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Vegetable Gardening
Master Gardener Training2006
Why grow vegetables?
Taste better/fresher than store boughtGood exercise/mental therapy!Perceived to be more nutritiousFree from or controlled use of pesticidesFunVariety, hard-to-find cropsSave money?
Where to Locate Garden?
Full SunWell-Drained SoilAway from Trees & ShrubsAway from Trees & ShrubsClose to Source of WaterClose to HomeSuitable to Landscape Design
Landscaping with vegetables
Planning Garden Layout
Tall crops on north endGroup perennial cropsRotate crops where possibleRotate crops where possible– Change familiesGroup by growing seasonSuccession plantingUse vertical space
Tomatoes and Lettuce Interplanted
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Raised Beds Succession planting – cole crops
Using vertical growing space Season Extenders
Cold Frame/Hot BedCloches & Hot CapsFloating Row CoversFloating Row CoversPlastic Mulches
Cold Frame
1-3 month season extensionYear Round Use
S i– Spring• start seedlings• early crops (i.e.
lettuce)• hardening off
– Summer• nursery bed for fall
crops or perennials
Hardening Off
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Cold Frame/Hot Bed
Year Round Use (cont.)– Fall
• extend summer crops• grow cool crops longer
– Winter• force bulbs• store root vegetables• tree & shrub propagation
Cold Frame
Using a Cold Frame– Glass or Plexiglass– South Facing
LocationLocation– Good Drainage– Thermometer
• open above 65-70 degrees
Cloches & Hot Caps
Adds 3-4 weeksOne to a Few PlantsTypesTypes– Glass– Wall o’Water– Plastic Jugs– Cylinders over Tomato CagesRemove on Sunny Days
Floating Row Covers
Spun Polyester of Polypropylene (Remay)5-10° warmer; Frost protection to p28°Transmits light, air, waterOther Benefits– Slows water evaporation from soil– Prevents wind & rain damage– Insect Barrier
Floating Row Cover Plastic MulchesWarm Soil – Must touch soil– Moisten soil before applyingC l sColors– Black
• warms 5-10 degrees• decreases weeds
– Clear• warms 10-20 degrees• weed growth is a problem
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Plastic Mulches Multiple Modifications
Soil Preparation The soil seed bed should be loose and friable
Add organic matter Rake out large soil clods
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PlantingWhen to plant– Very hardy – as soon as ground can be
workedFrost tolerant 2 3 weeks before last – Frost-tolerant – 2-3 weeks before last average 32°F
– Tender – at average last frost date– Warm-loving – after danger of frostAverage last frost date 1st week of May in Kenosha/Racine
Avoid compacting prepared soil. Create a shallow trench for seed.
Sprinkle seeds in the prepared trench
Thin seedlings to proper spacing
Many vegetables benefit from an early start indoors with later transplanting in the garden
Stocky transplants ready to set out
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Transplants hardening off in a cold frame
Most transplants are set at the same depth they were growing in their container
Be sure to remove any peat pot that may stick up above the soil line and wick moisture away from the roots
Gently firm the soil around the root zone
A starter fertilizer solution high in phosphorus may be used
Water thoroughly to remove any air pockets
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Caring for the Garden
Cultivation to control weeds– Cultivate shallowly to avoid root damage– Avoid working the soil when wet– Hoeing, tilling or hand-pulling weeds– Few herbicides for home vegetable
gardens
Caring for the Garden -Mulches
To control weedsAffect soil temperature– Organic mulches cool soil in summerg– Plastic mulches warm soil in summer
• clear - raises 10-20 degrees• black - raises 5-10 degrees
Keep soil moisture more uniform
Use only thin layers of grass mulch. Make certain it contains no herbicides.
Caring for the Garden -Watering
Drip irrigation more efficient use of water than overhead sprinklers
Name three perennial vegetables we can grow in Wisconsin.
AsparagusRhubarbHorseradishHorseradish
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Asparagus Asparagus officinalis
Family LiliaceaeNative to the eastern MediterraneanMediterranean.Cultivated for over 2000 years.Hardy, cool season perennial.Dioecious or all-male.
Cultivar Selection
Select rust resistant varieties– Mary Washington
All male varieties All-male varieties – Jersey Giant (male)– Jersey Knight (male)– Purple Passion (male)
Asparagus Culture
Plant crowns 12-36” apart in a trench 8” deep.Gradually fill in as Gradually fill in as spears grow.Don’t harvest the 1st or 2nd years.Fertilize at the end of the harvest season.
