Computerworld 1996 March

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Asparagus Asparagus is a perennial plant producing 6 to 8 inch spears. Soil Requirements : Asparagus being a perennial plant will grow in the same spot several years; therefore you have one shot to prepare your soil properly. Asparagus requires a well drained, sandy loam type soil. If possible, start preparation a year in advance mixing compost into the soil. Planting: In the early spring plant one-year old crowns in trenches 6 inches deep and 12 to 15 inches apart. Take care to spread the roots out before planting. Fertilizer: High nitrogen, low phosphorous, and medium potassium. Non-organic method is 6-8-8 in the spring before new growth appears and at harvest time. Pests: Asparagus Beetle. Diseases: Asparagus rust and fusarium wilt. Harvest: Cut spears when they are 6 to 8 inches long (no matter how large around they are). Cut 1 to 3 inches below the soil, taking care not to injure any new spears coming up. When spears are pencil size in diameter, its time to stop harvesting. Do not cut the Asparagus fern back until after frost kills it back in the late fall. _________________________________________________________________ Beans, lima Lima beans (butter beans) are a favorite nationwide...or so this biased author thinks. They can be planted as either bush or pole varieties. Soil Requirements: A loose well drained soil is important. Bean seeds split open under the soil during germination and a wet compacted soil would cause problems in the small plant breaking through the surface. Plenty of organic matter mixed into the soil will help. Planting: Lima beans are intolerant to cold weather, so wait until the soil is at least 65 degrees. If you have a problem with heavy soil consider covering the seed with a non-crusting mixture of sand, peat moss, vermiculite, or perlite to aid the small plants in breaking through the surface. Fertilizer: Nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium moderate. A good spraying with a liquid fertilizer, such as Miricale Grow, is beneficial toward the end of the growing season. Pests: Aphids, Bean leaf beetle, cabbage loopers, Corn earworms, Cucumber beetles, European corn borers, leaf miners, and the dreaded Mexican bean beetle. Diseases: Bacterial blight, Bacterial spot, Downy mildew, Fusarium wilt, Mosaic, Nematodes, Powdery mildew, Root rot, Rust, Stem anthracnose, and Yeast spot. Harvest: Harvest butter beans when they are still green in color and well filled out...unless you are like some of us that like them when they are small and just beginning to fill out (they are a pain in the butter bean to shell this way, but hmmm are they good!). Bush beans take about 50 days and pole beans 65 days. It should be noted that bush beans are more prolific, but pole beans have a longer growing season. _________________________________________________________________ Beans, snap Snap beans, like lima beans, come in bush and pole varieties. When planted properly, snap beans are very prolific producers. Soil Requirements: A loose, well drained soil is important. Plenty of organic matter, such as rotted compost is a plus. Planting: Bush snap beans do not do well in very not weather, so planting in the early spring when soil temperatures rise above 60 degrees is to your advantage. Pole snap beans, however, do quite well in warmer summer months and will extend the bean growing season. Fertilizer: Nitrogen , Phosphorous and Potassium moderate. Pests: Aphids, Bean leaf beetle, cabbage loopers, Corn earworms, Cucumber beetles, European corn borers, leaf miners, and the dreaded Mexican bean beetle. Diseases: Bacterial blight, Bacterial spot, Downy mildew, Fusarium wilt, Mosaic, Nematodes, Powdery mildew, Root rot, Rust, Stem anthracnose, and Yeast spot. Harvest: Snap beans should be harvested before beans mature and pods fill out. You can of course wait until they fill out if you intend on shelling the beans, but if you plan on snapping the bean they will have tough shells. In addition, many varieties will have an annoying string on the "zipper" that will need to be removed. Bush snap beans take about 50 to 60 days until harvest and pole snap beans take 65 to 70 days. _________________________________________________________________ Beets Beets are a cool weather plant and may be grown in nearly any part of the country. Soil Requirements: Soil rich in organic matter is important. In addition, soil should be loose and well drained. Do not, however, allow the soil to become dried out as they are shallow growing plants. Planting: Sow the seed in a row and when they are about two inches tall thin two inches apart. Beets are slow in germinating, so you may want to mark these rows with some faster sprouting radish seed. As with all root type vegetables, be sure to get rid of any rocks or debris that might inhibit proper root