

of the foliage, but
ful

and shape
color-

textured, perennial plant with a strong, slightly medici-

some types have

nal smell. Plants

make

a nice edging for beds, especially

if

and

attractive inflorescenses.
is

The pungent,

kept sheared to about 6 inches.

flower

Hyssop makes

good

spicy foliage

used for potpourri, perfumes, or sachets.

show between June and August.

and
stuffings (with sage).

As a flavoring, some are used in desserts, punch, vinegar,

Leaves and flowers are used to flavor salads, soup,

liqueurs, stews,

and

tea.

Leaves

may be used

fresh

when they

reach

Hyssop also can

full

size or

may be

harvested, tray dried,

and stored

in sealed

be dried for
perfumery.

tea. Oil of

hyssop

is

occasionally used in

containers until needed.

Pelargoniums are very tender perennials (Zone 10) and

Hyssop

starts fairly easily

from

seeds, cuttings, or divifall,

must be grown

as

house plants throughout winter in

States.

sion. Divide mature plants in spring or

when

plants

most of the United

They

are

normally propagated

are fairly

dormant. Cuttings should be taken from young,

HERBS

157

actively

growing stem
deep
in

tips.

Seeds should be
1

sown

in early

apart.

They appreciate
are less likely to

full

sun but tolerate some shade.

invasive

spring, y4 inch

rows

to 2 feet apart.

Thin to

They

become

and weedy

if

they

stand

foot apart.

The

quality of mature plants tends to

are held back

by some shade.

decline after 4 or 5 years; they should be severely divided

for rejuvenation or

For peak flavor, harvest before flowering. Balm

may

be replaced.

be used fresh (chopped and frozen into

ice cubes) or

dried for winter use. For tea, stems can be included in the

Lavender
Lavender, Lavendula
plant.
species, is a

dried product. After the

first year,

three or

more

harvests

very highly perfumed

in

may

be

made

annually, cutting 2 to 3 inches above

Both the flowers and foliage have been used

ground
fertility

level. Plants

harvested this heavily

may need

sachets, potpourri,

and perfumes. Lavender

icings,

is

sometimes

boost at

least

once a

year.

Dry quickly and

store

used culinarily to flavor cakes,

and

vinegars.

in airtight containers.

There are several species and cultivars of lavender.

Some

of these, mostly English types, are hardy, with

Lemon Verbena
Lemon
a tender,

protection, into

Zone

5 gardens.

Some

of the others are

verbena, Aloysia

triphylla, is tree,

much more
Zone
7.

tender and

may

not survive

In northern locations, plants

all

much beyond may require being

deciduous

woody

hardy

outdoors only into Zone

9. It is

most

planted pot and

in the

summer garden and then

being brought back indoors each winter.

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

have the distinctive

fragrance.

der Lady apparently flowers abundantly from seeds

in late winter

lemony

The long

and

set

out as transplants in

late spring.

leaves are

narrow and pointed.

While
seed,

all

species of lavender can be propagated

Although lemon verbena

may be

started

most of the choice

varieties are selections that

from

seed,

few plants are produced that way. Cuttings

be maintained by asexual reproduction. Munstead and

Hidcote, as well as Lavender Lady, are
varieties to try.
all fairly

taken in

hardy

midsummer root fairly readily. Because the mother plant may wilt after cuttings are taken, pamper
bit of

it

with adequate water and a

shade until

it

recovers.
is

Lavender does not tolerate

in the garden.

damp

or shady conditions
full

Harvest leaves and tips as needed. Because the plant

a fairly fast grower,

Give

it

good drainage and

sun. Harvest

making one heavy harvest

in the
fall

at
it

flower heads before the last flowers open.

oil

The aromatic

midsummer and another

fairly

before returning

content

is

highest at this time.

indoors helps to keep the plant in bounds. The plant

is

heavy feeder and should be

soil

fertilized regularly.

Lemon Balm
Lemon balm,
nalis, is a

Keep the
offici-

moist, but never allow the roots to remain

Melissa

soggy. Place pots of

lemon verbena on stone

surfaces to

loosely branched,
is

keep them from rooting into the ground over the

upright perennial that

summer. Breaking these roots might severely

affect the

member

of the mint family.

The aroma and

flavor are

health of the plant.

strongly like lemon, with a subtle undertone of mint. In

Lemon verbena

is

used as a lemony

tea, to flavor

the garden, bees

literally

cover the blossoms of lemon

tea. It

other beverages, and in any dish that

flavor. Fresh leaves are

calls for a

lemon
bever-

balm. Dried,

it is

used to prepare a mild, lemony

salads, vegetables,

tough, so strain

them from

can also be used in

and

fish dishes.

ages, marinades,

and dressings before

serving. For

an

The
the

essential oils reputedly possess

If

some

bacteriocidal
surfaces,

unexpected touch, add finely crushed dried leaves to

banana, zucchini, or carrot breads or to cooked
rice.

quality.

you rub

fresh

lemon balm on wood

wax

polishes the
it.

wood and

the lemony scent

perfumes

Lovage
easily

Lemon balm germinates

them moist

from

seeds, provided

Lovage, Levisticum

officinale, is a

perennial herb that

the seeds are not covered, but exposed to light. Keep

until they sprout.
It

resembles both celery and angelica. Hardy throughout

also propagates easily

North America,

it

grows to 4 to 5

feet in height.

Yellow

from division or stem-tip

cuttings. Space plants 2 feet

158

HERBS

florets are

borne in umbels. Lovage has a long history of

Many gardeners
buds
first

harvest their mint

when

the flower

medicinal use. Not as widely grown as in past years,

lovage has been staging a minicomeback.
celery but with
It

appear.
store

Dry the mint thoroughly, remove the

tastes like
it

leaves,

and

them

in a sealed container.

Commercial
a

an extra-peppery

bite,

which makes

mint

is

grown

for the plant oil,

is

which

is

removed by

good addition

to health-conscious cooking. Leaves

bit tough.

distilling process that

not practicable for the

home

should be chopped finely as they are a

are

Stems
like

gardener.

hollow and
juice or

may be

used as "straws" in drinks

Some

gardeners are especially interested in various

tomato

bloody marys.

flavors of mint,

such as peppermint, spearmint, orange

Plants are usually

grown from

fresh seed

sown

either
at

mint, apple mint, curly mint, and a host of other types.

All are

in the fall or early spring.

least

Thin or transplant seedlings

soil

popular in teas and for flavoring. All mints are

iy2 to 2 feet apart. Lovage likes rich, moist

a

and
mass

propagated and grown in

much

the same way.

The

vigor

some shade and makes

good background plant

in

and hardiness
can gardens.

varies,

but most mints prosper in Ameri-

plantings. Harvest leaves

and stems anytime

desired.