Harvesting AsparagusHarvest season is about 8 weeks.Spears should be 8-10” long with ti htl l s d ti stightly closed tips.½-⅜” diameter.Snap or cut at the soil line.Stop harvest when spears smaller than a pencil.
Remove fern in fall to reduce asparagus beetle and disease. Rhubarb Rheum rhabarbarum
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Cultivar Selection
Red petioles– Canada Red
Cherry Red– Cherry Red– Valentine
Green petioles– Victoria
Rhubarb CulturePlant or divide in early spring (transplants only)Apply fertilizer in
i d id d spring and side dress in early JulyHarvest– 1st year none– 2nd year for 2 weeks– >2 years for 8-10 weeks
Remove flowers and seed stalks
Horseradish Armoracia rusticanna
Very hardyGrown from crown divisions or root cuttingscuttingsBest in deep, loose, fertile soil with adequate moistureCommercially grown as annual
SolanaceaeNightshade Family
TomatoesPeppersEggplantsEggplantsPotatoes
Tomatoes Lycopersicon esculentum
Native to the Andes of South AmericaIntroduced to Europe in 1500sBelieved to be Believed to be poisonous until 1700s– Tomatine in green
tissueLycopene & beta carotene give tomatoes their colorTender, warm season annual
2nd most popular vegetable behind potatoesSalsa is the most popular condiment, surpassing ketchup.Red, pink, yellow, Red, pink, yellow, orange, white, purple
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Determinate vs. IndeterminateDeterminate– 3 to 4 ft tall– Plant ends in flower bud
Indeterminate– 7 to 15 ft tall– Plant “never ends”,
remains vegetative– Forms flowers in leaf
axils1 plant can produce 10-50 lb fruit/season
Cultivar SelectionCherry & Pear
(L. cerasiforme-cherry & pyriforme-pear)
– Smaller (½” dia.), sweeter tomatoes
– Produce about 100 fruit/plant
Beefsteak– Larger tomatoes for fresh
slicing– Higher ratio of cell wall to
pulp & short, soft core– Better Boyfruit/plant
– Super Sweet 100– Yellow Pear – Sweet Million
Roma– Paste or processing
tomatoes– Roma VF– Viva Italia– Debarao
– Big Beef– Burpee Big Boy– Early Girl
Heirloom– Older, open pollinated
varieties– Brandywine– Black Krim– Gardener’s Delight
Tomato CultureSelf fertile, wind-pollinated flowers.Starts seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before last frostPlant transplants 18-24 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart and deeper than potNight temperature critical: 60 - 70ºFTemps < 50 will cause blossom abortion, poor fruit set & cat-facing
Staking or Trellising
Harvesting TomatoesRipe, well-formed, blemish freeHeirloom & beefsteak tomatoes will be irregular in shapeN f i t Never refrigerate tomatoes – won’t fully develop flavor after harvestRipen unripe fruit in a paper bag out of direct sunlightFreeze, dehydrate, or can to preserve the summer flavor
Tomato ProblemsFungal Leaf Diseases
Early blight
Septoria
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Tomato Problems - WiltsVerticillium or Fusarium
Tomato Problems -Tobacco Hornworm
Parasitic Braconid wasp on hornworm
Tomato Problems -Blossom End Rot
Peppers Capsicum annuum, C. frutescens - Tabasco
Originated in Central AmericaCame to United States in 1700sBlack & white pepper Black & white pepper used as seasoning is Piper nigrum.Tender, herbaceous perennials grown as annuals.Lance-shaped leaves & perfect, white flowers.
Cultivar Selection-HotScoville units
Anaheim = 500-2,500(mild, chile rellenos)
Ancho/Poblano = 1,000-1,500(mild, roasted, stuffed, mole)
Cayenne = 30,000-50,000(medium hot, Cajun & Indian
food)food)Habaňero = 150,000-300,000 (hottest of all, salsas & hot
sauces)Jalapeno = 2,500-5,000(medium hot, salsas & salads)
Pequin = 50,000-100,000Serrano = 10,000-20,000 (fiercely hot, roasted for salsa)
Thai = 30,000-100,000 (fiercely hot, Asian stir fry)
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Cultivar Selection - SweetSweet– Bell
• Blushing Beauty• Gypsy• Lilac Bell• Valencia
– BananaBanana• Banana Supreme• Bananarama
– Cherry• Cherry Pick
– Cubanelle• Key Largo
– Hungarian – Pimiento
• Antohi Romanian• Round of Hungary• Red Ruffled Pimiento
– Tabasco
Pepper CultureStart seed indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frostHarden off Harden off transplantsPlant 18-24 inches apartMoist soil -mulch isbeneficial.