development. Fertilizer: Beets do not need much nitrogen, as too much causes "hairy roots". Phosphorous and potassium requirements are moderate. Applying plenty of potash to the soil will encourage root development. Pests: Aphids, Leafhoppers, Leafminers, slugs, and snails. Diseases: Leaf spots and Nematodes. Harvest: Pick beets when they are about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. _________________________________________________________________ Broccoli Broccoli, a cool weather plant, has more vitamins than any other vegetable. They grow one large head and often several smaller side shoots. Soil Requirements: A well drained area of the garden should work fine. Consider planting it where beans have previously grown, as it likes moderate amounts of nitrogen. Planting: Set broccoli seeds or plants out just before the temperatures start to cool down. Broccoli can be set out either in the spring or fall; however fall broccoli tends to do better, since the heads are maturing when the weather is cool rather than warm. If you are setting out plants prior to the weather turning cool you may need to set up small shades of cardboard to allow the plants to establish themselves before cool weather arrives. This will protect the young plants from the wilting effect of the hot sun, also don't forget to put some swizel sticks beside the plants to keep the cutworms from chopping down the small seedlings. Fertilizer: Broccoli requires moderate amounts of nitrogen and phosphorous. Pests: Aphids, cabbage loopers, cabbage maggots, Cutworms, Flea beetles, Harlequin bugs, Imported cabbage worms, and Leafminers. Diseases: Black rot Harvest: The main thing about broccoli is to be sure to harvest the heads while they are still tight and before they flower. The main head should be cut first, allowing smaller side shoots to develop. Broccoli tends to loose its flavor when flowering occurs. Don't neglect cutting the stems. The parts of the stem closest to the heads cooks down very tender. The biggest enemy of the plant tends to be caterpillars. As the heads are maturing Bacillus thuringiensis will destroy the worms. If there are any left on the heads when you get to the kitchen, soak the heads in a boiler with salt and water to get the worms out of the head. _________________________________________________________________ Brussels sprouts Brussels sprouts are grown like cabbage and require a long cool growing season, not cold and not hot. Because of these requirements, the plant never has gotten wide spread acceptance. Generally, in the south the cool season is too short and in the north the cool season turns too cold for the tender plant. Soil Requirements: The soil should be well drained with plenty of organic matter, such as compost. Planting: Plant brussels sprouts much as you would cabbage. Remember that this is a cool weather plant, so when setting out the plants they will need about 90 days to develop until harvest. In many parts of the country it will be necessary to set them out in the very early spring and for fall plants they would need to be set out in the mid summer to avoid the extreme winter weather. Needless to say it is a bit tricky planting. Fertilizer: Apply moderate amounts of phosphorous and a fairly high amount of potassium. Pests: Aphids, cabbage loopers, cabbage maggots, Cutworms, Flea beetles, Harlequin bugs, Imported cabbage worms, and Leafminers. Diseases: Black rot and Club root. Harvest: The sprouts of brussels will develop where the leaves join the main stem of the plant, so its best not to break off any leaves at first. The fruit will first start maturing at the bottom of the plant. Harvest matured sprouts when they are one to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. After the bottom sprouts are picked, then it is ok to break off the bottom leaves. This will focus the growth and energy to the top of the plant that is trying to mature newer sprouts. _________________________________________________________________ Cabbage Cabbage is a cool weather plant which may be green or red and is grown much like broccoli. Soil Requirements: Cabbage likes a well drained soil rich in organic matter, such as composted animal manure and leaves. Planting: When using a compost, such as animal manure, be sure to till this in two or three weeks in advance of setting out the plants or the excess amount of nitrogen could cause the plant to bolt and to grow skinny looking. Keep the soil pulled up close to the bottom of the head and use plenty of mulch to keep the ground cool. Fertilizer: Cabbage likes moderate amounts of nitrogen and phosphorous, and generous amounts of potassium. Pests: Aphids, Cabbage loopers, Cabbage maggots, Cabbage worm, Cutworms, Flea beetles, Harlequin bugs, Imported cabbage worms, and Leafminers. Diseases: Black leg, Black rot, Downy mildew, Fusarium wilt, and Yellows. Harvest: Harvest cabbage when