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| Tips on vegetables (left) and the types of irrigation (right) you might want to consider: |
| Asparagus: Drip Irrigation/Drip Tape |
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FERTILIZING: HEAVY FEEDER YIELD FROM A 10' ROW: 3 pounds SPACING: Row/ 36-48" Plants/ 18" LIGHT: full sun TEMP: tolerant WATER: water when soil is just barely moist and water to 1-1 1/2 feet deep SOIL: and good garden soil w/ pH 6.5 - 8.0 PESTS: asparagus beetles HARVESTING: do not harvest until the 3rd year and then you can only lightly harvest in the spring for 2 weeks, the 4th year harvest for 4 weeks, the 5th and following years, 8 weeks EATING: fresh or steamed STORING: refrigerate, freeze or can INTERESTING INFO: Plant asparagus in a trench 10-12 apart and 6-8 inches deep, spreading crown over a hill. Cover and water, as plant grows bury with more soil until up to garden level. |
| Beans-lima / bush: Soaker Hose/Drip Irrigation/Drip Tape |
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FERTILIZING: LIGHT FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: 2 1/2 pounds shelled SPACING: Row/ 30-36" Plants/ 8-10" LIGHT: full sun TEMP: soil temps must be at least 65 degrees for 5 days in order to germinate, cold wet weather causes flowers to drop, temps above 80 mean pods will not set WATER: keep water off leaves if possible SOIL: well-drained. High soil moisture and nigh nitrogen will slow maturity PESTS: aphids, white flies, spotted cucumber beetles, and Mexican bean beetles east of the Rockies HARVESTING: pick pods while beans are still tender EATING: young beans can be cooked in butter, when mature they can be baked STORING: freeze or dry |
| Beans-snap / bush: Soaker Hose |
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FERTILIZING: LIGHT FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: 5-6 pounds SPACING: Row/ 24-36" Plants/ 6-4" LIGHT: will tolerate light shade TEMP: sensitive to cold but will drop blooms when it gets too hot WATER: allow to dry a bit between waterings, pods and blooms can drop if there's too much rain SOIL: almost any soil will do as long as it is well-drained. Too much fertilizer and you will have all leaves and few beans PESTS: Mexican bean beetles, bean leaf beetles HARVESTING: keep harvested to encourage productions EATING: raw, cooked or pickled STORING: can, freeze or dry |
| Beans-snap / pole: Soaker Hose |
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FERTILIZING: LIGHT FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: 6-10 pounds depending on variety SPACING: Row/ 36-48" Plants/ 4-6" LIGHT: will tolerate some shade TEMP: sensitive to cold, plant after danger of frost has passed WATER: allow to dry slightly between waterings SOIL: well-drained, not to fertile or you will have lots of foliage and few beans PESTS: same as bush type beans HARVESTING: same as bush type beans EATING: STORING: same as bush type beans INTERESTING INFO: Native American Indians would plant corn, beans and squash together and referred to them as The 3 Sisters. |
| Beets: Soaker Hose |
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FERTILIZING: HEAVY FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: 6-10 pounds / roots and leaves SPACING: Row/ 15-24" Plants/ 2-4" LIGHT: tolerate partial shade TEMP: can withstand some frost, do best in cooler weather. Will be woody when temps are high WATER: provide plenty of water SOIL: well-worked, loose soil is best. high in organic matter. no rocks! PESTS: no real problems HARVESTING: use leaves and add thinned seedlings in salads, pull from ground when 2-3" in diameter according to variety that you are growing EATING: eat pickled, as soup or simmered until tender STORING: stores in fridge well, pickle, can INTERESTING INFO: Twist off the leaves rather than cutting and they won't "bleed". |
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Broccoli: Drip Irrigation/Drip Tape |
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FERTILIZING: HEAVY FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: 4-6 pounds SPACING: Row/ 24-36" Plant/ 14-24" LIGHT: tolerates part shade TEMP: cool crop, prefers to be below 80 degrees WATER: keep moist but not soggy SOIL: rich well worked PESTS: cutworms, caterpillars HARVESTING: can continue over a long period. Start at the with the center top while tight, side shoots that are smaller will form and can be cut as they are ready. EATING: raw or cooked STORING: freeze or dehydrate INTERESTING INFO Leaves are edible as greens |
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Brussels Sprouts: Drip Irrigation/Drip Tape |
