Resources :: Vegetable Glossary

Basil

Physical description Varies from 6” to 24” in height; leaves vary in size from lettuce leaf types to ruffled leaves to small, fine leaves. Color ranges from purple to green. Varieties More than 60 varieties ranging from lemon, Thai, cinnamon, holy, Fino Verde…. Annual/Biennial/Perennial Tender annual; does not grow well at temperatures less than 50°F Hardiness Very tender and can be damaged by temperatures less than 40°F. Nutritional description It is a source for vitamins K, A, C and the minerals iron, calcium and magnesium. Basil has antibacterial & anti-inflammatory properties. Growing conditions Grow at temperatures of 65°F and up. Basil prefers a well drained compost enriched soil with good drainage. Space plants about 12” apart. Pinch basil plants when they have reached a height of 6” or have 4 sets of leaves. Direct Seed or Transplant Direct seed if temperatures above 70°F. Or begin growing transplants about 6 weeks before the last spring frost. Containers/Flowers Excellent container plant or for use in floral bouquets. Watering & Fertilizer needs Plants prefer regular watering. A general organic fertilizer can be used at planting. Successive applications of a balanced fish fertilizer throughout the season will maintain healthy yields. Harvest time Harvest prior to the appearance of open flowers for best flavor. Allow plant to regrow for successive harvesting. Storage needs Basil is best stored dried or blended with olive oil or lemon juice and frozen. Possible challenges for crop Susceptible to fungal diseases. Maintain dry foliage and grow in temperatures above 65°F. Do not grow in crowded conditions. No tolerance of frost.

Beans

Physical description Bush or climbing type plant. Bush types grow 24” tall while pole types grow 6 to 8'. Varieties Provider, Contender, Royal Burgundy, Scarlet Emperor, Blue Lake, Kentucky Wonder Annual/Biennial/Perennial Warm season tender annual Hardiness Tender and will not survive a frost. Nutritional description Green beans are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K and manganese. They are also a very good source of vitamin A, dietary fiber, potassium, folate and iron. Growing conditions Sow inoculant treated seed when soil temperatures are above 60° F. Plant every 3-4” and allow 3 ft. between rows. Full sun and good air circulation are a must. If square foot gardening then space plants 3 to 4 plants per sq. ft. Pole beans require a structure to climb on and will wrap themselves around it vs. attaching with a tendril as peas do. Direct Seed or Transplant Beans can be direct seeded or grown as transplants. If growing transplants begin planting 6 weeks prior to last spring frost. Succession planting For continuous yields of bush beans sow seed every couple of weeks through the summer until 60 days prior to your first fall frost. Antagonists Onion, fennel, garlic, beet, kohlrabi, cabbage Containers/Flowers/Decorative Uses Scarlet runner beans are a beautiful accent on a fence or trellis. Watering & Fertilizer needs Require about 1” water per week. Use drip irrigation to avoid wetting foliage. Apply a general organic fertilizer before planting. Harvest time Pick beans as they mature to stimulate the plant to continue production. Bush beans have a harvest period of 4 weeks while pole beans produce over several weeks. Storage needs Store unwashed fresh beans in a plastic bag kept in the refrigerator. Whole beans should keep for about seven days. Beans can also be blanched and frozen. Possible challenges for crop Susceptible to fungal diseases if overcrowded. Avoid touching wet leaves. Plants susceptible to cold temperatures.

Beets

Physical description Sturdy plants growing to a height of 18”. Edible green or burgundy leaves are attached to the root which may be oblong or round. Beet roots can range from gold to deep red. Varieties Bull’s Blood, Chiogga, Golden Beet, Red Ace Annual/Biennial/Perennial Cool season beets are tolerant of cold weather and are cropped as an annual. Hardiness Hardy: survives frost and temperatures to the low 20’s. Nutritional description Beets are an excellent source of the B vitamin, folate, and a very good source of manganese and potassium. Beets are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorus. They contain anticancer components. Growing conditions Beets prefer a light loamy soil with a pH above 6.0. Cooler temperatures produce a sweeter flavor than warm. Zoning occurs if beets undergo weather fluctuations. Direct Seed or Transplant Beets can be direct seeded as soon as soil has thawed in the spring. Space seeds 6 per square foot or if planting in rows plant 4 to a foot and thin later. Beets can also be grown as transplants about 5-6 weeks prior to transplanting. Succession planting Sow every 2 weeks until 8 weeks before expected fall frosts for continuous harvest of roots and greens. Antagonists Pole bean Containers/Flowers/Decorative NA Watering & Fertilizer needs Beets need consistent watering to avoid scab. Internal breakdown can occur in alkaline soils if beets survive a hot, dry period. Harvest time Beets can be harvested as tender young roots (baby beets) or wait until they are full grown, typically about a 50 day crop. Storage needs Fresh bunches can be stored at 32° F for 10 days. Beets can also be stored at 32° F for 6 months if tops are removed. Unwashed greens are stored in a plastic bag and keep for about 4 days. Possible challenges for crop Beets are susceptible to scab and also to boron deficiency. Rotate crops to prevent Cercospora leaf spot. Leaf miners can be a problem in some areas.