Seeds should be harvested by picking whole heads as

While many mints can be

started

from

seed, the best

they

start to

brown but

before they shatter. Dry, rub the

and

truest flavors

come from

vegetatively propagated
is

seeds free, then separate

them from stems and

chaff.
like

plants. Peppermint, however,

a sterile hybrid, so

Store in closed containers. Stems

angelica. Roots

may be

candied

beware "peppermint" seed. Care should be taken to get

propagating material from sources clean of
Verticillium,

needed. Leaves

may be may be

dug, washed, and stored until

dried

and stored

for

making

tea.

the number-one disease pest of mints. Mints tolerate

some

slight shade.

Mint
Mint, Mentha species, comes in a wide range of varieties.

Oregano
True greek oregano, Origanum
heracleoticum,
is

The most common

is

are spearmint

and peppermint.
tea,

Spearmint
beverages,

used principally for flavoring iced

is

other

hardy peren-

and chewing gum; peppermint

used in

nial that survives outdoors, at least

medicines, candy, and gum.

into the mild areas of

Zone

5. If

Mint

is

propagated from roots, rooted cuttings, or

hardiness

is

in doubt, use a

entire plants. Because plants

produce spreading

lateral

generous application of mulch

in

stems, mint

is

an invasive plant that should be planted

November

or December,
April.

and

^%-<

in enclosed areas or
If

where

its

spread can be controlled.

uncover the plants in

mint

is

not contained, the underground stems spread

a

The oregano seeds commonly

sold

rapidly

and become

garden weed.

large tile or

chim-

(Origanum vulgare) produce plants that are useless in the

kitchen.

ney

flue set

on end may be used

for individual

mint

They form

rank, rather tasteless plants that

plants to contain their growth. Half barrels

may also be

produce purplish pink flower heads, which are attractive

in dried

used to advantage.
In

arrangements and in the garden but are culinary

True greek oregano seeds can be obtained, but

most of the United

States,

mint

lives as a perennial.

disasters.

Because mint thrives under continuously moist conditions, to ensure high-quality production,

care

must be exercised because the

as "greek."

common

variety

is

you should

sometimes sold
there
is

Even given the

right strain,

mulch the

area. In the late

fall,

commercial mint growers

variability

between plants

sufficient to

make

it

turn the top 6 inches of

soil

(which contain the rhizomes

necessary to propagate the most

tip cuttings, root cuttings, or

desirable plants

by stem-

or underground stems) to form a soil mulch. This practice also

is

crown
is

divisions. Unfortu-

recommended

for

home

gardeners where

it is

nately, the poor-quality

oregano

more dependably

practical.

hardy than the

is

really tasty one.

As with other herbs,

No
sure
it

special care

necessary for mint, other than

soil

cutting to slow or reduce flowering keeps production

removing the weeds, keeping the

moist,

and making

moving through the

season.
is

does not invade nearby areas. Because the plants

in the spring, the leaves are available for use

Harvest of oregano

handled the same

relative.

as harvest of

grow rapidly

sweet marjoram, a close

Oregano

dries easily

throughout the growing season, with best-quality foliage

in July

when

cut

and hung

as described for other herbs (see

and August, when

essential oils in the leaves peak.

pages 163). The leaves are dried, removed from the

HERBS

159

stems,

and placed

in a closed container until needed.

The

Rue
Rue, Ruta graveolens,
is

dried leaves are used in

many

Spanish, Italian, and Mexia semi-evergreen perennial

for fish

can dishes, as well as in stuffings

and game.

nonwoody

plant that grows to 3 feet in height.

The

blue-

green foliage and bright yellow flowers, which appear

Parsley
Parsley, Petroselium crispum,
is

from summer through an herb commonly

upright, uniform habit

fall,

make
it

it

an attractive plant.
for

Its

makes

good hedge

herb
it

grown

as a vegetable. (See

page 93).

gardens.
a

It

can be eaten in small amounts, though

bitter taste.

has

somewhat

Overexposure to rue can cause

blistering of the skin in

Rosemary
Rosemary, Rosmarinus
officinalis, is

redness, swelling,

and even

some

people, almost like poison ivy. After ingesting rue, a

a small, tender, perennial, evergreen

person

shrub that

is

not winter hardy

areas.

much

Rue

may find the skin more sensitive to sunlight. may be started from seeds, cuttings, or divisions.
late spring. Seedlings prefer full

beyond mild Zone 6

Some

Start seeds in late winter in flats for transplanting to the

gardeners mulch the rosemary

plant, protect
it

garden in
drained

sun and well-

with rose cones, or

soil.

Space them about 18 inches apart. Plants

use a combination of rose cones and

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

mulch during the winter months.

where
it is

In areas

dependably hardy, rosemary grows into an

impressive shrub, hedge, or trailing ground cover.

when they

are dry but before they open.

Prune back to

The narrow

leaves

have a spicy odor, making

rose-

healthy buds in the spring.

mary valuable mary

The
is

for flavoring

and

as a scenting agent. Rose-

used sparingly, as an accent in numerous dishes.

is

Sage
Sage, Salvia officinalis (and other
species),
is

flavor

vaguely pinelike. There are various types,

prostrate,

from upright to

with flower colors from the

a shrubby perennial plant

family.
It is

standard blue to white or pink. The varieties Arp and

Hill's

of the

mint

one of the

Hardy

are

more winter hardy than standard

from stem-tip
in

most widely cultivated herbs

Plants

varieties.

may grow to

a height

The plants propagate

cuttings
Starter

fairly easily

of 18 inches and begin

to

and make very acceptable plants

one season.

bloom the second

rosemary plants

may be

purchased from green-

season.
that

Common garden sage is the one perennial

readily

herb

houses, garden centers, or mail-order herb nurseries.

comes

from

large,

easy-to-handle seeds and

Some
the

gardeners pot a rosemary plant from the garden in

produces a very acceptable herb product. The flavor so

associated with poultry stuffings has other uses as well.

fall

and bring

it

into the house for use over the

If

winter and stem propagation in the spring.

the plants

Once

established, the plants live a long time, needing

can be overwintered in a bright house or greenhouse,

they quickly grow into magnificent specimens that
flower
started

only an annual spring pruning and regular harvesting.

Sage makes beautiful flowers, which can be of use in the
landscape. For best herb production, however, severe
spring pruning discourages most flower production,

more

profusely.

Some

varieties of

rosemary can be

from seed in a cold frame or indoors.

transplanting rosemary to the garden in the
1

When

which occurs
growth.
Plants

at the

expense of vigorous vegetative

spring, allow

foot or

more between plants

so that the

individual plants maintain their beauty.

The growth can

or
in

may be

propagated from seeds, stem cuttings,

be pruned back several times during the season for

drying.
leaves

crown

divisions. Seeds

can be planted in cold frames,

When

the stems are thoroughly dry, strip the

window

boxes, or inside the house. Transplant the

and

store

them

in closed containers.

young

seedlings

when

they are 2 to 3 inches

tall.

Space
large,

Fresh or dried leaves are used sparingly

in soups, leafy greens, poultry, stews,

as an accent
One
of

seedlings 15 to 18 inches apart so that they

attractive plants.

become

and

sauces.

the fine herbs, rosemary also

may be added

without

Harvest can begin

spring

when

leaves begin to mature in late

fall.

cooking

as

an excellent ingredient in mixed herbs.

and can continue into the

Cut 6 to 8 inches

160

HERBS

of top growth from the plants at least twice during the

climatic conditions but prefers a dry, fertile loam.