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FERTILIZING: HEAVY FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: 5-8 pounds SPACING: Row/ 24-36" Plants/ 14-24" LIGHT: Partial Shade TEMP: cool temps and nights below 65 degrees WATER: water regularly and do not let dry out SOIL: well-worked, high organic content, good moisture retention PESTS: cutworms, cabbage worms HARVESTING: start at the bottom and as they mature, continue harvesti8ng up stem EATING: leaves can be cooked like collards or cabbage STORING: freeze INTERESTING INFO: some claim that adding a walnut to the pot will reduce the odor while cooking. If cold weather is approaching you can clip the top of the plant to encourage it to mature all of its sprouts at once. |
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Cabbage: Drip Irrigation/Drip Tape |
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FERTILIZING: HEAVY FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: 5-8 heads SPACING: Row/ 24-36" Plants/ 14-24 LIGHT: full sun required TEMP: under 80 degree daytime and 20 degrees lower at night WATER: abundant soil moisture is ideal and cool humid air, reduce water as the approach maturity to prevent splitting SOIL: rich, well-drained high in organic matter PESTS: caterpillars, cutworms, aphids, flea beetle HARVESTING: cut off the head leaving the stem with a couple of leaves, often, a few small heads will grow on a stalk EATING: raw for slaws or cooked STORING: store in a cool moist place. can as sauerkraut |
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Cantaloupe: Drip Irrigation |
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FERTILIZING: HEAVY FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: in a good year, as many as 10 SPACING: Rows/ 60-96" Plants/ 24-36" LIGHT: full sun is vital TEMP: sensitive to cold and should not be planted until soil is warm WATER: requires lots of water while growing, just before mature, stop watering so the fruit will ripen SOIL: well-drained soil, rich in organic material PESTS: cucumber beetles, aphids and pickleworms in the South HARVESTING: mature melons slip off the stem easily, no further sugar develops in a melon picked too soon EATING: fresh STORING: they do not keep long INTERESTING INFO: Melons can be grown on fences to save space |
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Cauliflower: Drip Irrigation/Drip Tape |
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FERTILIZING: HEAVY FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: 6-7 heads SPACING: Rows/ 24-36" Plants/ 14-24" LIGHT: tolerates part shade TEMP: thrives only in moderate temps. Will not grow in hot or cold weather WATER: needs evenly moist soil. Do not let it dry out SOIL: rich, moisture holding, high in organic matter with good drainage PESTS: cutworms, aphids, caterpillars HARVESTING: remove head with tight leaves EATING: raw or cooked, leaves are also edible STORING: freezing |
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Carrot: Soaker Hose |
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FERTILIZING: LIGHT FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: 7-10 pounds SPACING: Rows/ 15-24" Plants/ 2" LIGHT: tolerate part shade TEMP: in areas with high temps, roots will grow pale and short unless you mulch WATER: to keep them growing quickly, give plenty of water until approaching maturity or they will crack SOIL: rich, well-worked and well-drained PESTS: cutworms HARVESTING: if you plant them 1" apart when seeding you can carefully pull every other one as "baby" carrots and allow the rest to mature. EATING: raw or cooked STORING: store in fridge, can or freeze. may also be dehydrated |
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Celery: Soaker Hose/Drip Irrigation/Drip Tape |
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FERTILIZING: HEAVY FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: twenty plants SPACING: Rows/ 30-36" Plants/ 6-8" LIGHT: tolerates light shade TEMP: does best in cool weather but too long at these temps while plants area small and they will go to seed WATER: water well SOIL: rich, well-drained soil high in organic matter preferred PESTS: not really bothered HARVESTING: cut at or below the soil surface EATING: raw or try braised STORING: dry the leaves for soups and stews, dry seeds can be stored too! |
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Chard: Soaker Hose/Drip Irrigation/Drip Tape |
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FERTILIZING: LIGHT FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: nine pounds or more SPACING: Rows/ 18-30" Plants/ 9-12" LIGHT: tolerates light shade TEMP: cool temps preferred WATER: keep moist but not wet SOIL: not found of acidic soils. Needs fertile, well drained soil rich in organic content PESTS: aphids HARVESTING: will produce steadily all summer long. If it doesn't get too cold, harvesting can continue on into second year EATING: steam or cook like spinach, use in salads or stir-fry STORING: freeze, can or dehydrate INTERESTING INFO one of the easiest and most productive crops! |