Pepper CultureWarm season– Grow best 70-80°F
day & 65-70°F night.– Blossom abortion,
poor fruit set, h t d f it l k shortened fruit, lack
of color.Capsanthin – chemical that causes peppers to ripen– <56°F inhibit
capsanthin production.
Harvesting PeppersHarvest immature or mature.Chili or cayenne peppers can be dried.A id h ti Avoid harvesting peppers with sunken brown spots.Store fresh peppers in the vegetable crisper section of the refrigerator.
Pepper ProblemsBlossom End Rot
Eggplant Solanum melogena
A.K.A. AubergineTender, warm-season perennial grown as an annualgrown as an annualNative to India & China – ancient Asian vegetableAmerica: Introduced early as ornamental
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Cultivar Selection
Fruit may be oval, oblong, or round.Color ranges from purple-black, to green, pink white red or pink, white, red or yellow.– Asian
• Ichiban• Orient Express
– American (oval)• Black Beauty• Purple Rain
Eggplant Culture
Indeterminate, erect bushFlowers borne singly or in clusters in leaf axilsaxilsStart seed indoors 10-12 weeks before last frostVery susceptible to chilling– 75-85°F day & 65-75°F
nightBest if planted on black plastic mulch
Harvesting Eggplant
Harvest eggplant approximately 25-40 days after pollination.Fruit should be glossy and deeply colored and feel heavy for its size.Mature fruit will have a dull skin and flesh will be bitter.No such thing as male and female fruit!– Fruit with oval dimples on the blossom end will have fewer seeds
and are less meaty but this is not related to gender.Clip fruit from the plant to avoid damage
Other Solanaceous Vegetables
Potato – Solanum tuberosumGround Cherry, Husk Tomato, Tomatillo –Physalis ixocarpahysa s carpaGooseberry – Physalis peruvianaHuckleberry – Solanum nigrum var. guineenseTree Tomato – egg-size fruit with tomato-like flavor.
CucurbitaceaeCucurbit Family
CucumbersMelonsSquashSquashPumpkinsGourds
Male or Female?Cucurbit flowers may be perfect (have male and female parts) or imperfect (have only one or the other).Male flowers produced early in the season (daylength >14 hrs )the season (daylength >14 hrs.)Female flowers begin to show up along with the males around the summer solstice And male flowers predominate in August until frostGenetics, day length, and temperature determine what gender of flowers are produced
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Cucumber Cucumis sativus
Native to IndiaWarm season, herbaceous annualDeterminate or indeterminate
Gynoecious – all female. Need ≥ 1 male plant to pollinate.Parthenocarpic – self-fertile & doesn’t require pollination
Leaves and stems spinyLeaves triangular with rounded lobes with middle lobe longerSelf-pollinatedCucurbitacin causes people to have difficulty digesting cucumbers
require pollination.– Requires isolation from
other fruit to avoid pollination to provide seedless fruit.
Cultivar Selection
Slicing (long and tapered with smooth, glossy green skin and few spines)
– Pickling (blunt, angular, warty, light green, spiny)p )
– Dasher II– Marketmore– Orient Express– Sweet Success– Tasty Green– Salad Bush– Spacemaster
spiny)• Homemade
Pickles• Pickalot
– Gherkin (small, oval, prickly)
Cucumber CulturePlant seeds 1-1½ inches deep and 8-12 inches apart. Require soil qtemperatures of 60°F.Don’t transplant well.Trellis on strong wire mesh to save space.
Harvesting CucumbersHarvest slicing types when 6-8 inches long (usually 12 days after pollination)Yellow (ripe) fruit left ( p )on the plant prevents further fruit from developing & will have large seeds.Wipe clean with a damp cloth and store uncut in the refrigerator.