Not

growing season. After drying these stem

leaves

tips, strip

the

well-known,
herb. There

summer
5.

savory

is

a very tasty

and adaptable

from them and place in closed containers

for win-

is

also a winter, perennial type of savory,

ter storage.

Many

herb growers use the bag-drying meth-

hardy into Zone

usually
is

The

flavor of the
better.

summer variety
seeds in the

od

(see

page 163) and do not remove the sage until they

it.

thought to be
savory
is

are ready to use

Plants should not be cut back too

as this

Summer
spring.

easily

grown horn

severely in late
ability.

fall,

weakens

their winter-survival

The seeds may be

started in a cold frame or

seeded directly in the row. Plants grow quickly from seed

for stuffing pork,

Use the leaves sparingly with onion

turkey, duck, or goose.

but have some tendency to become leggy

flats.

when grown

in

Rubbing the powdered leaves on

This tendency usually corrects

flats for as

itself if

the plants are

the outside of fresh pork, ham, and loin results in a

flavor resembling that of stuffed turkey.

kept in

short a time as possible. In the garden,

x

Some people

seeds should be planted y4 to k inch deep, with 10 to 12 seeds per foot.

steep the dried leaves for tea.

The

seedlings should be thinned to

Sage makes attractive silvery gray plants that can be

fairly easily

6 inches apart. The plants grow to a height of 12 to 15 inches and require

little

worked into landscapes. There

are also

cultivation other than weeding.

several varieties of vegetatively propagated sages available. Tricolor

is

The tender

leaves

and stems may be used anytime

striped green, red,

and white. Golden has

during the growing season. The plants

green leaves edged in attractive yellow. Purple has leaves

blooming begins and

growth
is

are usually dried

tall.

may be cut when when the top

more crops
to regrow
is left

with an overall purple glow.

eties
is

None

of these colored varisort,

6 to 8 inches
if

Two,

three, or

as

hardy

as the

common green

unfortu-

may be

harvested

enough of the plant

left

nately,

but they survive most Zone 5b winters.

after cutting.

Two or three nodes

if

on the plant should

the plant keeps

be sufficient to permit regrowth. In

fact,

Salad Burnet
Salad burnet, Poterium sanguisorba,
is

producing through the season

a

tips are continually

full

harvested to keep
starts,

it

from flowering. Once

flowering

very hardy, bushy, perennial herb. The

12-inch
tall,

the plant most likely matures and dies.

tied into small

loose

clump

of

com-

The cut top growth may be

bundles

pound

leaves arching

outward

and hung or spread on papers or screens

dark, well-ventilated place.

to dry in a fairly
is

resembles a fern. The flowers

are small

When

the cut herb

thor-

and pinkish, borne

in

oughly

dry, strip the leaves

from the stems and

store

rounded heads. Seeds should be

them

in a closed container.

Woody

stem

pieces,

which

removed

to encourage continued leafy regrowth through

interfere

with the flavoring of foods, should be removed

the season. Left to mature, they freely reseed and possibly

and discarded.

become weedy.
Leaves taste and smell like cucumber and are used in

Summer
fresh

savory

is

a fine herb

and may be used both

to the water

and cooked.

It is

excellent in herb blends. Fresh or

salads, salad dressings, drinks,

sandwiches, and a variety

is

dried
for

summer

savory leaves

may be added
and with

of other dishes.

Once very
some

popular, burnet

consider-

cooking green beans or used in soups,

stuffings,

ably tastier than

of today's trendier greens. Use

sauces,

and many egg

it

dishes,

veal

and

poultry.
spices,

only

new

tender leaves, as older ones

become

a bit bitter.

Like parsley,

mixes well with other herbs and

Plants
If

may be
left

divided in spring before growth begins.

itself.

and

it

probably should be used more often. Along with

seeds are

to mature, burnet readily reseeds

fall

parsley,

summer

savory

is

considered one of the mixer

flavors.

Sow

seeds in late

or early spring,
full

and thin

to 12 to 15

herbs,

which help blend various

inches apart. Plants like

sun and slightly alkaline

(high-pH)
attention.

soils.

Once

established, the plants

need

little

Savory,

Winter
Satiireja

Winter savory,

montana,

is

a short-lived

perennial, semi-evergreen plant, forming a fine-textured,

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-

belonging to the mint family.

well-adapted through-

ther north where winter

snow cover

is

adequate. Excess

out most of the country and grows under a wide range of

winter moisture leads to premature death of this herb, so

HERBS

161

plant where

good drainage can be provided. Even under

should be divided every 2 or 3

Sweet Cicely
Sweet
cicely,

ideal conditions, plants

Myrrhis odorata,

is

hardy perennial of

years. Replant vigorous, healthy outer portions of the

clumps, and discard the

woody middles.
more slowly than
flats

the Umbelliferae family, growing to 3 feet in height. The

taste
is

combination of anise and lovage. The leaves are

leaflets

Seeds of winter savory germinate

triply

compound, with deeply toothed

shiny, dark
1

borne in

summer

savory and should be started in

indoors or
basal rosettes resembling ferns. Flowers are 2-inch white
Estab-

in a greenhouse

and transplanted into the garden.

lished plants
tip cuttings,

may be

umbels followed by
propagated by division or by stemseeds that
fairly easily.
like flavor.

brown, sharply ridged

spicy, anise-

grow

as long as

inch and have a

which root

The plants may be sheared

to

form low, mounded

salads,

The

leaves are used fresh as garnishes

is

and

in

anywhere sweetness

needed. The roots are

edgings for planting beds. Cutting back overwintered

plants heavily in the spring before
reinvigorates the plants

and helps

new growth begins to keep them in

if left

steamed and used

like parsnip.

The seeds

are used like

anise or caraway seed in candy, syrup, cakes,

liqueurs.

and

bounds, as older clumps keep expanding

checked. There
is

un-

Buying started plants or moving self-sown plants

seems to work best
as a source of sweet cicely. Seeds

a low, creeping

form of the plant that

can be used

as a

ground cover or hanging-basket herb.

require a complicated

Summer
summer
savory
is

and poorly understood

Use fresh
to
let

series of

savory has a sweet, peppery flavor, while

stratifications to germinate.

seed,

and sow

in

winter savory has a stronger, piney flavor. Although the the

variety has the
fall

in a well-marked

row

natural freezing

and

more popular

flavor,

winter

thawing help germinate the

often used with stronger-flavored

seeds. Space plants 12 to 18

game

meats.

inches apart in the garden. Leaves

may be
is

harvested

Winter savory has the advantage of staying green and

usuable well into the
fall,

whenever they
Other than the

are

young and

fresh, seeds as

they ripen.
dried.

or even beyond, in milder

cli-

seeds, sweet cicely

seldom

mates and and greening again early

a

in the spring, giving

much

longer fresh-harvest season than the front-tender

variety.

summer

Sweet Marjoram
Sweet marjoram, Origanum majorana,
is

an example of

Sorrel,
French

French
sorrel,

how common names within

scutatus,
is

the oregano-marjoram

group sometimes become confusing. Although sweet

Rumex

marjoram
perennial with shield-shaped leaf blades
in

is

a tender perennial,

it

frequently winterkills
is

much

of the United States

and

usually cultivated as

on long sturdy
rosette
l'/2

petioles that

grow

in a

an annual. Planting

in favorable locations, mulching,

from a

large taproot,

which reaches

and using other forms of protection make overwintering

possible in areas with mild winters.

to 2 feet in length. Seedstalks arise that

greatly resemble the related wild

dock

species.