Broccoli

Physical description Large sturdy plants up to 30” in height with large leaves and a central head atop a strong stem. Side shoots are typically produced after the central head is cut. Varieties Packman, Arcadia, De Cicco, Gypsy Annual/Biennial/Perennial Cool season crop grown as an annual. Hardiness Moderately hardy Nutritional description Broccoli is an excellent source of the vitamins K, C, and A, as well as folate and fiber. Broccoli is a very good source of iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and the vitamins B6 and E. Growing conditions Broccoli prefers a fertile soil with good moisture holding capacity. It does best as a spring or fall crop if summers are hot. Add compost before planting. Direct Seed or Transplant Broccoli can be direct seeded or grown as a transplant 4 to 6 weeks before last spring frost. Spacing between plants should be 12” in the row with 18” between rows. If planting by the square foot place 1 per sq. ft. Succession planting Home gardeners can vary harvest dates by combining direct seeding with transplants. Succession can also be achieved by growing varieties with different maturity dates and by planting a fall/winter crop. Antagonists Tomato, pole bean, fennel Containers/Flowers/Decorative NA Watering & Fertilizer needs Plants require regular irrigation. Use a preplant organic fertilizer and supplement with a second application about 4 weeks into the growing period. Harvest time Cut central head before flower buds open. You can continue to harvest side shoots as they are produced by the plant. Storage needs Heads can be stored at 32° F for 10 to 14 days. Possible challenges for crop Young plants are susceptible to root maggots, cutworms, flea beetles and cabbage worms.

Cabbage

Physical description Large green or purple leaves growing on a short stem with a central head of densely packed leaves. Head shapes range from pointed to round. Leaves can be smooth or savoyed. Varieties Cabbage varieties range from early to late types. Early types include Early Jersey Wakefield and Stonehead while late types include Danish Roundhead. Annual/Biennial/Perennial Cool season crop grown as an annual. Hardiness Moderately hardy and will survive a light frost. Nutritional description Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamin C. It is also a very good source of fiber, manganese, folate, vitamin B6, potassium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Cabbage is also a good source of thiamin, riboflavin, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin A. Growing conditions Cabbage grows best in fertile organic soil. Direct Seed or Transplant Cabbage can be direct seeded after soils have reached a temperature of 50°F. Start transplants 4 to 6 weeks prior to the last spring frost. Succession planting Home gardeners can vary harvest dates by combining direct seeding with transplants. Succession can also be achieved by growing varieties with different maturity dates and by planting early, mid season and late season varieties. Antagonists Tomato, pole bean and fennel. Containers/Flowers/Decorative NA Watering & Fertilizer needs Plants require regular irrigation. Use a preplant organic fertilizer and supplement with a second application about 4 weeks into the growing period. Harvest time Heads can be harvested when they feel firm and dense. Storage needs Young, disease free heads store best at 32°F. Cabbage can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 weeks. Possible challenges for crop Splitting can occur if mature plants are exposed to heavy rains or irrigation after a dry period. Young plants are susceptible to root maggots, cutworms, flea beetles and cabbage worms.