the heads are filled out and firm, but be careful to not let them get to firm or splitting heads may occur. This happens when the cabbage head has absorbed more water than the head can hold without bursting. On the other hand a soft head would indicate that the head is probably not filled out enough yet. _________________________________________________________________ Carrots Carrots are an excellent source for vitamin A, containing Beta Carotene. Eating "yellow" vegetables is known to reduce the risk of some cancers. Soil Requirements: Carrots require a loose soil for proper root development. If necessary, add sand to the soil. If you live in a part of the country with heavy clay soil, growing a variety that makes short carrots may be to your advantage. Planting: Carrot seeds can take quite a while to germinate, in addition hard rains could compact the soil or wash the seed away. Try laying either some boards or a plastic sheet over the area where the seed are planted. Check under the boards each day to see if the seed are sprouting and then remove the boards. Should a spring storm come up this will protect the small seed. Also, before covering the seed with dirt, put a small amount of water in the trench if necessary. Another way to keep the soil from crusting is to cover the seed with either sand or vermiculite. Keep dirt pulled up around the top of the carrot or they will turn green at the tops from sunburn. Fertilizer: Apply small amounts of nitrogen, moderate amounts of phosphorous and generous amount of potassium. To much nitrogen could cause the carrots to be soft or cause the roots to branch. The potassium, on the other hand, should encourage proper root development. Pests: Aphids, Carrot rust flies, Carrot weevils, and Cutworms. Diseases: Leaf blight, Nematodes, Root knot nematode. Harvest: Start harvesting when they reach the size diameter you like. When planting in the fall, be sure to dig up any remaining carrots before a winter freeze goes down into the soil. This could cause the carrots to crack and spoil. _________________________________________________________________ Cauliflower Cauliflower is grown much the same way as its relative broccoli, but is much less tolerant to extremes in hot and cold weather. It produces a white "brain" looking head. Soil Requirements: Cauliflower likes a well drained soil with plenty of organic matter and compost. Planting: It would not be a bad ideal to plow under some composted manure a couple of weeks in advance of setting out the plants, because cauliflower needs rapid, continuous growth from beginning until harvest. Without constant growth the plant could wilt or the head may not develop properly. In order to grow heads which are white the gardener will have to help out the plant a little bit. Sun will cause the heads to become discolored. When the heads are a couple of inches in diameter, pull the leaves up around the head and tie them off. This will shade the head and form a pure white head. Fertilizer: Although cauliflower needs a constant supply of the following, nitrogen requirements are low, and phosphorous and potassium needs are moderate. Pests: Aphids, Cabbage loopers, Cabbage maggots, Cutworms, Flea beetles, Harlequin bugs, Imported cabbage worms, and Leafminers. Diseases: Black rot and Downy mildew. Harvest: As a general rule of thumb, cut the heads when they are six inches in diameter. The heads should be cut while they are still tight and compact. Development of the heads has gone too far if they have the appearance of grains of rice. _________________________________________________________________ Celery Celery is a great flavor enhancer for numerous recipes. Soil Requirements: Celery, like most vegetables, needs a well drained soil containing plenty of compost. Planting: Plant seed in trays or puts about eight weeks before its time to set the plants out in the garden. The young seedlings in the trays should be thinned to three inches apart. When the seedlings are six inches high, set them out in the garden six inches apart. Fertilizer: Rapid and constant growth is important in the proper development of the celery plant. Apply moderate amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium to keep the growth constant. In addition make sure that the soil is kept moist to ensure proper stem and leaf development. A good thick mulch around the plants will help to keep that moisture in the ground. Pests: Aphids Diseases: Damping off Harvest: As the plant matures, hill dirt up to the plant leaving only the leaves exposed. If you are going to harvest only part of the plant, be sure to cut the stalk below the soil line. _________________________________________________________________ Chervil Chervil is an annual herb that is used in salads. Soil Requirements: This herb is not particular to what kind of soil it is planted in. Planting: Sow the seed in furrows one inch