Sweet marjoram

In the garden,

it is

grown

may be

started

from

seed,

by cuttings

for the leaves,

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

from seed, though the seed and

also eaten

raw in salads or cooked

like

seedlings are fairly fine. Care should be taken to thin the

spinach. Also like spinach, the leaves contain oxalic acid,

seedlings while they are small.

Once

established, sweet

which can aggravate gout, kidney

Leaves should be used sparingly
a
if

stones,

and

arthritis.

marjoram
oxalic acid in the diet
is

is

a hardy

little

plant. Transplant to a

perma-

nent location in the spring

when
soil

plants are 2 to 3 inches

problem

for individuals.

Use

sorrel to spice

up other
tall

and the weather has dependably warmed. They

rich,

dishes rather than as the

main

item.

Seed

may be

respond best to
started in flats or

moist

and

full sunlight.

Space

sown

in the garden as
1

the plants 6 to 8 inches apart. The plant

in the
fall

may be dug up
and be redivided

soon

as soil

can be worked in the spring. Plant

1

inch
to overwinter as a houseplant
for use the following spring

deep, and thin or transplant seedlings to

full

foot apart in

where winters are harsh, or

in areas

sun in

fairly rich soil.

Cut back seedstalks to keep

marjoram can be allowed to overwinter outdoors

where
it is

plants producing fresh greens. Divide every 3 to 4 years.

A nonseeding
that produces

hardy.

variety, Profusion,

is

available (plants only)

Like so

no

many of the

other herbs, marjoram should be

seedstalks,

only leaves, not wasting any

harvested regularly to keep flowering and seeding to a

energy on flowering and seed production.

minimum. As soon

as the first

blooms appear, cut back

162

HERBS

the plants several inches. The plants can be cut back

three or

viable seeds, rarely even

blooming

in temper-

more times each

season.

The

leaves

and flower

ate regions. Seeds of "tarragon" are always a

tops should be dried rapidly, the stems removed,

and the

disappointment, as they produce rank,

less

taste-

clean, dry leaves stored for winter. Fresh leaves, of course,

plants of russian tarragon.

Due

to the

may be
The
veal

used whenever available.

flavor of sweet
liver,

widespread use of french tarragon and

is

marjoram

especially

good with

its

relatively difficult propagation,

sells at

it

and

in herb butter,

on cold
and

roast beef sand-

always

premium.

wiches, in egg and meat dishes,

in poultry stuffings

Plants can be divided or stem-tip

and soups.
potatoes,

It

also adds flavor to potato salad,

creamed

cuttings rooted to form

new

plants.

and green beans. Chopped sweet marjoram

The plant forms numerous rhizomes

in the
fall,

leaves in melted butter

may be added
is

to

cooked spinach

which can be separated and

before serving.

If

there

a sweet, almost perfumelike

used to create an abundance of

next spring. Tarragon
is

new

plants the

tastiness to a dish, sweet

marjoram

is

often the mystery

a vigorous perennial

ingredient.

plant. French tarragon plants or

crown divisions

are

usually planted

foot apart in the

row and need

to be

Sweet Woodruff
Sweet woodruff, Galium odoratum (Asperula odorata),
a hardy, low-growing perennial thrives best in moist, shaded,
is

subdivided every 3 to 4 years.

After a plant has

become

established, the leaves of the

ground cover plant that

settings. Thin,

tender top can be harvested throughout the growing

woodsy

season and used fresh. Repeated harvest of this herb over

the season keeps the plants branching out, producing

lance-shaped leaves grow in whorls around the stem.

Clusters of white, star-shaped flowers appear at the stem
tips in early

new

tender shoots. Although

it is

preferable to use
it

summer. Sweet woodruff has

traditionally

tarragon fresh,
loss of

some gardeners use

dried, despite the

been crushed and used to flavor

Oddly, the foliage displays
its

May wine

in

Germany.

sweet odor only

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

are going to preserve tarragon for

The genus name may be

either

Galium or Asperula,

use in winter, the leaves and tops should be dried rapidly

depending on which school of botanical thought one

follows These genera are so closely related that this
is

without light and stored in a dark brown, sealed

to prevent rapid deterioration.

glass jar

probably of concern only to plant biologists, not gardeners.

Tarragon leaves are used in salads, dressings, vinegars,

fish sauces, tartar sauces,

Like sweet cicely, seeds require freezing

and thawing
If

and

certain egg dishes.

They

are

to germinate, a process that

are

may

take

200 days.

plants

also blended with other herbs to

make an

excellent addi-

once

started,

they obediently self-sow future genera-

tion to the mixture. Tarragon can easily overpower in a

tions for an adequate supply in subsequent years.

mixture, so blend with caution. Tarragon vinegar can be

Cuttings or divisions are also good propagation tech-

made by

putting a fresh stem or two of washed tarragon

niques for sweet woodruff. In favorable locations, the

plant

in a pint of apple or wine vinegar. Allow a few weeks for

may become weedy and

sweet, haylike

invasive.

the flavor balance to develop.

It is

The

aroma

is

developed by cutting and

harvested as needed by.
the

normal

for the plants to

go into a dormancy in
actually

drying the herb. Foliage

may be
tie

fall.

Potted plants

on balconies
get

may appear
listed as

cutting near the base. Either

and

air dry,

or

chop and

to die.

Many of them
it

thrown

out, although they are

tray dry. Store in closed containers.

Overconsumption of
it

only resting. Although tarragon

winter tender,

is

sometimes
if

sweet woodruff

may have

serious side effects, so use

in

should withstand -30F

the crowns are

moderation.

given excellent drainage.

What

causes winterkill most

established in the

often are soggy conditions.

Once

Tarragon
French tarragon, Artemisia dracunculus,
all
is

ground, tarragon produces very well, asking only to be

divided regularly to avoid overcrowding.

the queen of
it is

herbs.

Most famous

in French cuisine, in fact,

its

used throughout the world for

a

licoricelike flavor

with

mild

bite.

It is

often used to negate the "fishy" charac-

ter of

seafood dishes. French tarragon does not form

HERBS

163

Thyme
Thyme, Thymus
vulgaris
is

Drying Herbs
and

The herbs should be gathered

maturity after morning

at the

proper stage of

other Thymus species,

a small, low,

dew has
if

dried from the plants

mound-forming, shrublike perennial

that grows to a height of 3 to 10
inches,

(usually about 10 a.m.). Herbs harvested for drying

should be washed only

they are splattered with

dirt or

depending on

variety.