Carrots

Physical description Carrots have a deep fleshy root topped by tall, feathery leaves. They now come in all colors ranging from purple with an orange central core to white to orange to yellow. Carrots come in all shapes from short nugget sized carrots to long Imperator types. Nantes types (blunt tips) consistently produce sweet flavored crunchy carrots in the home garden. Varieties Nelson, Mokum, Bolero, Rainbow, Purple Rain, Parmex Annual/Biennial/Perennial Grown as an annual. Hardiness Hardy. Carrots survive temperatures in the low 20’s. Nutritional description Carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A. They are a very good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, dietary fiber and potassium. Growing conditions Carrots thrive in deep, loose, fertile soil with good moisture holding capacity. Prepare your carrot bed thoroughly by loosening soil to a depth of 12” and raking the surface smooth. Thin young seedlings to ¾-2” apart. Keep the seedlings weed free for best production. Hoe soil over the exposed root crowns to avoid greening. Carrots prefer full sun and cool soil. Mulching helps maintain this cool moist soil. Direct Seed or Transplant Sow carrots directly from early spring until mid-July at a depth of ½”. Sprinkle the soil surface to keep them moist and do not allow the soil to crust over before the seedlings emerge. Typical germination is anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks depending on moisture and temperature levels. The best germination is obtained when soil temperatures range between 68 and 85°F. Succession planting Sow carrots at 3 week intervals for a continuous supply of tasty roots. Replant areas of the garden that have already been harvested with a succession crop of carrots. Carrots grown for storage need to be started about 100 days before expected fall frosts. Antagonists Dill. Containers/Flowers/Decorative NA Watering & Fertilizer needs Preplant application of organic fertilizer and compost will supply the carrots with a good nutrient base. Regular watering and mulching will grow the sweetest carrots. Harvest time Roots are dug, topped and can be washed or not before storing. Storage needs They store best in moist conditions and at temperatures just above freezing. Possible challenges for crop Carrot rust fly and wireworms.

Cauliflower

Physical description Cauliflower plants are large leaved with a central head (diameter about 6”) growing on a short stem. Head colors range from purple, green, white to orange. Varieties Snow Crown, Panther, Violet Queen, Cheddar, Romanesco Annual/Biennial/Perennial Cool season crop grown as an annual. Hardiness Moderately hardy and will survive a light frost. Nutritional description Cauliflower is an excellent source of vitamin C, folate and dietary fiber. Cauliflower also serves as a very good source of vitamin B5, vitamin B6, manganese and omega-3 fatty acids. Growing conditions Cauliflower grows best in a fertile, slightly alkaline, organic soil. Plants prefer cool or mild weather for best production. Direct Seed or Transplant Cauliflower can be direct seeded when soil has reached 55°F or grown as a transplant 4-5 weeks prior to last spring frost. Space plants 1 per 4 sq. ft. or at a 30” by 30” spacing if using rows. Avoid holding transplants any longer as they become stressed. Succession planting Achieve succession by using early and late varieties or by direct seeding and transplants. Antagonists NA Containers/Flowers/Decorative NA Watering & Fertilizer needs Plants require regular irrigation. Use a preplant organic fertilizer and supplement with a second application about 4 weeks into the growing period. Harvest time Cut heads when they have achieved size but before they become loose. Storage needs Heads can be stored at 32°F for 2 to 3 weeks. Possible challenges for crop Young plants are susceptible to root maggots, cutworms, flea beetles and cabbage worms. Transplants that are stressed or hardened off in cold weather too quickly will not produce heads.

Cucumber

Physical description Cucumber plants are large with a bush or vining growth habit. Vining cucumbers are best on a trellis or vertically trained up a fence. Cucumbers usually have male and female flowers with male flowers formed first. There are burpless, slicer and pickling types. Varieties Sweet Success, Straight Eight, Lemon, Diva, SMR 58 (pickling), Suyo Long (burpless) Annual/Biennial/Perennial Warm season annual. Hardiness Very tender annual which can be damaged by temperatures below 40°F. Nutritional description Cucumbers are a very good source of vitamin C and the mineral molybdenum. They are also a good source of vitamin A, potassium, manganese, folate, dietary fiber, magnesium and contain the important mineral silica. Growing conditions Plants grow best in fertile, well drained soil. Use a preplant basic organic fertilizer and compost. Cucumbers require warm growing temperatures for best plant health and production. Avoid working in plants when leaves are wet. Direct Seed or Transplant Cucumbers can be direct seeded into 70°F soil or grown as 6 week old transplants. Plants should be spaced 8” in the row and 4 feet between rows. Square foot gardeners should allocate 4 sq. ft per plant. Succession planting NA Antagonists Potato Containers/Flowers/Decorative NA Watering & Fertilizer needs Incorporate compost and a balanced organic fertilizer before planting. Plants require consistent irrigation throughout the growing cycle. Harvest time Pick daily once the fruits form and this will encourage more production. Harvest before fruits turn yellow. Storage needs Store fruits at 45-50°F for up to 2 weeks. Possible challenges for crop Train plants over a support of some kind to keep fruit off of the ground. Cucumber beetle, squash bugs, powdery mildew, downy mildew, or mosaic virus.