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Chinese Cabbage: Soaker Hose/Drip Irrigation/Drip Tape |
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YIELD: From a 10' ROW: 10 or more heads SPACING: Row/ 18-30" Plants/ 8-12" LIGHT: will tolerate partial shade TEMP: cool weather otherwise it will go to seed WATER: water frequently to encourage rapid growth SOIL: well-worked, well-fertilized, high in organic matter PESTS: occasional caterpillars or aphids HARVESTING: cut off whole plant at soil line EATING: raw or stir-fry STORING: keeps well in fridge |
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Corn: Drip Irrigation/Drip Tape |
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FERTILIZING: HEAVY FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: depending on variety planted 5-10 ears SPACING: Rows/ 48-72" Plants/ 24-48" LIGHT: full sun TEMP: optimum is 85 degrees WATER: keep even, water is very important but rain or water on tassels at the time of pollination can destroy the whole crop SOIL: well-worked and fertile PESTS: corn earworm, corn borer, and about 348 other insects...but not usually at the same time HARVESTING: harvest when the juice of the kernel is milky, if watery it is too early. If juice is pasty then the sugars have already begun to turn to starch and won't be as sweet. Dry silks and the feel of the ear are great indicators of maturity EATING: as soon as the corn is picked it should be eaten, quality deteriorates by the minute!! STORING: freeze, can or dehydrate INTERESTING INFO: Corn is the #1 crop in the US an one of the top four in the world, however, 80% of the corn grown goes to feeding livestock. |
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Cucumbers: Drip Irrigation/Drip Tape |
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FERTILIZING: Love rotted manure YIELD: From a 10' ROW: 6-10 pounds SPACING: Rows/48-72" Plants/ 12-24" LIGHT: tolerates part shade TEMP: they prefer warm temps of up to 90 during the day and 60-65 at night, high temps are not a problem as long as the soil is mulched to keep the roots cool and to retain moisture WATER: Cuke's are 95% water and they need plenty of water to keep growing fast. Do not let the soil dry out. Leaves will wilt in the days of hot summer temps even if the soil is wet because the roots can not supply enough to replenish what it is using SOIL: well-drained soil, high in organic matter, mulch to avoid soil compaction PESTS: aphids and cucumber beetles HARVESTING: keep harvesting to keep plant producing EATING: raw or eat the flowers that have been dipped in egg batter and fried STORING: use quickly, cuke's that have not been dipped in way do not last long INTERESTING INFO: Cuke's can be trained on a trellis or fence for easy picking and to save valuable space |
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Eggplant: Drip Irrigation/Drip Tape |
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FERTILIZING: HEAVY FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: 20 pounds SPACING: Rows/ 24-36" Plants/ 18-24" LIGHT: full sun TEMP: warm to hot weather is necessary for good production WATER: keep well watered and allow to dry slightly SOIL: well-drained, high in organic matter, pH at 6.0 - 7.0 PESTS: flea beetle and hornworm HARVESTING: pick fruits when immature, about 2/3 maximum size, do not allow mature fruit to remain on the plant or production will slow EATING: cooked in sauces, or baked STORING: freeze or pickle, they will only keep in the fridge for about a week |
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Endive: Drip Irrigation/Drip Tape |
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FERTILIZING: HEAVY FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: 10 heads SPACING: rows/ 18" Plants/ 12" LIGHT: tolerates part shade TEMP: prefers mild climate but tolerates heat better than lettuce WATER: keep it moist and growing quickly, lack of water and slow growth make the leaves bitter SOIL: well-drained, well-fertilized soil, rich in organic matter PESTS: no real issues HARVESTING: cut at soil line EATING: serve in salads, soups or sandwiches STORING: store in crisper drawer |
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Garlic: Drip Irrigation/Drip Tape |
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FERTILIZING: LIGHT FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: Enough for the neighborhood! SPACING: Rows/ 15-24" Plants/ 2-4" LIGHT: TEMP: cool temps are preferred during early growth WATER: keep on the dry side SOIL: well-worked, good drainage, high in organic matter PESTS: if it is too warm onion thrips and mildew can be a problem HARVESTING: dig up when the leaves dry or before the first frost EATING: use leaves like chives, use cloves whole, minced or mashed STORING: dry cloves in a spot with good air circulation |
