Vegetable Gardening Midwest

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October 29, 1992,
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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
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
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
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).
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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j%1 yK. JKi"
tfj^ /8-Z9 "aâtX

c^
,>-'
rScrOJ
80-/0 4Zcg;
fe
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M&vZV
ûccA^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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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

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

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-

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

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

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

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,

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.)

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

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

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

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

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)

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.
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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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-

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

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

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

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.

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

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-
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

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),
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).

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
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-

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

The vining types
square feet per
seeds per
hill).
hill.
of squash require at least 50 to 100

1
Plant seeds
feet

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),
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,
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
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
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

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.

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.

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.
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
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
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

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
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

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'
CiLPîrtD
Pit
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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.
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.
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

Vegetable Gardening Midwest

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Sweet peppeTs, Capsic

aH sizes, snapes, colons, ^afan

forms. The diverse harvest,

permission ortfee Champqifyn-Ltmana

imply endorsement by the newspaper*

October 29, 1992,

Cooperative Extension Service College of Agriculture

This publication updates and expands CI 150 Vegetable

for Illinois, 1978,

by J.S. Vandemark and

J.W. Courter, with contributing authors

and Roscoe Randell; CI 150

by Paula Wheeler and

8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the

Department of Agriculture. Donald

Director, Cooperative Extension Service, University of

Urbana-Champaign. The Cooperative Exten-

sion Service provides equal opportunities in programs

The information provided

educational purposes only. References to commercial

products or trade names do not constitute an endorse-

University of Illinois and do not imply

discrimination against other similar products.

based on Hortiis Third:

nary of Plants Cultivated in the United

rium, Cornell University;

New York: Macmillan

and Linda Brown, and

Cover photo by David

Riecks; pages 15, 23, 33,

147, David Riecks; pages

photos, Information Services, Office of

Communications and Education. Additional

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

maps, page 26, Steven

Survey; other, Linda Brown. Printed by

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

Planning the Garden

Equipment, and Supplies

Preparing the Garden

Fertilizing the Soil

Plowing and Preparing the Seedbed

Planting the Garden

Caring for the Garden

Garden Cress Garden Huckleberry

Anise Anise Hyssop

Appendix C: Days from Flowering to Harvest

156 156 156

complete and accurate guide to growing

conditions. Although written primarily for the

book may be equally

students, market gardeners,

residents of areas outside

deals with various

aspects of planning, preparing, planting,

the garden and with starting plants at home. The

remainder contains detailed information about major

when and how

plant, care, harvesting, disease

answers to the most

asked questions), minor

Because chemical measures for controlling pests in

garden are continually being developed and

are subject to change,