Garlic

Physical description Garlic is arranged in a head, called the "bulb," averaging about 2 inches in height and diameter. Both the cloves and the entire bulb are encased in paper-like sheathes that can be white, off-white or pinkish. Leaves are tasty green Varieties 3 types of garlic: 1)Softneck: New York White 2)Stiffneck: German Extra-Hardy, Ajo Rojo, Russian Red 3)Elephant Annual/Biennial/Perennial Cool season plant grown as a perennial. Hardiness Winter hardy; mulch in extremely cold climates. Nutritional description Garlic is an excellent source of manganese. It is also a very good source of vitamin B6 and C. It contains protein and thiamin (vitamin B1) and the minerals phosphorus, selenium, calcium, potassium, iron and copper. Growing conditions Plant in well drained, fertile soil from about the first fall frost date until November. Cloves planted in the spring produce a smaller bulb. Space cloves about 4” apart, in double rows spaced 6” apart. Space the doubled rows about 12” from each other. Square foot gardeners can plant about 4 cloves per sq. ft. Direct Seed or Transplant Insert individual cloves with root end down, about 2” deep. Roots establish themselves before winter and top growth occurs later. Succession planting Can plant in fall or spring. Antagonists Pea, bean Containers/Flowers/Decorative NA Watering & Fertilizer needs Consistent watering until bulbs are mature. Use a preplant basic organic fertilizer along with compost. Harvest time Harvest in summer when 2-3 of lower leaves have yellowed. Loosen under plants and lift them. Dry bunches in well ventilated dark area until skin is papery. Storage needs Store at near 32°F for 5-8 months. Possible challenges for crop Garlic is susceptible to downy mildew and white rot. Thrips and maggots can also affect garlic.

Kale

Physical description Tall green or purple leafy plants. Some varieties grow up to 3 ft. Flavor sweetens with exposure to colder weather. Varieties Toscano, Red Russian, Winterbor, Nagoya Garnish Red, Flash (collard) Annual/Biennial/Perennial Cool season annual. Hardiness Very hardy. These plants can winter over if protected. Nutritional description Kale is an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C and manganese. It is also a very good source of dietary fiber, copper, calcium, vitamin B6 and potassium. Growing conditions Plant about 3 months before first fall frost. Direct Seed or Transplant Direct seed kale and collards after the last spring frost. Space seeds about 8” within the row and 18” between rows. Square foot gardeners plant 4 per sq.ft. Both vegetables can be grown as 4-6 week old transplants. Transplant after the last frost or 6 weeks before the first fall frost. Succession planting Direct seed every couple of weeks after the last spring frost for a continuous supply of young tender leaves. Antagonists Tomato, pole bean, fennel Containers/Flowers/Decorative Certain varieties of kale great for ornamental culinary uses or in containers. Watering & Fertilizer needs Consistent watering for best growth. Use a preplant organic fertilizer and a booster application about 4 weeks into the growing season. Harvest time Clip individual leaves about 2 months into the growing cycle. Storage needs Kale can be kept in the refrigerator for several days, although it is best when eaten within one or two days after purchase since the longer it is stored, the more bitter its flavor becomes. Possible challenges for crop Flea beetles, cabbage worms. Can become tough and bitter in hot weather.

Leeks

Physical description Leeks are a tall, upright, nonbulbing type of onion. Their flavor is mild. Mature leeks have long, thick white stems with wide, tightly wrapped flat, green leaves. Varieties King Richard, Lincoln, Tadorna Annual/Biennial/Perennial Cool season plant grown as an annual. Hardiness Moderately hardy; survives light frosts. Nutritional description Leeks are a very good source of manganese and a good source of vitamin C, iron, folate and vitamin B6. Growing conditions Leeks prefer well drained fertile soil. Incorporate compost and a basic organic fertilizer prior to planting. Hill soil around plants 2-3 times during growing season eventually to a height of 6-8 inches when they are almost full size. This will blanch the lower parts of the plant. Direct Seed or Transplant Direct seed in early spring 6 seeds per ft. with 24” between rows. Square foot gardeners plant 6 per sq. ft. Plants are thinned to 6” apart. Transplants can be started inside about 12 weeks before last frost. Succession planting Some varieties will overwinter for a longer harvest period. Antagonists NA Containers/Flowers/Decorative NA Watering & Fertilizer needs Regular watering will produce best yields. Use a basic organic fertilizer before planting and use compost. Apply a liquid organic fertilizer monthly. Harvest time Harvest at any size or when reach 1 ½” in diameter. Storage needs Keep fresh in refrigerator 1-2 weeks or can be stored in root cellars. Possible challenges for crop Onion maggots and thrips can attack plants. Downy mildew and white rot are 2 diseases that leeks can be susceptible to.