deep and do not cover with soil for it needs light to germinate. Just keep the seed constantly moist. Once up, keep a good mulch around the plant. Fertilizer: Chervil does not require much fertilizer. Pests: Seldom bothered. Diseases: Seldom bothered. Harvest: Simply pick the amount of leaves needed fresh. _________________________________________________________________ Chinese cabbage Chinese cabbage or bok-choy has leaves like lettuce and is sweet flavored. They may be headed, but are most often loose headed. The vegetable is best suited for cool weather and is used in salads or cooked like greens. Soil Requirements: This plants needs constant growth and therefore would benefit from plenty of compost being added to the soil. Planting: Chinese cabbage does not transplant well. Sowing the seed directly into the garden and then thinning to about 12 inches apart would be best. Water frequently to keep the plant from wilting. A mulch around the base of the plant will help. If planting in the spring hot weather can cause the plant to flower or go to seed. Fertilizer: Nitrogen, phosphorous, and phosphate requirements are low, but a constant supply is recommended. Try manure mixed with water during development. Pests: Aphids, Cabbage loopers, Cabbage maggots, Cabbage worm, Cutworms, Flea beetles, Harlequin bugs, Imported cabbage worms, and Leafminers. Diseases: Black rot. Harvest: Chinese cabbage matures in about 70 to 80 days. Pick the leaves as you need them fresh. _________________________________________________________________ Chives Chives are perennial plants similar to a mild tasting onion. Soil Requirements: Chives grow best in a coarse soil, preferably containing fine gravel, coarse sand, and compost. Planting: Chives do not transplant very well, so it is best to sow or broadcast the seed directly into the garden. Gently press the seed into the soil and keep moist until they germinate. The seedlings will come up in clumps. Thin the clumps down to about six shoots per clump. Fertilizer: Moderate amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium are needed. A good source of nitrogen for chives is fish emulsion. Pests: Seldom bothered. Diseases: Mildew. Harvest: Cut the young shoots as you need them in the kitchen. Mature shoots tend to loose their taste. New shoots will pop up rapidly, so do not hesitate harvesting. Every couple of years it would be good to divide the root clumps to stimulate new growth and vigor. _________________________________________________________________ Collards Collards are greens that in southern gardens will practically grow year round, although they do best in cool weather. Soil Requirements: This vegetable is not very particular about the type of soil it is grown in except for being well drained. Plenty of compost tilled into the soil will however ensure constant growth it needs. Planting: Seed may be broadcast and thinned to about one foot apart, but setting plants out like cabbage is more common. Fertilizer: Collards are heavy feeders and therefore need a high amount of nitrogen. Side dressing the young plants with a nitrogen rich fertilizer or composted manure would be beneficial. Pests: Aphids, Cabbage loopers, Cabbage maggots, Cutworms, Flea beetles, Harlequin bugs, Imported cabbage worms, and Leafminers. Diseases: Black rot. Harvest: Either harvest whole young plants or pick leaves as needed, leaving smaller leaves to mature. Do not allow the leaves to over mature or they will be tough. _________________________________________________________________ Corn, sweet Sweet corn may be planted in nearly any part of the country, whereas white field corn is best suited for southern gardens. Soil requirements: Corn needs a well drained soil. If possible do not plant corn in the same spot every year because it is a heavy feeder and will quickly deplete the soil of valuable nutrients. Also make sure there is plenty of lime in the soil for corn. Planting: Plant corn when the soil temperature has warmed up to about 62 degrees. A warm soil will speed up germination and keep the loss of rotted seed to a minimum. Also planting in cold and wet soils can cause a deficiency in nitrogen and phosphorous. Consider planting corn on an area that has previously had beans or peas. The beans will build up the nitrogen content of the soil that this heavy feeder requires. Another alternative is to plant beans in between corn plants. Do not hill up the rows when planting seeds, because you will be pulling lots of dirt up to the plant as it grows. Its an old saying that pulling dirt up to a plant is like a natural fertilizer. In addition heavy spring rains may make the corn plant top heavy and the dirt pulled up to the plant will help hold the plant up. Corn pollinates the silk coming out of the corn from the tassels at the top of the plant. Ears of corn that are not fully filled out is a result of not enough