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FERTILIZING: HEAVY FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: SPACING: Rows/ 18-36" Plants/ 8-16" LIGHT: tolerates part shade TEMP: cool weather crop WATER: plenty of water keeps it growing fast and keeps it tender SOIL: good drainage, high organic matter PESTS: no serious enemies HARVESTING: thin and use as greens or harvest all at once EATING: steaming is best STORING: freeze or can INTERESTING INFO very good added to soup, used as ornamental plants as well |
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Kohlrabi: Soaker Hose/Drip Irrigation/Drip Tape |
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FERTILIZING: HEAVY FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: 20 bulbs SPACING: Row/ 15-24" Plants/ 4-6" LIGHT: tolerates part shade TEMP: grows best in cool weather where day temps are only 10-15 degrees warmer than night temps! WATER: water evenly or they will become woody SOIL: fertile, well-drained, rich in organic matter PESTS: caterpillars, cutworms, aphids HARVESTING: cut a few leaves and cook for "greens" harvest bulbs before stems are 2 1/2" in diameter EATING: peal before slicing, serve raw, steamed or boiled STORING: don't let them age, they lose their appeal INTERESTING INFO mild turnip flavor |
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Lettuce: Soaker Hose/Drip Irrigation/Drip Tape |
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FERTILIZING: HEAVY FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: 5-10 pounds SPACING: (For Head lettuce) Rows/ 18-24" Plants/ 6-10" LIGHT: tolerates part shade TEMP: cool weather preferred otherwise it will bolt and go to seed WATER: keep moist but not soaked SOIL: well-worked, slightly acidic, high in organic matter is best. good drainage PESTS: cut worms, slugs, snails and aphids HARVESTING: head lettuce; pick outer leaves or cut at base of soil when plant is mature. Leaf lettuce; pick outer leaves regularly for a longer harvest EATING: chill before eating STORING: store in crisper drawer INTERESTING INFO: leaf lettuce matures faster making it ideal in areas with a cool, short spring |
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FERTILIZING: apply 10-10-10 at planting , side dress every 3-4 weeks YIELD: From a 10' ROW: approx 20 plants SPACING: 6-9" apart in double rows LIGHT: full sun TEMP: tolerant but do better when temps are below 75 degrees WATER: water thoroughly to 8-10 deep and then allow to slightly dry to 2" deep SOIL: loose soil, rich in organic matter PESTS: thrips HARVESTING: pull when stems are 3-4 -1" thick EATING: raw, soup or used in dishes STORING: store in fridge or cool root cellar |
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Onions: Soaker Hose |
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FERTILIZING: LIGHT FEEDERYIELD: From a 10' ROW: 8-10 pounds plus leaves SPACING: (bulbs) Rows/ 15-24" Plants/ 3-4" LIGHT: full sun (green onions will tolerate part shade) TEMP: cool during early development and warmer during later development WATER: keep moist until the plants have started to mature , then soil should be permitted to dry out SOIL: very fertile, well-drained soil, use well rotted manure PESTS: thrips and onion maggots HARVESTING: use tops throughout the season, harvest bulbs when tops are dry and have fallen over. Carefully lift with garden fork and allow to "cure" in the sun until skins form on onions EATING: raw or cooked STORING: cut tops a thumbs width from the bulb, if cut to short the bulb may rot. Store in a cool dry place |
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OKRA: Drip Irrigation/Drip Tape |
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FERTILIZING: HEAVY FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: more than enough! SPACING: Rows/ 36-24" Plants/ 12-24" LIGHT: full sun TEMP: warm weather crop WATER: keep evenly watered but not wet SOIL: average well-worked soil is fine PESTS: aphids, cabbage worms HARVESTING: cut pods from plant while tender, become woody if left too long EATING: use in soups and stews, great thickening agent and is terrific in gumbos STORING: pickle or freeze INTERESTING INFO Wear gloves and long sleeves while harvesting, plants have short hairs that may irritate the skin, soak seeds overnight for better germination |
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Parsnips: Soaker Hose |
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FERTILIZING: LIGHT FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: SPACING: Rows/ 18-30" Plants/ 3-4" LIGHT: part shade or full sun TEMP: WATER: water deeply once per week SOIL: deeply, well-worked, high in organic matter PESTS: HARVESTING: harvest after a couple of weeks of near freezing temps, the cold results in starches converting to sugars EATING: cooked STORING: clip off remaining leaves and wash and dry the root. Can be stored for many weeks in a cool dark place INTERESTING INFO can be left in the ground over winter and harvested as needed, good source of vitamin c, potassium, calcium and fiber |