Lettuce

Physical description Red or green leaves arrange themselves loosely or in a head form depending on the variety. Lettuce is classified as romaine, crisphead, butterhead or leaf. Varieties Outredgeous, Winter Density, Royal Oak Leaf, Summertime, Black Seeded Simpson Annual/Biennial/Perennial Cool season annual. Hardiness Hardy. Can survive frost to the low twenties. Nutritional description Lettuce is an excellent source of vitamin A, folate, vitamin C, manganese and chromium. Lettuce is a very good source of dietary fiber, vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and the minerals potassium, molybdenum, iron, and phosphorus. Growing conditions Plant as early as soil can be worked. It achieves best growth at temperatures of 60° to 65°F. Lettuce grows in fertile well drained soil. Mulch can be used to keep soil cool around plant roots. To avoid too much heat on growing plants, place them by a taller plant to receive shade at mid-day. Direct Seed or Transplant Direct seed lettuce into 55° to 80°F soil. Lettuce is easily grown as a 4-6 week old transplant prior to the last spring frost. Space plants at 12 inches within the row and 12 inches between rows. Square foot gardeners plant 4 leaf lettuce per sq. ft. One head leaf lettuce will take up 1 sq.ft. Succession planting Sow every 2 weeks for continuous harvest. Antagonists NA Containers/Flowers/Decorative Great for containers and decorative plantings. Watering & Fertilizer needs Plants need to stay hydrated with regular watering. Use a preplant basic organic fertilizer and include compost in the soil. Side-dress plants about 4 weeks into their growing cycle. Harvest time Head lettuces are harvested when firm and solid. Leaf lettuce can be continuously harvested as leaves are ready. Storage needs Wash and dry leaves before storing in the refrigerator. Leaves will keep about 2 weeks. Possible challenges for crop Seeds exposed to high heat will not germinate. Birds, aphids, tipburn, high temperatures and the diseases, sclerotinia and botrytis can cause problems.

Onions

Physical description Two types of large, globe-shaped onions are grown and classified as spring/summer or storage onions. Onions range in size, color and taste. Storage onions have a more pungent flavor. Spring/summer bulb onions are sweeter and milder in flavor. Onions tend to be shallow rooted. Bunching onions are tall, upright cylindrical stems that do not form bulbs. Varieties Bulb onions: New York Early, Copra, Redwing. Bunching onions: Ishikura Improved, Deep Purple, Nabechan Annual/Biennial/Perennial Grown as an annual. Hardiness Moderately hardy Nutritional description Bulb onions are a very good source of vitamin C, chromium and dietary fiber. They are also a good source of manganese, copper, molybdenum, vitamin B6, folate, potassium, phosphorus. Growing conditions Onions prefer a light, rich, well drained soil. Seed onions as soon as the soil can be worked in the spring. Thin bulbing onions when plants are 3 to 4 inches tall. Bunching onions are grown in a bunch as long as they each have about ½ inch of space. A cool weather start is helpful for all onions. Direct Seed or Transplant Direct seed as soon as soil is workable in spring. Space according to size of mature bulb, about 4” between plants in the row with rows 12” apart. Square foot gardeners can plant 9 per sq.ft. Can also be grown as transplants. Begin transplants about 12 weeks prior to last frost. Transplants can be clipped to a 5” height prior to transplanting. Succession planting Use different varieties for bulb onion succession. Bunching onions can be planted for a spring/summer crop and for a fall crop. Antagonists Pea, bean. Containers/Flowers/Decorative NA Watering & Fertilizer needs Plants require about 1” of water per week. Use a preplant basic organic fertilizer. Harvest time When bulbing onions have developed a skin and the tops begin to fall over, pull them and allow them to sun cure. Cover bulbs with the tops so they do not sunburn. Bunching onions are loosened with a fork when they are ¼ to ½ inch in diameter and then pulled. Storage needs Store bulb onions in a well ventilated area away from bright light. For long storage keep onions at a temperature close to 32°F. Bunching onions are stored in the refrigerator for about one week. Possible challenges for crop Make sure you purchase a variety appropriate for the day length in your area. Short day onions produce a bulb when exposed to a daylength of 12 hours. Long day varieties bulb if daylength is 15-16 hours. Onion thrips and maggots can be insect pests.