Striped or spotted cucumber beetle-bacterial wilt
Melon Cucumis melo
Watermelon Citrullus lanatus
Native to AfricaIntroduced to America in
Watermelon leaves are heart-shaped with 3-7 lobes.Monoecious (male and female plants) & can self or cross pollinate
1400sWarm season, herbaceous annualDeterminate or indeterminate.Melon leaves are oval to kidney-shaped with 5-7 lobes.Only cross-pollinate with members of same species.
p
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Cultivar Selection
Muskmelon –Reticulatus group– Magnifisweet– Athena
Watermelon– Yellow Doll– Crimson Sweet– Bush Sugar Baby– Moon & Stars
– Super Sun– Sweet & EarlyHoneydew –Inodorus group– Super Dew– Early Crisp– Venus
Melon CultureRequire 90-125 days to produce a cropSeed at ½ to 1 inch depth, 5 ft centers.Don’t transplant wellChilling sensitiveChilling sensitiveRequire warm, sunny weather to produce sweet fruitMoist, well-drained soilBest grown on plastic mulchBees essential for good fruit setOnly allow 1-2 fruits to develop per plant
Harvesting MelonsHarvest at full-slip, 30-35 days after pollinationCool immediately to prevent deteriorationHarvest watermelon when Harvest watermelon when “ground patch” on watermelon is white to creamy yellowWipe watermelon clean with a damp cloth and store in a cool location.
Summer Squash Cucurbita pepo
Native - AmericasWarm season, frost tender, herbaceous annualDeterminate or indeterminateLeaves 3-lobed or entireMonoeciousThin-skinned, eaten when immatureEdible blossoms
Cultivar SelectionZucchini– Aristocrat– Spineless Beauty– Roly Poly
Crookneck– Horn of Plenty– Pic-n-Pic– Early Golden
C k kStraightneck– Butterstick– Gold Bar– Sunray– Saffron
CrookneckScallop or Patty Pan– Scallopini– Butter Scallop– Peter Pan
Winter SquashCucurbita maxima, pepo, moschata
Native to Americas Warm season, herbaceous annualDeterminate or indeterminateLeaves are 3-lobed or entireMonoeciousCross pollinate with other cultivars of s s i ssame species.Hard rinds make for good storage
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Cultivar SelectionAcorn (C. pepo) Green or gold & deeply ribbed.– Cream of the Crop– Ebony Sweet Acorn– Table Ace– Table Queen
Delicata (C. pepo)– Cornell’s Bush Delicata
Hubbard (C. maxima)Medium, blue-gray with bumpy
skin.– Blue Hubbard– Table Queen
Buttercup (C. maxima)Medium-dark green splotched
with grey.– Autumn Cup
Butternut (C. moschata)Orange flesh, tan skin, bulbous
base.– Autumn Glow– Early Butternut– Waltham
Blue HubbardKabocha (C. maxima)– Ambercup– Sweet Mama
Spaghetti (C. maxima)Oval with golden yellow skin.– Pasta Hybrid– Vegetable Spaghetti
Turk’s Turban (C. maxima)Green, turban-shaped, striped
with red, white, & orange.
Squash Culture
Seed early and plant 1 inch deep 4 feet apartMoist soilWarm season 65-75°FMulchMulch– Reflective mulch may
repel insects.Bees essentialBush-type or vining plantsShallow roots –irrigate.
Harvesting SquashSummer Squash– 7-8 weeks after seeding
when fruit are 2-3 inches in diameter and 7 inches long.
– Handle gently - bruises easilyeasily
– Refrigerate up to 1 weekWinter squash– 3-4 months after planting– before a hard frost– Ready when outer skin
resists fingernail pressure– Cure by exposing to 80°F
temps for 7-10 days.– Store at 40-45°F up to 2-
3 months
Cucurbit Taxonomy
Cucurbita pepoAcornDelicataJack-o-lantern
Cucurbita maximaBananaButtercupHubbard
Pie pumpkinsPatty pan squashSmall gourdsSummer squashZucchini
KabochaLarge gourdsTurk’s turbanHuge pumpkins
Cucurbita moschataButterNUT
Pumpkins Cucurbita pepo (Jack-O-Lantern & pie), maxima (giants)
Native to Americas Warm season, frost-tender, herbaceous annualDeterminate or indeterminateLeaves 3-lobed and may be deeply indentedMonoeciousCross pollinate with other cultivars of the same speciesMammoth pumpkins related to Hubbard squash and pinkish-orange color.