Com-

otherwise soiled, and then as carefully as possible with

clear water only.

mon thyme may be used

of varieties of thyme,

fresh or as a

Clean herb leaves should not be

dried herb. There are literally hundreds

washed,
flavor

as

washing may remove some of the soluble

some

culinary,

components.
rapidly in the shade

others decorative. For culinary purposes, either

The clean herbs should be dried

to retain color

french or english

is

the most agreeable with

varieties of

and

flavor.

dark, well-ventilated

room

common
thyme

recipes.

Seed-grown

such as an

attic is ideal

if it is

not too hot.

No

herb

also

may make

acceptable plants, but indi-

should be dried at temperatures exceeding 100F. Higher

temperatures cause loss of the plant
responsible for flavor changes.
oils

vidual seed sources should be evaluated. For the classic

varieties, cuttings are preferable,

and may be
of

and they root with

Two common methods

surprising ease. Several related varieties of

thyme

are

drying are bag drying and tray drying.

often used as ornamentals in rock gardens

walks.

and along

Bag drying.
(only

Collect 8 to 12 stem tips about 4 to 8

inches long. Rinse the herbs with cold running water

is

Thyme

best propagated from seed started indoors,

if

they are

dirty).

Shake

off excess water,

and wrap
dried from
tie loosely.

by dividing clumps, or by Most thyme growers

Old

making stem
tall,

cuttings.
1

When

with absorbent toweling.

When the water has

the plants are 2 to 3 inches

row.

set

them

foot apart in a

the surface, place the herbs in a paper bag and

start

new

plants every 3 or 4

Leave
a

or 2 inches of the stems exposed. Place the bag in

location.

years.

plants should be divided; otherwise, they

warm, dry

When

the leaves

become

brittle,

become
thyme

excessively

woody and do not produce

the

snap them

free of the

stems and package them in an

light.

tender leaves desired in culinary use. Most varieties of

survive U.S. winters pretty well, especially with
cover.

airtight container

away from the

When you are

them

ready to use the leaves, pulverize by rubbing

good snow

Most spread out and form dense mats

between your hands. Leaving herbs whole preserves

that benefit from annual spring

mowings

to stimulate

more

of the flavor

and aroma

until they are used.

is

lush

new

growth.

New plantings
is

should be started every

Tray drying. The preparation

the same for tray

few years to avoid encroachment from perennial weeds.

drying as for bag drying, except that the heavy stalks can

well-drained,

sunny location

essential for

growing

be discarded before drying. Spread the leaves and tender

thyme

successfully.

stem

tips

one

layer

deep on drying

trays.

Put the trays in

Harvest

when

the plants begin to bloom, by cutting

a dark, ventilated

room. Turn the herbs every day to

off 5 to 6 inches of the flowering tops

with clippers or a

ensure uniform drying.

When the leaves are dry and

the

sharp knife. Often two or more crops can be harvested

stems tough, remove the leaves. Generally, the stem

portions are discarded. Leaves are best packaged as nearly

during one season. The plants should be spread on a fine

screen or newspaper in a dark, well-ventilated
dry. After the plants are

room

to

whole

as possible.

Allow the leaves to become very

airtight container

dry,
light.

thoroughly

dry, strip the leaves

and package

in

an

away from the

and flowering tops from the stems and

closed container.

store

them

in a

The

quality of herbs declines rapidly, especially in hot

or brightly lighted conditions.

Under proper conditions,

is

The

leaves, usually

blended with other herbs,

may be

the total shelf

life

of

many

herbs

only

or 2 years.

used in meat dishes, poultry stuffings, gravies, soups, egg

dishes, cheese dishes,

When

exposed to

light, heat,

and open

air,

the quality

and clam chowder. Thyme's creep-

declines even

more

rapidly.

ing form makes

it

a rock garden

and edging

favorite. In

Microwave drying of most culinary herbs drives

too

off

the spring, most varieties have a stunning floral display.

much

of their flavor

components

to be successful.
criti-

Decorative types for which flavor and aroma are not

cal

can be successfully dried in the microwave.

164

HERBS

Here

is

an example of a small kitchen herb garden,

feet,

possible, the

garden should be sited in a sunny spot near

only 36 square

that could supply

most of the

fresh

the kitchen door for easy, last-minute access.

What

herbs needed by an average household during the garden

season, with

simple

way

to enliven

and enhance your summer meals!

enough

left

over to dry for winter use.

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

stored in a cool area in a heated basement. Avoid water that

may condense and drop from

freeze.

pipes of ceilings.

Do
they

not allow the vegetables to

Your vegetables

will

not improve in quality

it is

after

recommendations given

are harvested. For this reason,

important to harvest

the cold-moist and cool-moist groups

may be

stored in
cellar,

them when they

are at the proper stage of maturity. See

an old-fashioned outdoor

pit,

an underground

or a

"Major Vegetables," pages 51 to 130, for information

about harvesting specific crops.

specially designed interior storage area in the basement.

Vegetables in the cold-dry and cool-dry groups

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

4-8 days 10-12 months

2-3 weeks 1-3 months
2 weeks 2-3 weeks 2-6 months 2-3 weeks 2-3 weeks 4-5 months

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

90-95% 90-95% 90-95%

90%
90-95% 85-90% 85-90%

40F

Potato, sweet (after curing at 80 to 90F for 10 days)

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

Tomato (firm, colored) Tomato (mature, green) Watermelon

Cold-dry group
Onion, dry
Onion, sets
Shallot

40-50F

32-35F

32-35 32-35

60-70% 60-70% 60-70%

2-8 months

6 months

6-8 months

Cool-dry group

Pumpkin
Squash, winter

50-55F
50-55F

60-70% 60-70%

months 2-4 months

2

168

STORING VEGETABLES

To maintain quality

after harvest,

handle your vegeta-

possible after harvest. Root crops (beets, carrots, parsnips,

potatoes, salsify,

bles carefully. Bruised or

If

damaged

vegetables decay easily.

and

turnips) should not be

washed

if

not eaten immediately asparagus, peas, sweet corn,

leafy crops should be cooled to

they are to be stored for extended periods. Washing

as
result in the

may

and

below 40F

as

soon

development of

soft rot.

Home Storage

Facilities

for Vegetables

Air vent

Straw

Furnace

Underground
can be stored

cellar (top) Vegetables in the cold-moist

in

and cool-moist groups (cabbage,

carrots, potatoes,

and other root crops)

an underground

cellar.

This cellar also can be used as a storm shelter.

Outdoor
air

pit (middle). Cross-section of

straw on the ground, and

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.

vent to prevent overheating and place a 1-inch board on top of the

interior storage area (A)

Basement storage (bottom). The

This area,

is

used for storing vegetables

in

the cold-moist and cool-moist groups.

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

different seeds can be sprouted

Days from Flowering to Harvest for Selected Vegetables

Appendix

C:

extremely important, however, to make sure you use

only untreated seed for sprouting. Most seed intended for

planting has been treated with fungicide, insecticide, or

Beans, lima (pod) Beans, snap

10-14
6-8

both to aid in successful germination in garden

soil.