Peas

Physical description Peas range in height from 24 inches to 6 feet. Three types of peas are commonly eaten: garden or green peas, snow peas and snap peas. Garden peas have rounded pods that are usually slightly curved in shape with a smooth texture. Inside of them are green rounded pea seeds that are sweet and starchy in taste. Snow peas are flatter than garden peas, and you can usually see the shadows of the flat pea seeds within. Snap peas have plump pods with a crisp, snappy texture. The pods of both snow peas and snap peas are edible. Varieties Garden Peas: Alderman, Green Arrow Snow Peas: Oregon Giant, Oregon Sugar Pod II Snap Peas: Cascadia, Sugar Ann Annual/Biennial/Perennial Cool weather plant grown as an annual. Hardiness Hardy; will survive temperatures to the low twenties. Nutritional description Green peas are a very good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, manganese, dietary fiber, folate and thiamin (vitamin B1). They are also a good source of vitamin A, phosphorus, vitamin B6, protein, niacin, magnesium, riboflavin (vitamin B2), copper, iron, zinc and potassium. Growing conditions Plant in early spring as soon as soil can be worked. Grow in rich, moist, well drained soil. Yield is sweeter and more tender if peas are grown in the cooler periods of your growing season. Provide support at planting time with a trellis or fencing if growing taller varieties. Direct Seed or Transplant Treat seeds with a bacterial inoculant before planting. Space seeds 3 inches within the row with about 2-3 ft between rows. Square foot gardeners can plant 4 per sq.ft. Peas can also be grown as a transplant until 4-6 weeks old; then transplant into place after hardening off. Succession planting Plant in early spring for early summer harvest and again 2 months before first fall frost for a fall crop. Antagonists Onion, garlic, potato, chives. Containers/Flowers/Decorative NA Watering & Fertilizer needs Use drip irrigation to avoid mildew problems. Water at least one inch per week. Make sure soil has a pH of 6.0-6.5 and has sufficient phosphorus and potassium. Harvest time Harvest when peas enlarge in pod for garden peas and snap peas. Snow peas are harvested while pods are still flat. Storage needs Store in refrigerator for several days. Garden and snow peas can also be blanched and frozen. Possible challenges for crop Pea root rot, powdery mildew and mosaic viruses. Cutworms.

Peppers

Physical description Pepper plants range in height from 2-3 feet typically. Fruit colors include red, green, purple, yellow, black, brown and orange. Peppers belong to the Nightshade family which also includes potatoes, tomatoes and eggplant. Varieties Hot: Jalapeno, Cayenne Long Red, Habanero, Padron Sweet Bell: Yolo Wonder, Golden Bell, Early Pimento Sweet Yellow: Gypsy, Sweet Banana Ornamental: Sangria, Riot, Prairie Fire Annual/Biennial/Perennial Warm season plant grown as an annual. Hardiness Very tender; will not survive frost; can be damaged by temperatures below 40°F. Nutritional description Red peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, A and B6. Green peppers are a very good source of fiber, folate, and vitamin K as well as the minerals molybdenum and manganese. In addition to beta-carotene, red peppers contain the beneficial phytonutrients lycopene, lutein and zeaxanthin. Growing conditions Well drained, fertile soil located in full sun. Incorporate compost and a basic organic fertilizer before planting. Peppers need a long, warm growing season. When temperatures are near 100°F, pollination, fruit set and yield can be reduced. Keep the plants weed free and mulch to conserve water. Stake plants before they get too big. Direct Seed or Transplant Peppers do best as transplants that are 6-8 weeks old and placed into garden after the last frost and the soil has warmed to 75°F. Plants are set 12-18” apart in rows and in rows 24” apart. Square foot gardeners plant 1 plant per sq. ft. Succession planting Could vary harvest dates by planting varieties with different days to maturity. Antagonists NA Containers/Flowers/Decorative Many varieties are suitable for containers and decorative plantings. Watering & Fertilizer needs Regular watering prevents blossom end rot and produces best yield. Use drip irrigation to prevent mildew and other diseases from taking hold. Harvest time Pick the first peppers when they reach full size so plant will continue to produce. Storage needs Can be refrigerated to 45°F. Possible challenges for crop Diseases that peppers might be susceptible to include verticillium wilt and mosaic viruses. Insects include: whiteflies, aphids and flea beetles. Blossom end rot is a physiological disorder that occurs with irregular watering.