Cultivar SelectionBased on – Shape– Size– Color– Flesh quality (pie)
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Pumpkin CultivarsMiniature– Baby Bear– Baby Boo– Jack-Be-Little– Munchkin– Spooktacular
Small– Mystic Plus
Medium– Autumn Gold– Casper– Gold Standard– Ghostrider– Lumina– Magic Lantern– Rouge Vif d’Etampesy
– New England Pie– Schooltime– Touch of Autumn
g p– Small Sugar– Spirit– Trick or Treat
Large– Atlantic Giant– Connecticut Field– Howden– Prizewinner
Pumpkin Culture
Plant after May 20 in southern WIPlant after May 20 in southern WI– up to 2 weeks later in the north
Plant 1-1 ½inches deep 3-5 feet apart in the row with rows 4-6 feet apartMoist soilWarm season 65-75°FMulchBees essentialShallow roots – irrigateHand pollinate giant pumpkins so they set fruit earlyOnly allow 2 fruit per plant to develop
Harvesting PumpkinsHarvest 3-4 months after plantingOuter skin should resist fingernail pressureL 3” h dlLeave a 3” handleCure by exposing to 80°F temps for 7-10 daysStore at 40-45°F for up to 2-3 monthsStore better if not exposed to hard frost
Squash vine borer
Squash bugs Powdery Mildew
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Brassiceae (Cruciferae) Family “Cole Crops”
BroccoliCabbageCauliflowerBrussels SproutsKohlrabi
Cabbage Brassica oleracea var. capitata, tuba, & sabauda
Native to Europe & Asia.pHardy, cool season herbaceous biennialHeads may be pointed, conical, oblong, round, or flattenedLeaves– smooth or savoy– green, red, or purple.
Alaskan-grown kraut cabbage heads may be 60lbs each!Isothiocyanates give cole crops their distinct flavor
Cultivar Selection
Cultivars based on color and typeSavoy Express (savoy)Red Danish (red)Red Danish (red)Jersey Wakefield (early green)Sanibel (late green)Select cultivars resistant to cabbage yellows
Cabbage Culture
Start seed indoors 6-8 weeks before last frostSlowly harden off Slowly harden off transplants before setting outside permanently.For fall crop– Sow seed directly
10-12 weeks before killing frost
Harvesting Cabbage
Harvest when heads are firm and before they splitCut with sharp knife pjust above the root crownDon’t wash prior to storageStore in refrigerator with or without plastic bag
Broccoli Brassica oleracea var. italica
Native to Europe & Asia.Hardy, cool season, herbaceous annualHead comprised of functional flower budsSprouting & heading varieties
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Cultivar SelectionCalabrese or Italian Green– Packman– Green Comet
l
Romanesco forms spiral-shaped heads– Minaret
– Purple Sprouting
Broccoli Culture
Relatively tolerant to environmental stressTemps below 40°F cause chilling injuryStart seeds indoors 6-8 Start seeds indoors 6 8 weeks before last frost For fall crop sow seed directly 10-12 weeks before killing frostFlorets browning caused by boron deficiencyButton heads caused by temps below 40°F or nitrogen deficiency
Harvesting Broccoli
Harvest when heads are firm and florets haven’t begun to openRetain 2-4 inches of stem when cuttinggCut sprouting broccoli just below the floret to stimulate new shootsCool immediately after harvestDon’t wash prior to refrigeration
CauliflowerBrassica oleracea var. botrytis
Native to Europe & AsiaHardy, cool season herbaceous biennialherbaceous biennialCurds of winter and late-season types consist of functional flower budsPurple cauliflower is a type of broccoli
Cultivar SelectionSnowball types most common– Snow Queen– Early Glacier
Specialty– Violet Queen
– Snowball– Snow Crown
Cauliflower CultureStart seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frostNeeds long, cool growing seasonFall crop sow seed di tl 10 12 k
Prolonged temperatures below 50°F will induce boltingHot summer temps cause poor curd qualityBl h d b t i directly 10-12 weeks
before killing frostBlanch curd by tying leaves together when heads are 2-3”Heads develop 3-14 days after tying depending temp so check every other day
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Cauliflower Problems
Brown curds– boron deficiency or unavailability in high pH
soils.Ricing
l t ds b– velvety curds become– Cause high nitrogen and temperatures that
result in rapid head formation.Blindness (no curd is formed)– poor fertility, insect damage, disease,
heredity, or cold.Small, “button” heads– stress
Harvesting Cauliflower
Curds compact and surrounded by leavesRetain enough wrapper leaves to hold heads intactWrap in a damp cloth and refrigerate immediately
Brussels SproutsB. oleracae var. gemmifera
Native to Europe & AsiaHardy, cool season herbaceous biennialBelieved to be derived from savoy
bbcabbageSprouts form in the leaf axils beginning at the bottom of the plant.