Corn, pop-

75-80
1

None

of these chemicals

is

particularly desirable in
alfalfa,

Corn, sweet (after

0% of the silks appear)

18-21

Cucumber,
sprouts destined to be eaten. Adzuki,
lentils,

slicing

8-10
3-10

fenugreek,

mung beans,

wheat, and radish are

for sprouting.

among

Cucumber,
the
vari-

pickling (varies with size desired)

seeds
ety

more commonly used

interest to winter

They add

Eggplant

40-50 40-50 80-90

8-10
5-7

and

and spring cooking and

salads,

Muskmelon
Peanut
Pea, shelling Pea, sugar Pea,

each with a distinctive

Sprouting
tion. After
is

flavor.

a relatively easily accomplished opera-

all, it is

what seeds

are designed to do.

Mung
the

pod

bean

is

one of the

easier choices for beginners.

Wash

snap

8-10

seeds by placing

them

in a colander (with holes smaller

Pepper, green
bell

than the seeds) and running water over the seeds. Any
foreign matter

40-45 50-55
30-35
---

and broken seeds should be removed.

Pepper, ripe (such as red, yellow, orange)

Pepper, sweet banana

When

seeds have been washed, put several spoonfuls in a

glass
jar,

widemouthed
the upright

and add cool water

to

fill

the

jar

Potato*

about half way. Allow the seeds to stand overnight in

jar,

Pumpkin
Soybean, edible, green-shell stage

40-60
20-25

then drain, wash, and redrain. Cover the

mouth

of the jar with cheesecloth, fine plastic, or nylon

Squash,

screening, securing the netting with screw-on metal

summer

(zucchini

and crookneck)

4-5

bands or rubber bands attached around the

Set the jar

jar

mouth.
location.
daily,

Squash, winter (note varietal differences)

40-60 45-50 45-60

on

its

side in a dark, relatively

warm

Tomato
Watermelon

The

seeds should be

washed

regularly,

2 to 3 times

each time draining the seeds and returning them to the

jar.

Light greens the sprouts,

making them tough and

Factors that influence days to harvest:

Size preference

strong in flavor. Sprouts of most seeds appear the third

day

at

normal room temperature.

size,

When

the sprouts have

Temperature Season
Pollination

reached the desired

they

may be

used immediately

or stored in the refrigerator for several days in a closed

plastic

bag or box. Sprouts should be raised in

fairly

small

batches for use rather quickly after sprouting

pleted. As the skill of the sprouter increases, a

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

ety of seeds lend nutritious

salads, cooking,

and

flavorful interest to
delights.

and other culinary

170

LIST

OF

PUBLICATIONS

List

of Publications
Urban Pest Management Handbook

Home Fruit Pest Control

Helps

home

gardeners keep pests from ruining their

Available from Information Services

1995
Illinois

fruit.

Discusses sprays and spraying schedules, and the

prevention of mouse, rabbit, and bird damage. 1993.

Addresses concerns of people in the horticulture

profession

Order CI 145-93,

$1, 8 pages.

lawn-care professionals, arborists, landHydroponics as a Hobby: Growing Plants without

Soil

scapes, nursery owners, and garden-supply store owners.

Discusses pest
trees, shrubs,

and plant

disease control in turfgrass,

Discusses various systems, seed germination, nutrient

solutions,

other ornamentals, home, and garden.

and symptoms of nutrient

deficiencies.

Also, up-do-date information

on

pesticides. Revised

Suggests experiments using soilless cultures. 1983. Order

annually. Order IPCU-95, $10, 256 pages.

C844,

free (additional copies $1),

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.

Calendar format, can be used as a handy reference.

Tells

what

tasks to perform in

particular

week or month

to help
$2,

you achieve

a bountiful

harvest. 1986. Order

CI 262,

40 pages.

Alternatives in Insect
Insecticides

Management: Botanical
Insect Traps for

and Insecticidal Soaps

and summaeffective uses. Also

Home Fruit Insect Control

and how to use them,
their effec-

Discusses the origin of these insecticides

rizes their

Addresses nonchemical insect control. Describes

insect traps available

most

examines the toxicity

of botanical insecticides
pesticides. 1989.

and commonly used synthetic

tiveness in controlling specific insects,

and where to

Order C1296, $2, 20 pages.

obtain the traps. 1989. Order NCR359, $1.25, 8 pages.

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

to use insect attractants

and

traps safely

determining the need for chemical control, timing

ways

to identify weeds. Contains a glossary

and

control, or pest

management

directly

through mass

trap-

index. 1988. Order B772, $5, 303 pages.

ping or mating disruption. 1990. Order C1297, $2,

24 pages.

For a current catalog or to place an order, contact

University of Illinois

Biological Control of Insect Pests of Cabbage

and Other

Information Services

Crucifers

67-BK Mumford Hall

Provides information
offers practical advice

on

several natural

enemies and

1301 W. Gregory Dr.

on how to use

beneficial organisms
$8,

Urbana, IL 61801
(217)333-2007
(217)244-7503 fax

for pest

management. 1993. Order NCR471,

54 pages.

Controlling Weeds in the

Describes various

Home Garden
for controlling weeds,

methods

including cultivation, mechanical removal, mulching,

and herbicide

use. 1987.

Order C1051,

free (additional

copies 50 cents), 11 pages.

LIST

OF

PUBLICATIONS

171

Available from
Vegetable Crops

ill

Department of Horticulture
for Plant

VC-37-85 Some Worthy Herbs

4 pages.

for Illinois Gardens,

VC-1-80

1986 Commercial Vegetable Varieties

VC-38-85 Examining the Economics of

Gardening, 4 pages.

Home

Vegetable

Growers, revised January 1986, 4 pages.

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

revised October 1985, 2 pages.

VC-5-80 VC-6-80

Organic Gardening and

Soil Fertility,

2 pages.

Perennial Crops for the

Home Vegetable

Making Compost

for the

Garden, revised

Garden, 4 pages.

October 1985, 4 pages.

VC-41-85 Onions and Related Crops, 4 pages.

in

VC-7-80

Fertilizer
Illinois,

Guide

for

Market Gardeners

VC-42-86

Irish

and Sweet

Potatoes, 4 pages.

revised February 1982, 4 pages.

Fertilizer Calculations,

VC-43-85 Organic Gardening: Some Pros and Cons,

4 pages.

VC-8-80

Conversion Tables for

revised February 1982, 4 pages.

VC-44-93 Growing Herbs in the

Home

Garden, 5 pages.

VC-9-80

Fertilizing

Your Vegetable Garden, revised

Horticulture Marketing

September 1981, 4 pages.

VC-11-80 Harvesting Vegetables, 4 pages.

HM-1-79

Pick-Your-Own Marketing of
Vegetables, 4 pages.

Fruits

and

VC- 14-82 Vegetable Planting Guide, 4

pages.