Spinach

Physical description Dark, leafy green vegetable growing to a height of 12 inches. Varieties Melody, Spargo, Tyee, Bloomsdale Long-Standing Annual/Biennial/Perennial Cool season plant grown as an annual. Hardiness Very hardy; will winter over if protected. Nutritional description Spinach is an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A, manganese, folate, magnesium, iron, vitamin C, vitamin B2, calcium, potassium, and vitamin B6. It is a very good source of dietary fiber, copper, protein, phosphorus, zinc and vitamin E. Growing conditions Grow in rich, fertile organic soil with a pH of 6-7. Spinach loves cool temperatures and grows best in those conditions. Plant in early spring as soon as you can work the soil. Sowing in over 85°F soil can cause erratic germination. Direct Seed or Transplant Direct seed spinach 9 seeds per foot in rows 12” apart. Square foot gardeners can plant 4 per sq.ft. Succession planting Sow every 7 days for a continuous supply. Antagonists NA Containers/Flowers/Decorative NA Watering & Fertilizer needs Use drip irrigation to avoid development of downy mildew. Regular watering of about 1” water per week. Incorporate a basic organic fertilizer and compost before planting. Boost production by applying a liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks. Harvest time Harvest spinach before it begins to flower. You can cut the whole plant or selectively cut leaves as you need them. Storage needs Store unwashed leaves in the refrigerator for about 1 week. Possible challenges for crop Downy mildew and leaf miners. Formation of flower stalk when plant is stressed with either heat or drought.

Tomatoes

Physical description Determinate or bush varieties do not need pruning and grow with or without support. Fruit ripens within a concentrated time period. Indeterminate or vining varieties need pruning and to be staked or in a tomato cage for best production. The harvest season is longer for this type of tomato. Varieties Determinate: Oregon Spring, Celebrity, Longkeeper Indeterminate: Early Girl, Stupice, Cherokee Purple, Black Prince, Green Zebra, Estiva, Brandywine Paste: San Marzano, Amish Paste, Roma VF, Health Kick Small Fruited Tomatoes: Currant, Gold Nugget, Sungold, Sun Cherry Annual/Biennial/Perennial Warm season annual. Hardiness Tender: will not survive frost. Nutritional description Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin K and a very good source of molybdenum, potassium, manganese, dietary fiber, chromium, and vitamin B1. Tomatoes are a good source of vitamin B6, folate, copper, niacin, vitamin B2, magnesium, iron, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, vitamin E. Growing conditions Tomatoes prefer a medium rich garden soil, well drained with mature compost plus a basic organic fertilizer incorporated prior to planting. Plants receiving too much nitrogen will grow more foliage and flower development will be delayed. Space determinate plants about 12-24 inches apart. Indeterminate plants are spaced 24-36 inches apart. Square foot gardeners place one plant for every 2 sq. ft. Direct Seed or Transplant Use 4-6 week old transplants to get an earlier harvest. Start transplants about 6 weeks before last frost. Tomatoes can be direct seeded if soil temperatures are 68-80°F. Succession planting NA Antagonists Kohlrabi, potato, fennel, cabbage. Containers/Flowers/Decorative Many varieties used in containers. Watering & Fertilizer needs Use drip irrigation to avoid wetting leaves. An even supply of water and calcium prevents blossom end rot. Water established plants when soil dries to about 2 to 3 inches deep. Wet root zone thoroughly. Use a preplant basic organic fertilizer. Sidedress plants with a balanced organic fertilizer when they set their first fruit and every 4 weeks after that if necessary. Harvest time Harvest as fruits ripen to your preferred color and flavor. Storage needs Store ripe tomatoes at 45-60°F. End of season picking can mean storing whitish green tomatoes until they ripen. Store these at 70°F to ripen. They do not need light to ripen. Possible challenges for crop Flea beetles, snails, slugs, hornworms, aphids, whiteflies, leafminers, cutworms are possible pests. Diseases include: verticillium wilt, fusarium wilt, tobacco mosaic virus, powdery mildew and late blight.