Cultivar Selection
F1 Hybrids have good uniformity, vigor and disease disease resistance.– Captain Marvel– Oliver– Jade Cross
Brussels Sprouts CultureStart seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frostNeeds a long, cool growing season: 90-growing season 90100 daysFall crop sow seed directly for 10-12 weeks before killing frostBitter sprouts caused by heat or drought
Harvesting Brussels SproutsBest flavor after frostSprouts harvested before frost are before frost are loose and bitterTop 3 weeks before harvestDon’t have to remove lower leaves
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Other Cole CropsKale– B. oleracae var. acephalaKohlrabi– B. oleracea var. gongyloidesChi C bbChinese Cabbage– B. oleracea var. pekinensisBok Choy– B. rapa var. chinensis
Caterpillars attack all cole crops –imported cabbage worm, cabbage looper, diamondback moth
Fabaceae (Legume) Family
Beans Peas
BeansPhaseolus vulgaris (green) & P. linensis (lima)
Native to Central AmericaRecords of use as food date back to 5000 B.CSelf-pollinatedWarm season, herbaceous annual
Cultivar SelectionBush– Erect plant– short season– Blue Lake 274
B h R
Pole– Twining type– matures later but
longer harvestKentucky Blue– Bush Romano
– Sequoia (purple)– Goldmine (wax)Lima– Climbing or bush
forms– Heat tolerant
– Kentucky Blue– Kentucky Wonder
Wax– Trionfo
Bean CulturePlant after the last frost in warm soil, 50ºFSoak seed for an hour before planting to help germinationMay need inoculum in new gardensgardensPlant seed 1 to 2 inches deepWell-drained soilsFall crop - replant mid-summerLittle or no nitrogen fertilizer requiredPole beans require staking or trellising
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Harvesting Beans
Harvest 14-18 days after full bloomShould be sweet, tender and uniform tender and un form sizeStore in refrigerator under high humidity
Peas Pisum sativum
Native to middle Asia.Field peas native to AfricaBecame popular as a
t bl i th 1700svegetable in the 1700sCool season, herbaceous annualClassified by growth habit, pod appearance, seed color, and starch/sugar content
Cultivar SelectionSnap or Edible Pod – eaten when immature– Sugar Snap– Sugar Daddy
Field Peas
Garden Peas– Early Frosty– Maestro– Wando– Garden Sweet
SpringF as– Black-eyed – Clay – grow well in clay soils– Crowder – “crowd” the peas
in the pod– Iron – rusty red– Pink-eyed – pink central ring– White Acre– Zipper – unzip themselves
from pod
– Spring
– Snow Peas – eaten when half mature
– Mammoth Melting Sugar– Oregon Sugar Pod II– Snowbird
Pea CulturePlant after April 15th in southern WIPrepare planting site in fall for quick spring startPrefer sandy, well-drained ysoilsSoak seeds for 1 hour prior to planting to speed germinationSpace 1-2 inches apart in rowSupport with trellis or twine
Harvesting PeasHarvest 3 weeks after full bloomGarden peas– Pod should be
l h t plump enough to shell easily
Don’t allow to get over ripeStore at 35-40°F under high humidity
Liliaceae Family
GarlicOnionsLeeks
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Garlic Allium sativum
Native to Middle Asia.Cultivated 5,000 years Introduced to America in the 1700sHerbaceous, cool-season, perennialComprised of multiple clovesOnly hardneck varieties produce flowers
Cultivar SelectionHardneck –– Rocambole
• German Red• Killarney Red• Russian Red• Spanish Roja
– Purple Stripe
Softneck –– Artichoke
• California White• Inchelium Red• Polish White
– Silverskin• Silver Rose
• Bogatyr• Brown Rose• Brown Tempest• Chesnok Red• Giant Siberian• Persian Star
– Porcelain• Music• German Extra Hardy• Georgial Crystal• Georgian Fire• Northern White• Polish Hardneck
• Silver White
Elephant garlic is not a garlicbut a form of leek! Allium ampeloprasum
Garlic CulturePlant cloves in early fall – 6 weeks before ground freezesLarger cloves
d l b lbproduce larger bulbsWell-drained soilMulch with straw after ground freezesRemove flower stalk of hardneck garlic when it forms a circle
Harvesting GarlicHarvest– 2/3 of the tops turn
brown– 9 months after
plantingp gCure 30 days in warm, dry placeHardneck garlic lasts for 3-6 monthsSoftneck garlic lasts for 6-9 months
Onions Allium cepa
Native to Southern AsiaIntroduced to America in the 1400sH b bi i l Herbaceous biennial grown as an annualBulb is comprised of fleshy basal leavesContains glucose, fructose, & sucrose –no starch
Cultivar SelectionGreen onions (A. cepa)– immature true onions– harvest before bulbs form
Scallions or bunching onions (A. cepa) – never form a bulb.