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Peas-black-eyed (or southern): Soaker Hose/Drip Irrigation/Drip Tape |
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YIELD: From a 10' ROW: 1-2 pounds SPACING: Rows/ 24-36" Plants/ 4-6" LIGHT: tolerate part shade TEMP: can take hot temps but not cold ones! WATER: try to keep water off leaves SOIL: will grow in very poor soil, but well-drained, well-worked soil high in organic matter increases production PESTS: beetles, aphids, spider mites, leafhoppers, blights HARVESTING: pick the pods when they reach the stage of maturity you desire-young and tender or fully matured EATING: the pods may be cooked and eaten like snap beans or shelled and dried for later use STORING: freeze young pods or dry mature ones INTERESTING INFO: Black-eyed peas are sometimes grow to improve poor soils |
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Peas-sweet (or English): Soaker Hose/Drip Irrigation/Drip Tape |
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FERTILIZING: LIGHT FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: 3 pounds in pods SPACING: Rows/ 18-36" Plants/ 3-5" LIGHT: tolerates part shade TEMP: cool-season crop, ideal conditions are moist and between 60 and 65 degrees WATER: plenty of water is necessary and the soil should never dry out, however, rain during flowering can cut down the yield SOIL: good drainage, high in organic material PESTS: aphids HARVESTING: pick when young for edible pod varieties and when full and green for shelling types EATING: eat raw or lightly steamed STORING: as peas age the sugar content goes down and the starch content rises, chilling slows this down somewhat |
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Peppers-mild: Drip Irrigation/Drip Tape |
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FERTILIZING: HEAVY FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: 6 pounds SPACING: Rows/ 24-36" Plants/ 18-24" LIGHT: full sun to light shade TEMP: optimum temps are between 70 and 75, above 90 and plants will drop blooms WATER: water less than tomatoes or plant will rot SOIL: soil temps should be above 65 degrees and be high in organic matter and well-drained PESTS: aphids, cutworms, flea beetles, hornworms HARVESTING: EATING: raw, stuffed or roasted STORING: peppers can be frozen, canned or dried INTERESTING INFO: Use starter solution to fertilize when transplanting If you would like to grow sweet red peppers leave your green peppers on the plant until they ripen and turn red! |
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Peppers-hot: Drip Irrigation/Drip Tape |
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FERTILIZING: HEAVY FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: 6 pounds SPACING: Rows/ 24-36" Plants/ 18-24" LIGHT: full sun TEMP: optimum temps are between 70 and 85, above 90 and plants will drop blooms WATER: water less than tomatoes or plant will rot SOIL: soil temps should be above 65 degrees and be high in organic matter and well-drained PESTS: aphids, cutworms, flea beetles, hornworms HARVESTING: EATING: be careful when processing hot peppers, do not touch your eyes STORING: peppers can be frozen, dried, pickled or canned INTERESTING INFO: milk is more soothing than water to lessen the sting. Use starter solution to fertilize when transplanting |
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Potato-sweet: Drip Irrigation/Drip Tape |
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FERTILIZING: LIGHT FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: 4-8 pounds SPACING: Rows/ 36-48" Plants/ 12-16" LIGHT: full sun TEMP: extremely sensitive to frost, never too hot! WATER: 1" per week for higher yields, until a couple of weeks before harvest SOIL: moderately fertile, loose, sandy, organic soil, well worked free of rocks PESTS: in the south; sweet potato weevil and wire worms can be a problem HARVESTING: dig up before first frost, dig carefully they skin and bruise easily EATING: baked, mashed or used in desserts like pumpkin for pie STORING: keep at 55 to 60 degrees for up to 6 months with 85% humidity INTERESTING INFO grown from rooted sprouts, called slips, taken from an old tuber |
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Potato-white (or Irish): Drip Irrigation/Drip Tape |