VC- 15-81 Testing For and Deactivating Herbicide

Residues, revised February 1983, 4 pages.

HM-2-79

Liability

and Insurance

for U-Pick Operations,

4 pages.

VC- 16-82 Planting Vegetable

Seeds, 4 pages.
for Vegetable

HM-3-79

Net Weights and Processed Yields of

Fruits

VC-17-81 Micronutrient Applications

Crops, 4 pages.

and Vegetables
4 pages.

in

Common

Retail Units,

VC- 18-82 Liming Vegetable Crops, 4

pages.

HM-4-80

Establishing a

Community

Farmers' Market,

VC-19-82 Hydroponics, revised April 1985, 4 pages.

VC-21-82 Producing and Setting Out Vegetable
Transplants, 4 pages.

revised June 1987, 4 pages.

HM-5-82

Yields of

Commercial Food Crops

in Illinois,

revised June 1987, 4 pages.

VC-22-82 Training Tomato VC-23-82 The Basics of

Plants, 4 pages.

HM-6-82

Estimating the Trade Area and Potential Sales

for a

Pick-Your-Own Strawberry Farm, 2 pages.

Trickle Irrigation, 4 pages.

VC-24-82 Exhibiting Vegetables, revised

4 pages.

May

1986,

single fact sheet

is free.

Each additional one

$1,

is

25

cents.

The minimum order

list

is

and orders must be

VC-26-82 Fresh Market Mushroom Production, 4 pages.

VC-27-83 Storing Vegetables, 4 pages.

prepaid. For a complete

of fact sheets or to order,

write

Horticulture Facts

VC-28-83 The

Fall

Vegetable Garden, 2 pages.

Department of Horticulture
University of Illinois

VC-29-83 Ginseng, 4 pages.

VC-30-83 Commercial Muskmelon Production in

Illinois,

1105 Plant Sciences Laboratory

1201
S.

4 pages.

Dorner

Dr.

Urbana, IL 61801

VC-31-83 Harvesting and Drying Herbs, 4 pages. VC-32-83 Sources of Herbs, 2 pages.

VC-34-86 Commercial Popcorn Production in

4 pages.

Illinois,

VC-36-85 Selected Herbs

for Illinois Gardens, 4 pages.

172

LIST

OF

PUBLICATIONS

Other Suggested Reading

Gardening
The Cook's Garden, Shepherd and
Press,

Marketing
Backyard Market Gardening, Andrew W.
Ellen
Lee;

Good

Ogden; Rodale

Earth Publications, Burlington, VT, 1993, 351 pages.

Emmaus,

PA, 1989,

230 pages.

Gardening for Profit,

Crockett;

Peter Henderson;

The American

Crockett's Victory Garden, James

Little,

Underwood

Botanist, Chillicothe, IL, 1991,

496 pages, (another 19th-

Brown, and Company, Boston, MA, 1977,

century classic reprint)

Sell

326 pages.

What You

Sow, Eric

L.

Gibson;

New World

Publish-

The New Organic Grower,

Eliot

Coleman; Chelsea

ing,

Carmichael, CA, 1994, 302 pages.

Green, Chelsea, VT, 1989, 284 pages.

Square Foot Gardening, Mel Bartholomew; Rodale

Minor Vegetables
Press,

Emmaus,

PA, 1981,

347 pages.

Manual of Minor

Vegetables,

James M. Stephens; Florida

Vegetable Gardening, David

Chambers and Lucinda

Cooperative Extension Service Bulletin SP-40,

Gainesville, FL, 1988, 123 pages.

Mays; Pantheon Books, Knopf Publishing Group,

York, NY, 1994,

New

223 pages.

Oriental Vegetables, Joy Larkcom; Kodansha International,

New York City,

Vegetables,
PA, 1978,

NY, 1991, 232 pages.

Halpin; Rodale Press,

Heirloom

Varieties

Unusual

Anne Moyer

The Field and Garden Vegetables of America, Fearing

Burr,
Jr.;

Emmaus,
Pests

443 pages.

The American
(a

Botanist, Chillicothe, IL, 1994,

667 pages,

19th-century reprint)
Sierra

The Heirloom Gardener, Carolyn Jabs;

San Francisco, CA, 1984, 310 pages.

Club Books,

Destructive

and

Useful Insects, C.L. Metcalf, W.P.

Flint,

and

R. L. Metcalf;

McGraw-Hill Book Company,

New

Seed to Seed, Suzanne Ashworth (edited by Kent Whealy,

York, NY, 1962, 1,087 pages.

photography by David Cavagnaro); Seed Savers

Exchange, Decorah,
IA, 1991,

The Gardener's Bug Book, Cynthia Westcott; Doubleday

222 pages.

& Company,

Inc.,

Garden

City,

NY, 1956, 879 pages.

Plant Disease Handbook, Cynthia Westcott; Van

Herbs

Nostrand Reinhold Company,

Garlic,

New York City,

NY, 1971,

Growing Great
tions,

Ron

L.

Engeland; Filaree Produc-

843 pages.

Okanogan, WA, 1991, 213 pages.

in Five Seasons,

Herb Gardening
353 pages.
It's

Adelma Grenier

Starting Plants

Simmons; Viking-Penguin Books,

New York,

NY, 1983,

The

Seed-Starter's

Handbook, Nancy

Bubel; Rodale

Press,

Emmaus,

PA, 1978, 363 pages.

About Thyme, Marge

Clark;

Thyme Cookbooks, West

The Solar Greenhouse Book, edited by James C. McCullagh; Rodale Press,

Lebanon, IN, 1988, 318 pages.

Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs, Claire

Emmaus,

PA, 1978,

328 pages.

Kowalchik and William H. Hylton,

editors;

Rodale

Press,

Emmaus,
Spring

PA, 1987, 545 pages.

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;

acorn squash, 116

celery, 68; Chinese, 68; flowering, 62;

napa, 68;

adzukibean, 133

nonheading, 69;

tree-, 69;

white mustard, 68

amaranth greens, 133

calabaza, 144
angelica,
anise,

150
calabrese,

57

150
cantaloupe, 86
caraway, 152

anise hyssop, 150

apple, "love," 120
carrot,

63

armenian cucumber, 145

catnip,

152

artichoke, globe or Jerusalem,

80
cauliflower,

64

arugula, 133

cee gwa, 145

asparagus, 51
celeriac,

136

asparagus bean, 135, 143

celery, 66;

asparagus lettuce, 84

german, knob, or turnip-rooted, 136

aubergine, 11
celery cabbage, 68
basil,

151
celery root, 136

bay

laurel or tree, 151

chamomile, 153
bean, 53, 133;
chard, 67;
adzuki, 133; asparagus, 135, 143; broad, 133;
swiss, 56,