pollination. Planting several short rows is better than one or two long rows. This will ensure proper pollination. In a very small garden you can take a tassel and go around tapping some of the pollen on each of the silks to increase the chances of pollination. Put mulch out around the plants to hold down the weeds. Fertilizer: Corn is a heavy feeder. Apply fertilizers high in nitrogen and phosphorous with moderate amounts of potassium. A lack of these will produce ears that are not filled out at the tips. Pests: Blister beetles, Chinch bug, Corn earworms, Cucumber beetles, European corn borers, Flea beetles, and Japanese beetles. Diseases: Bacterial wilt, Corn smut, Mosaic, and Rust Harvest: Corn is ready to pick when you go to your garden one day and find the garden covered with corn feeding crows. However, a better way is to simply check an ear of corn now and then by pulling back the shuck at the end of an ear to see if its filled out. Juice from a kernel should spurt out when poked at with a fingernail. Generally, when the silk turns brown and the ear is firm when squeezed it's time to harvest the corn. _________________________________________________________________ Cucumbers Cucumbers are grown for either pickling or slicing into salads and may easily be grown on a trellis or fence. Soil Requirements: Cucumbers like a loose, well drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Well rotted sawdust gives a good soil texture and organic matter to boot. Planting: Seed may be planted any time in the spring after danger of frost has passed. Planting the seed in a raised bed along a wooden fence works well. Fertilizer: This plant is a heavy feeder and is known to produce better with organic materials. Composted manure or a "tea" of manure and water should help. A liquid fertilizer, such as Miracle Grow, is also good for a quick shot in the arm. Whatever the source, cucumbers require high amounts of nitrogen. Pests: Aphids, Cucumber beetles, Leafminers, Pickleworm, Squash bugs, and Squash vine borers. Diseases: Bacterial wilt, Downy mildew, Mosaic, Nematodes, Powdery mildew, Scab, and Stem anthracnose. Harvest: Once the cucumbers start to form they will grow and mature rapidly. Keep a close watch on them at this point, because overmature fruit left on the vine will cause the plant to stop producing. Pick and discard any overmature or yellow cucumbers. Generally, the fruit will be a dark green and get lighter towards the blossom end. Pick the fruit before this blossom end begins to soften. _________________________________________________________________ Eggplant Eggplants are a purple black or green vegetable with a shiny skin and does not tolerate cold weather. Soil Requirements: Plant eggplants in a well drained area with plenty of compost added to the soil. Planting: Start eggplant seed in peat pots several weeks in advance of planting time or purchase plants for setting out. This plant thrives in warm to hot weather and should be set out only after all danger of frost has passed. Fertilizer: Nitrogen and potassium requirements are moderate. Half through the growth of the plant a fertilizer with generous amounts of nitrogen should be applied. One organic solution is to apply a mixture of manure and water. Pests: Aphids, Colorado potato beetles, Cutworms, Flea beetles, Leafhoppers, Potato tuber worms, and Tomato hornworms. Diseases: Fruit rot and Verticillium wilt. Harvest: Pick eggplants while they are firm and shiny. Allowing the fruit to overmature will discourage new growth. Do not allow the fruit to become soft on the vine before picking. Consider substituting this vegetable for meat in some recipes. _________________________________________________________________ Endive Endive is a cool weather plant with curly leaves and a strong taste. Endive is often referred to as escarole which has broader leaves. Soil Requirements: Plenty of compost mixed into the soil is a plus. While a well drained soil is recommended, do not allow the soil to dry out or the leaves will not develop properly. Planting: Plant endive much as you would lettuce. In the spring set out plants when cool days will be short and plant seed for the fall crops. A mulch around the plants will help to hold moisture in the ground and to keep the ground cool. Fertilizer: Keep leaf growth constant with moderate amounts of nitrogen and potassium. Pests: Aphids, Cabbage loopers, Cutworms, Flea beetles, Leafminers, Slugs, and Snails. Diseases: Fungus and Bacterial diseases, and Lettuce rot. Harvest: Endive has somewhat of a bitter taste. To decrease this bitterness dig up the matured plant with some dirt attached to its roots and place it in a cool, dark place for a few days. _________________________________________________________________ Fennel,Florence No additional information on this plant. _________________________________________________________________