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FERTILIZING: HEAVY FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: 8-10 pounds SPACING: Rows/ 30-36" Plants/ 10-15" LIGHT: full sun TEMP: ideal 60-70 degrees, hot weather can reduce the production of tubers WATER: maintain even soil moisture, water before soil dries out. Thick mulch will conserve moisture, keep the weeds down and keep the soil cool SOIL: well-drained, fertile, high in organic matter, pH 5.0 - 5.5. Lime usually increases the size of the crop but can also increase the incidence of scab PESTS: Colorado potato bugs, leafhoppers, flea beetles, aphids, blights HARVESTING: dig potatoes after plant begins to bloom or as the foliage yellows if they don't bloom EATING: boil, bake, fry, mash STORING: after curing, store potatoes in a cool 40-45 degree place with good air circulation and humidity of 85% |
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Pumpkin: Drip Irrigation |
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FERTILIZING: HEAVY FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: 1-3 SPACING: Rows/ 60-96" Plants/ 36-48" LIGHT: tolerate part shade TEMP: do not plant seeds until soil has warmed, plants a sensitive to cold WATER: pumpkins need plenty of water to keep the vines and fruit growing SOIL: well-drained soil, high in organic matter, too much fertilizer tends to grow vines and not pumpkins PESTS: stem borers HARVESTING: leave on the vine as long as possible being careful to remove them before frost sets in EATING: use in breads and pies STORING: store at 50 - 60 degrees, they may shrink by as much as 20% in weight but will still make great pies INTERESTING INFO More than 90% of all fresh pumpkins are sold in October |
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Radish: Soaker Hose |
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FERTILIZING: HEAVY FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: 60-120 radishes SPACING: Rows/ 14-24" Plants/ 1-2" LIGHT: tolerates part shade TEMP: cool season crop, can take frost WATER: water well to keep growing quickly SOIL: well-worked, well-drained PESTS: aphids, root maggots occasionally HARVESTING: pull up the whole plant when the size is right, wait to long and the center becomes pithy EATING: raw or cooked or pickled in vinegar STORING: store in fridge INTERESTING INFO Radishes going to seed in the summer is more an issue of day length than heat. Cover plants in summer to limit light exposure to 8 hours, a 12 hour day produces flowers and seeds. Radishes will grow in sand if watered with fertilizer diluted to 1/4 strength! |
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Rutabaga: Soaker Hose |
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FERTILIZING: LIGHT FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: 10+ pounds SPACING: 4-6" apart in rows LIGHT: will tolerate light shade TEMP: prefers cool weather, if too hot lots of leaves form and only small and stringy roots WATER: water thoroughly before the soil dries, if roots slow down in growth they will get tough SOIL: well-drained, well-worked, high organic matter, rock free soil PESTS: aphids HARVESTING: pull entire plant EATING: eat seedlings as you thin the plants, roots can be boiled, diced, and served with butter or mashed STORING: can be left in the ground, cover with heavy mulch INTERESTING INFO Rutabagas are a cross between a cabbage and a turnip |
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Rhubarb: Drip Irrigation |
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FERTILIZING: HEAVY FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: a lot once mature SPACING: Rows/ 3-4' Plants/ 36-48" LIGHT: full sun TEMP: WATER: will tolerate dry conditions SOIL: well rotted organic matter, well-drained, pH 6.0 - 6.8 PESTS: HARVESTING: do not harvest the first year, allow nutrients from leaf growth to feed the roots for stronger plants harvest the 2nd year and only a few stems per plant, cut stems at soil level EATING: cook stalks, do NOT eat leaves STORING: freeze or make into jams and desserts like pie INTERESTING INFO: DO NOT EAT RHUBARB LEAVES OR ROOTS - They contain oxalic acid and are poisonous!! Rhubarb plants will grow for 10 to 15 years Old roots may be dug and divided . Cut in 4 to 8 pieces, each piece must have at least one strong bud - do this every 5 years in the spring while plants are dormant to ensure strong vigorous plants |
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Spinach: Soaker Hose |
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FERTILIZING: HEAVY FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: 5 pounds SPACING: Rows/ 36-48" Plants; 3-4" LIGHT: will tolerate partial shade TEMP: doesn't mind cool weather but will go to seed in warm weather hen days are long. Ideal temps; 50-60 degrees WATER: uniformly moist SOIL: good drainage and high organic content. If soil is too rich it will go to seed quickly PESTS: aphids, leaf miners HARVESTING: pick outside leaves like leaf lettuce or cut whole plant when full and mature EATING: use on sandwiches, salads, steam or blanch STORING: freeze or can INTERESTING INFO spinach is high in iron |