Multiplier onionsp– form 4-5 bulbs enclosed in a
single leaf sheathShallots (A. cepa) – develop a small cluster of bulbs – more subtle in flavor.
Pearl onions (A. ampeloprasum)– form only one storage leaf– Like leeks– form small bulbs like garlic
Cipollini onions– small, sweet, early onions.
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Onion CulturePlant seeds, sets, or transplants.– Sets may flower if
summer is cool.Transplant once frost p fis out of the ground –about 4 weeks before the last spring frostDo not allow the soil to dry outWeeds can be a problem in onions and garlic
Harvesting OnionsHarvest green onions when the tops are > 6” and ½-1” in diameter.Harvest bulb onions Harvest bulb on ons when 50-75% of the tops fall overCure bulb onions at 85-90°F for 10 daysStore at 35-40°F for 3-4 months
Leeks Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum
Native to MediterraneanHerbaceous, cool-season biennial grown as an annualNon bulbing unless Non-bulbing unless daylength exceeds 19 hoursMilder flavor than onions2nd year they will form underground bulbs like Elephant garlic
Cultivar Selection
Bred for size and shape of the stalk, hardiness, disease resistance, and early maturity
American Fla– American Flag– Giant Musselburg– King Richard– Otina
Leek CulturePlant seed indoors around Feb. 15Transplant in mid-April or 4 weeks before the last frost datelast frost datePlant in holes 5-6 inches deep and fill in holes to blanchLong season: require 120-150 days to harvest.
Harvesting LeeksHarvest when 1 ¼ -3 inches thickMay mulch heavily for winter harvestfor w nter harvestTrim roots, green leaves and wash before storing in refrigerator up to 2 months
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Lettuce Lactuca sativa
Family AsteraceaeNative to Mediterranean BasinBasinHerbaceous annualCool season, long day plant
Cultivar SelectionCrisphead-iceberg(var. capitata)– Large, heavy, brittle– Latest to mature– Loma– Sierra
Butterhead (Bibb) (var. capitata)– Small, loosely filled head
with creamy interior.– Boston is day neutral– Bibb is short-day– Batavia is intermediate
between crisphead & bibb– Buttercrunch– Esmeralda
Cultivar SelectionLooseleaf (var. crispa)– Easiest to grow & 1st to
mature– Salad Bowl– Green Ice– Prizehead– Simpson EliteSimpson Elite– Royal Oakleaf
Romaine (Cos) (var. longifolia)– Torpedo-shaped heads– Matures later than
butterhead and leaf varieties– Freckles– Parris Island Cos– Rosalita– Rouge d’ Hiver– Winter Density
Lettuce CultureSeed at ¼ inch depth or use transplantsCool season – temps above 70° and long days cause boltingy gMoist, well-drained soilShallow rooted and drought susceptibleBitterness comes from high temperatures & mature plants.Harvest in ~50 days
Harvesting Lettuce
Harvest individual leaves or bunches of leaves by cutting them with a sharp knife or shearsHarvest heads by cutting
ith h k if b l th with sharp knife below the lowest leaf and remove any damaged leavesHarvest Romaine when smaller to avoid bitternessPlace in a perforated plastic bag and refrigerate immediatelyWash just prior to use
Spinach Spinacia oleracea
Family Chenopodiaceae (goosefoot family)Native to IranSpina means “spiny” in Latin to describe prickly seedHardy, cool-season annualHigh in vitamins A & C, calcium, iron, & potassium
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Cultivar SelectionBased on leaf texture– Savoy
• Avon• Bloomsdale Long-
Standing• Melody• Tyee
– Smooth• Olympia• Space
Spinach Culture
Temps of 55-65°FSpring and fall cropCan sow seeds late in fall for fall & spring cropcropDirect seed in rows or broadcast.– ¾ apart in rows 2-4
inches wide– Plant ½-¾ inches deep– Slow to emerge – up
to 3 weeks– Clip to thin to 1 inch
apart
Harvesting Spinach35-50 days after planting5-7 leaves per plantRemove outer leaves firstContinued harvest until seed stalk formsCont nued harvest unt l seed stalk formsStore at 32°F
Swiss Chard Beta vulgaris var. cicla
Grow in any soil or temperatureHarvest– When leaves just When leaves just
expand– Break off stalk at
base of plantCultivars– Bright Lights– Lucullus– Ruby Red
Root Crops