67

bush, 53; chestnut, 134; Chinese, 134; Chinese

cherry, ground, 139

flowering, 134: dry, 53; fava, 133; four-angled, 135;

chervil,

153

garbanzo, 134; goa, 135; horse, 133; horticultural, 54;

chestnut bean, 134

hyacinth, 134; indian, 134; italian, 53; lablab, 134;
chickpea, 134
lima, 53;

mung,

134; pharaoh, 134; pole, 53; chicory, 136;

leaf,

romano,

53; runner, 53; shellout, 53; snap, 53; soy(-),

142; witloof, 136

134; soya, 134; string, 53; wax, 53; wild field, 134;
chile,

97

Windsor, 133; winged, 135; yard-long, 135, 143

Chinese bean, 134

bee balm, 152

Chinese cabbage, 68
beet,

56
Chinese cucumber, 145 Chinese flowering bean, 134

belgium endive, 136

bell pepper,

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

black-eyed pea, 143

blood turnip, 56
choke, sun, 80

bok choy Chinese cabbage, 68

chung choy, 146

borage, 151

chunggwa, 146
borecole, 81
cicely, sweet,

161

broad bean, 133

cilantro,

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

crowder pea, 143

gourd, 113, 138;

cucuzzi, 145; fuzzy, 146

cucumber, 75;
armenian, 145; "burr," 77; Chinese, 145; Syrian, 145;
turkish, 145; yard-long, 145

greek oregano, 158

greens, amaranth, 133 greens, mustard, 88

cucuzzi gourd, 145

dandelion, 137;
italian,
dill,

ground

cherry, 139

136

guinea squash, 77

154

gumbo, 88
hon-toi-moi, 133

doan gwa, 146

dry bean, 53
earth nut, 140
eggplant, 77

horehound, 156
horse bean, 133
horseradish, 139, 156
horticultural bean, 54

egyptian onion, 93 egyptian pea, 134

hot pepper, 97
huckleberry, garden, 137

elephant

garlic,

155

endive, 79;

husk tomato, 139

hyacinth bean, 134
hyssop, 156 hyssop, anise, 150

belgium or french, 136

english pea, 95
escarole, 79

favabean, 133
fennel, 155
field

indian bean, 134

irish potato,

101

bean, wild, 134

italian bean,

53 57

finocchio, 155
flat4eaf parsley, 93

italian broccoli,

italian dandelion, italian

136

florence fennel, 155

marrow, 112

flowering cabbage, 62

Jerusalem artichoke, 80
kale, 81

foo gwa, 144

four-angled bean, 135

kee chi, 145

kohlrabi,

french endive, 136 french

sorrel,

82
136

161

knob

celery,

french tarragon, 162

fuzzy gourd, 146

lablab bean, 134

laurel, bay,

151

garbanzo bean, 134

garden beet, 56 garden
cress,

lavender, 157
leaf

chicory 142

137

leaf lettuce,
leaf

84

garden huckleberry, 137

mustard, 88

garden pea, 95
garlic,

leek,

83

155 153

lemon balm, 157 lemon verbena, 157

lettuce,

garlic chives,

geranium, scented, 156

84

german

celery,

136

lima bean, 53
loose-leaf lettuce,

german chamomile, 153

gherkin, 146;
burr, 146;

84

lovage, 157

West Indian,

77,

146

"love apple," 120

globe artichoke, 80

mangel, 56

goa bean, 135

gobu, 135

mango, 97

mao

gwa, 146

goober pea, 140

marjoram, sweet, 161

marrow, 112

COMMON NAMES

175

melon,
bitter,

"potato onion," 93
144; pickling, 146; sweet, 146; water(-), 129:
potato, "straw," 102

winter, 146; "winter,"

86

"potomato," 127

mexican

parsley,

154

pumpkin, 103, 113;

Chinese, 104, 145
radicchio, 142
radish,

michihli Chinese cabbage, 68

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

roman chamomile, 152

napa Chinese cabbage, 68

romano bean, 53
root parsley, 93
roquette, 133

New Zealand

spinach, 112

ngau pong, 135

nonheading cabbage, 69

rosemary, 159
rue,

nung gwa, 145

nut, earth, 140
okra, 88;

159

runner bean, 53
russian tarragon, 162

Chinese, 145

rutabaga, 127
sage,

onion, 89;
egyptian, 93; multiplier, 93, 143; "potato," 93;

159

salad burnet, 160

salsify,

walking, 93; winter, 93

110 160

oregano, 158
oyster plant, 110

savory,

scorzonera, 110
shallot,

pak choi Chinese cabbage, 68

parsley, 93;

142

shellout bean, 53
flat-leaf,

Chinese, 154;

93; mexican, 154;

snap bean, 53 snap pea, 95

moss-curled, 93; root, 93; triple-curled, 93

parsnip, 94

snow

pea, 95

pe

tsai

Chinese cabbage, 68

sorrel, french,

161

pea, 95;

southern pea, 95, 143

soya bean or soybean, 134
spaghetti squash, 116, 143
spaghetti, vegetable 143

black-eyed, 143; cow(-), 143; crowder, 143;

egyptian, 134; english, 95; garden, 95; goober, 140;

snap, 95; snow, 95; southern, 95, 143; sugar, 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

pharaoh bean, 134

Physalis,

139

squash,
acorn, 116; guinea, 77; spaghetti, 116, 143;

pickling melon, 146

pie plant, 108

summer, 112; sweet-potato,

stem
lettuce,

116; winter, 113, 116

pigweed, 133

84

pimento pepper, 98

stem turnip, 82
stock beet, 56

poha

berry,

139

pole bean, 53

"straw potato," 102

popcorn, 140
potato,
(irish),

strawberry tomato, 139

101

string bean,

53

176

COMMON NAMES

sugar beet, 56 sugar pea, 95

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

swede turnip, 127

sweet
cicely,

wong bok Chinese

yam, 118

cabbage, 68

161

woodruff, sweet, 162

sweet corn, 70 sweet marjoram, 161 sweet melon, 146 sweet potato, 118
sweet-potato squash, 116

yard-long bean, 135, 143 yard-long cucumber, 145

zucchini, 115

sweet woodruff, 162

swiss chard, 56, 67

Syrian cucumber, 145

table beet,

56

tampala, 133
tarragon, 162

thyme, 163
tomatillo, 140

tomato, 120;

husk or strawberry, 139

topato, 127
tree, bay,

151

tree

tomato, 126

tree-cabbage, 69
triple-curled parsley,

93

turkish cucumber, 145

turnip, 127;

blood, 56; stem, 82; swede, 127

turnip-rooted celery, 136

vegetable marrow, 112
vegetable oyster, 110

vegetable spaghetti, 143

vine crops, 75, 86, 103, 112, 116, 138, 143, 144

walking onion, 93
watercress, 137

watermelon, 129

wax

bean, 53
77,

West Indian gherkin,

white mustard, 88

146

white mustard cabbage, 68 white pepper, 133

wild
field

bean, 134

Windsor bean, 133

winged bean, 135

USDA

Plant Hardiness Zone

Map

Tempecati re (C)
-45.6 and below

....
'

-42.8 to -45 5 -40.0 to

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

-9.5 to -12.2 -6.7 to

-94

-3.9 to -6.6 -1.2 to -3.8

<M

16

to

-1

4.4 to 1.7

4 5 and

at

ove

443 12U4 0.| 40706