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Squash-summer: Drip Irrigation |
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FERTILIZING: YIELD: From a 10' ROW: enough to feed the neighborhood SPACING: Rows/ 36-60" Plants/ 18-36" LIGHT: full sun TEMP: very sensitive to cold temps WATER: keep evenly moist SOIL: well-worked with good drainage PESTS: squash bugs, borers, cucumber beetles, whiteflies HARVESTING: delicious picked young before seeds develop inside EATING: fresh or dipped in batter and fried STORING: can be frozen and dried INTERESTING INFO |
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Squash-winter: Drip Irrigation/Drip Tape |
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YIELD: From a 10' ROW: SPACING: Rows/ 60-90" Plants/ 24" LIGHT: full sun TEMP: warm weather is needed to grow successfully WATER: keep well watered SOIL: well-worked with good drainage PESTS: squash bugs, borers, cucumber beetles, whiteflies HARVESTING: do not remove from the vine until the skin can no longer be dented by a fingernail EATING: baked STORING: store in a well ventilated cool dark area |
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Strawberry: Soaker Hose |
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FERTILIZING: HEAVY FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: varies by conditions and variety SPACING: plant in double or triple row hill systems or in matted row systems leaving 1 to 1 1/2' between plants LIGHT: full sun TEMP: mulch in winter for protection WATER: SOIL: well rotted manure may be applied at planting, well-drained soil PESTS: slugs, snails, birds.. HARVESTING: gently remove berries in the morning EATING: fresh or jams or jellies STORING: dehydrate, or freeze INTERESTING INFO Use 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 to fertilize the ground before planting, pick off blooms the first year to encourage healthier plants. 2nd year do not add nitrogen or you will have beautiful foliage and little fruit! Plant in matted rows or hill systems |
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Tomato: Drip Irrigation |
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FERTILIZING: HEAVY FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: 10-45 pounds depending on variety! SPACING: Rows/ 24-48" Plants/ 18-36" LIGHT: full sun TEMP: they grow best when temps are between 65 and 85 degrees and stop growing if over 95, the flowers will not set fruit of the temps are below 55 at night WATER: keep evenly moist but not wet, keep water off leaves SOIL: user a starter solution or mix a cup of 5-10-10 when planting PESTS: cutworms, fruit worms, tomato hornworm, aphids, whiteflies HARVESTING: pick green for fried green tomatoes, firm for slicing and soft for stuffing or quartering EATING: raw, cooked in soups, stews, sauces, stuffed or made into jams. Green ones can be fried or used for green tomato pickles STORING: mature green tomatoes will ripen in one to three weeks at 70 degrees, picked just before frost, green tomatoes can be kept at room temp where they will ripen slowly. INTERESTING INFO: It is not necessary to wrap tomatoes when ripening indoors. Whole plants can be pulled from the ground and hung up side down to ripen! |
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Turnip: Soaker Hose |
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YIELD: From a 10' ROW: 6 pounds of leaves and 10 pounds of roots SPACING: Rows/ 14-24" Plants/ 3" LIGHT: tolerates part shade TEMP: cool weather crop that goes to seed in warm weather WATER: water evenly to keep turnip growing, if growth slows, the root becomes woody and sends up a seed stalk SOIL: well-drained, high organic matter, moisture retaining PESTS: aphids, flea beetles HARVESTING: harvest roots when they are 1-2 inches across EATING: eat the tops of the seedlings as you thin, tops and bulb when mature STORING: can be left in the ground, cover with heavy mulch INTERESTING INFO small turnips can make a great substitute for radishes! |
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Watermelon: Drip Irrigation |
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FERTILIZING: HEAVY FEEDER YIELD: From a 10' ROW: if you are lucky 3-5 melons SPACING: Rows/ 72-96" Plants/ 36-72 LIGHT: full sun TEMP: warm weather is needed or temps below 50 will ruin the flavor of the fruit WATER: melons are 95% water so keep them well watered SOIL: well-drained, not too much nitrogen or you will have leaves and no fruit PESTS: cucumber beetles HARVESTING: pick when bottoms are yellow and they sound dull and hollow when rapped with your knuckles EATING: fresh, rinds are sometimes used for pickles or in preserves STORING: in the fridge for a week or two |