CarrotsBeetsRadishesRadishes
Carrots Daucus carota var. sativus
Family ApiaceaeOriginated in Afghanistan & possibly northern Iran & PakistanI t d d i A i i Introduced in America in the 1700sBiennial, grown as an annualWhite, purple, yellow, orange, and red varieties
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Carrot Pigments Cultivar SelectionImperator– More slender and
slightly longer than Danvers type
– Deep orange cortex with lighter coreEaten fresh
Nantes– Short, cylindrical with
no taper, blunt, rounded tip
– Bright orange– Eaten fresh
Danvers– Medium to long with
broad shoulders and sharp taper
– Orange tinged with green
– Processed into baby food
– Bright orange– Primary home garden
carrotChantenay– Medium to short with a
slight taper and blunt end
– Grown for storage or processing
– Medium to light orange
Carrot Culture
Sow ¼ inch deep in loose soil free of debris & rocksThin to 1-3 inches
tapartWell-drained soilReplant mid-summer for extra sweet fall carrotsWill produce flower stalk if temps 50°F for 6-8 weeks
Harvesting CarrotsBefore become woodyCarrots with large shoulders are often woodyWash before storing i l ti b i in plastic bag in refrigeratorSugar content increases during cold storageEthylene causes bitterness – don’t store with apples, melons, or bananas
Radishes Raphanus sativus
Family BrassicaceaeNative to ChinaLeaves deeply pinnate arising from a basal rosette. Edible.Can be round, oval, cylindrical, or icicle-shapedBolt under long day conditionsInsect pollinated
Cultivar SelectionBred for taste, bolt resistance, disease resistance & appearance.Cultivars based on season grown:– Spring-type
• Cherry Belley• Early Scarlet Globe• French Breakfast
– Summer• German Giant Parat
– Winter (var. longipinnatus)• China Rose• German Beer• Round Black Spanish
Daikons• April Cross• Spring Song
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Radish Culture
Plant before last frost in springSow every 10-14 days to extend harvestPl t 1 i h p t i Plant 1 inch apart in the row with rows 1 foot apart for spring radishes and 2 inches apart in the row for winter radishes Interplant spring radishes with other, later maturing crops
Harvesting Radishes
Spring radishes are harvested 20-25 days after seeding when <¾ inch diameter.Winter radishes are harvested 50-60 days after planting.
Beets Beta vulgaris
Family Chenopodiaceae (goosefoot family).Grown for roots and edible greens.Native western Europe & north Africa. Selected from ancient European species.Originally livestock feedBi i l lBiennial grown as an annualContain betacyanin and betaxanthinHigh in carbohydrates
Cultivar SelectionBased on color, shape & use:– Red, yellow, purple, white,
striped.– Top-shaped, globe-shaped,
flattened, elongated.Sli i b hi t– Slicing, bunching, storage.
Big RedChioggia (striped)CylindriaDetroit Dark RedGoldenLutz - greensRuby Queen (bunching type)
Beet CultureTemps of 55-70°F - rapid growth and good flavorSpace seed 2-4 inches apart in double rows with rows 15-30 inches apartSow every 2-3 weeks apart to extend the season
Harvesting Beets
Harvest when round, tender, & 2” diameter. Old, large roots can be large roots can be fibrous.50-60 days after plantingStore for 6 months in the refrigerator
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Other Root CropsTurnip – Brassica rapasubsp. rapiferaRutabaga – Brassica napus var. napobrassicaParsnip – Pastinaca sativaCelariac – Apium graveolens var. rapaceum
Sweet Corn Zea mays
Family Poaceae (grass)Native Central AmericamWarm season annualWind pollinatedMoneciousProduce only 1-2 ears per stalk
Cultivar Selection
Cultivars based on sweetness and kernel color.
Bicolor– Ambrosia– Fantasy– Honey ‘N Pearl– Trinity
Must isolate supersweets from cross pollination by other corn
TrinityWhite– How Sweet It Is– Silver King
Yellow– Early Sunglow– Golden Bantam– Sugar Buns
Sweet Corn Culture
Plant when soil temp above 65° FPlant in blocks for better pollinationbetter pollinationNitrogen fertilize– At planting– Plants 8” tall– Plants 18’ tall
Harvesting Sweet Corn
Kernels soft, plump with milky juiceCook before sugar changes to starchchanges to starch