Winter Squash

Physical description Each type varies in shape, color, size and flavor, they all have hard protective skins that are difficult to pierce that gives them a long storage life of up to six months and a hollow inner seed containing cavity. Varieties Acorn types: Table Ace, Table Queen Bush Kabocha types: Sunshine Hubbard type: Red Kuri, Blue Hubbard Buttercup type: Buttercup Butternut: Early Butternut, JWS 6823 PMR Delicata type: Cornell’s Bush Delicata, Sugar Loaf Tan Delicata Annual/Biennial/Perennial Warm season annual. Hardiness Tender: will not survive frost. Nutritional description Winter squash is an excellent source of vitamin A and a very good source of vitamin C, potassium, dietary fiber, and manganese. Winter squash is a good source of folate, omega-3 fatty acids, thiamin, copper, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, niacin and copper. Growing conditions Winter squash will do best in a fertile, well drained organic soil with lots of mature compost incorporated. Seeds germinate well at soil temperatures above 60°F. Ideal soil temperatures range from 70-90°F. Space plants about 3 ft by 3 ft. if bush types. Space farther apart if vining types or train vines up vertically. Direct Seed or Transplant Direct seed if you have appropriate soil temperatures and a long growing season; use transplants (4 to 6 weeks old) if gardening in a cooler climate or you have a short season. Start transplants about 4-6 weeks before last frost. Succession planting NA Antagonists Potatoes. Containers/Flowers/Decorative NA Watering & Fertilizer needs Use drip irrigation to keep moisture off of leaves and to provide at least 1 inch of water per week. Plants can wilt in the heat of the day but if soil moisture levels are good then they recover later. Harvest time Squash are ready to harvest when the mature fruit has a hard outer shell. Leave a short stem piece attached to the fruit and avoid bruising. Allow to cure in field if possible for 5-7 days by exposing fruits to sunshine. Alternatively cure in a well ventilated space for 3-5 days at temperatures of 80-90°F. Store at 50-55°F in a dry location. Storage needs Winter squash has a long storage life. Depending upon the variety, it can be kept from one week to six months. It should be kept away from direct exposure to light. The ideal temperature for storing winter squash is between 50-60°F. Possible challenges for crop Aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, leafhoppers, cucumber beetles, vine borers and squash bugs. Powdery mildew, downy mildew, gummy stem blight and angular leafspot can also affect squash.

Zucchini/Summer Squash

Physical description Zucchini is a type of narrow squash that resembles a cucumber in size and shape. It has smooth, thin skin that is either green or yellow in color and can be striped or speckled. Its tender flesh is creamy white in color and features numerous seeds. Its edible flowers are often used in French and Italian cooking. Crookneck and Straightneck Squash: Both of these summer squashes have creamy white flesh and generally have yellow skins, although sometimes you can find them with green skin. Crookneck squash is partially straight with a swan-like neck. Pattypan Squash: This small saucer-shaped squash features skin that can either be pale green or golden yellow in color. Its cream-colored flesh is more dense and slightly sweeter than that of zucchini. Varieties Zucchini: Raven, Costata Romanesco, Eight Ball, Gold Rush Crookneck: FancyCrook, Multipik, Sunray, Zephyr Pattypan: Flying Saucer, Sunburst Annual/Biennial/Perennial Warm season plant grown as an annual. Hardiness Tender; will not survive frosts. Nutritional description Summer squash is a good source of manganese and vitamin C. It is also a very good source of magnesium, vitamin A, dietary fiber, potassium, copper, folate, and phosphorus. Growing conditions Plants prefer fertile, organic, well drained soil with lots of mature compost. Most varieties grow as a nonvining bush plant. Separate male and female flowers grow on the same plant so pollen must be transferred by insects in order for fruit to be produced. Male flowers are usually produced first on the plant. Direct Seed or Transplant Transplants are commonly grown for planting out when soil temperatures have reached 65-70°F. Direct seed when soil is at least 65°F for best germination. Typically squash is planted in hills with 3 seeds per hill. Hills are spaced about 4’ apart. Square foot gardeners can plant 1 per 2 sq. ft. Succession planting NA Antagonists Potato Containers/Flowers/Decorative NA Watering & Fertilizer needs Plants require about 1” water per week and do best with drip irrigation. Use a preplant basic organic fertilizer. Harvest time Harvest when squash are immature and skin is tender enough to be marked with a thumbnail. Remove any overly mature fruit so that plants continue to produce squash. Storage needs Can be stored in the refrigerator 1-2 weeks. Possible challenges for crop Aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, leafhoppers, cucumber beetles, vine borers and squash bugs. Powdery mildew and angular leafspot can also affect squash.