VEGETABLES 101

VEGETABLES 101

Whats on the Agenda?Benefits of Growing Your Own GardenHow to Select a SiteDifferent Types of GardensSite PreparationSoil TestPlanningCrop RotationWhat Varieties Do Best in the AreaHow to Read a Seed PacketFertilizationHow to Plant a Seed or TransplantHow to Protect Your PlantsWatering MethodsPest ManagementBenefits of Growing Your Own VegetablesImprove family healthSave money on groceriesReduce environmental impactProvide a reason for outdoor exerciseEnjoy better tasting foodBuild self reliance and a sense of prideProvide a sense of control of food safety

Selecting a SiteFour basic plant requirements to considerSoilDeep, fertile, well- drainedLightMinimum of 6 hours of daylightDont put near anything that may cause a shadowSpaceDepends upon what you plan to growWaterDifferent vegetables require different amounts of water; make sure you are able to supply the adequate amount needed.You may also want to consider if you need fencing

Types of GardensRaised BedsGrow more in a smaller areaDrain and warm-up earlier in the springSoil is easier to manage and pests are easier to controlIts attractive and appealing in appearance

Types of GardensContainersGreat if you have limited spaceCan be on a deck, patio, doorstep or windowsillEasily accessible, convenient, space efficient and soil & drainage issues can be controlledBe sure to have the container off the ground with pot feet so that you can get better drainageNeeds to be watered frequently; never let the soil dry out.

Site PreparationClean the AreaMark the area Remove boards, rock, old plant supports and general debrisCut or chop weeds and crop residueIf residue is free of disease and mature weed seed it can be worked into the soil or composted.If new garden kill and remove plant materialSoil SolarizingAdd organic material or compost to cleared area

Getting the Soil Ready for PlantingSoil needs to be worked at least 6 deep and smoothed before plantingYou can use a rototiller or a shovelSeed & transplants should be planted in moist, finely aggregated soil.If water can be squeezed from a handful of garden soil or if it does not break apart when dropped, it is too wetSoil that is too wet will form clods

Site PreparationSoil TestSoil sample box and info sheet are available at the Agricultural Extension officeUse a small trowel or spade to collect samplesCollect from 8 to 10 locations throughout gardenSoil should be dryCollect top 4 to 6 of soilPlace soil in a clean plastic bucket and mixDo not collect samples from where water stands, heavy amounts of ashes have been dumped or where debris has laid.Soil samples should be taken the same general time each yearFill the box full with the thoroughly mixed soilFill out the info sheet and request the basic testMail in or drop off at the Extension OfficeResults will be 2 weeks

Garden PlanSaves time, space, work and moneyConsider the followingWhich varieties do you like?Do you want to extend the harvest season?Which varieties should be rotated to a new location?Do you want to increase or decrease the amount of harvest?Do you want several small staggered plantings?Was something new that you want to try this year?Has your family increased or decreased in size?Do you want to preserve more or less food this year?

Crop RotationLegumes: Beans, peas, lima beans, potatoesRoot: Onions, garlic, turnips, beets, carrots, radishesFruit: Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, eggplant, squash, melonsLeaf: Lettuce, greens spinach, herbs, brassicas, corn

Crop Rotation GuidelinesFollow heavy-feeding plants with light feedersCorn is a heavy feeder so follow it with peas or beans which are light feeders and will add nitrogen back to the soilPut deep rooted vegetables where shallow rooted plants previously grewAvoid rotating plants of the same family within the same bed, because they tend to have similar nutritional needs and are often prey to the same pests and diseases.Variety SelectionHybrids vs. HeirloomsIf looking for pest resistance or disease resistance you may choose a hybridIf looking for optimal performance and taste you may choose an heirloomDisease ResistanceRemember resistance does not mean immunityForm or Growth HabitHow the plant growsIndeterminateContinues to grow as in a vineDeterminateGrows until a set point and then stops as in a bush

Lets Talk Vegetables

Bush BeansSeed Depth: 1Days to Germinate 7-10Date to sow outdoors: April-June 20Rotation: Follow cornSpacing: 4 Companions: Basil, marigold & strawberries

VarietiesBush Kentucky Wonder Contender Goldencrop Wax HarvesterResistant Cherokee Wax Tendercrop

Bush Beans SowingDo not plant in cold soil it slows germinationMake several small plantings about 10 days apart so that you can have a continuous harvest.Fertilize young plants with fish emulsion every 2 weeks for the first 6 weeks, then once every 3 to 4 weeksHarvest when pods are as thick as a pencil

BroccoliSeed Depth: Days to germinate: 4-7Sow Indoors: 4-6 wks before last frostOutdoors: March1 and July 15Rotation: Avoid cole crops (cabbage, cauliflower)Spacing: 15 staggered rowsCompanion: Bush bean, carrot, cucumber, lettuce, onion, spinach and tomatoes

Varieties:BravoGreen Comet Green DukePackman Premium Crop Purple Sprouting Waltham 29 BroccoliTransplants well, but be sure not to disturb rootsSet plants 1 deeper than they grew in the potsFertilize every 3 to 4 weeks with an organic fertilize such as fish emulsionHarvest when the head is dark green and fully formed. The buds should be tight.Yellow buds is a sign the head is overripeHarvest by cutting the head free of the stalk with a knifeSmaller heads will form as side shoots. Harvest every few days to keep more forming.CabbageSeed Depth: Days to germinate: 5-8Sow Indoors:4-6 wks before last frostOutdoors: Feb. 20-April 1 & July 1-July30Rotation: Avoid cole cropsSpacing: 12-18Companions: Bush bean, carrot, tomatoes, cucumber, lettuce, onion, spinach

VarietiesCharmont Danish RoundheadEarly JerseyWakefieldKing ColeRound DutchStoneheadCabbageDo not disturb root ball when transplantingThey are heavy feeders and need ample even supplies of most nutrients.Mulch . It has a shallow root and are easily damaged from cultivation to fluctuations in soil moisture. Harvest anytime after the head is the size of a softball.CarrotsSeed Depth: - Days to Germinate: 6-8Sow Outdoors: March 1 April 1Rotation: Avoid rotating with dill, fennel or parsleySpacing: 2-3 apartCompanion: Onion, tomatoes, lettuce, rosemary, beans & sage

VarietiesSoil that is difficult to workDanversLittle FingerShort n SweetThumbelinaDeeper soils or raised bedsChanteney NantesCarrotsPlant in rows and thin outPrefers roots to be cool; add a layer of mulchHarvest by pulling them from the ground by their tops.

CauliflowerSeed Depth: Days to germinate: 6Sow Indoors: 4-6 wks before last frostOutdoors: March 1- April 1 & July 15- August 15Rotation: Avoid cole crops & plant after beansSpacing: 15 staggered rowsCompanions: Bush bean, carrot, cucumber, lettuce, spinach & tomatoes

VarietiesAndesEarly WhiteImperialSnow BallSnow CrownSnow KingViolet Queen HybridCauliflowerWhen transplanting do not damage rootsKeep plants evenly wateredIt is a heavy feeder and likes frequent watering with compost tea or dilute solutions of fish emulsionBlanching is a technique used for the white varieties. When head is 2-3 fold leaves over the head and secure with a rubber band or twine.Improves flavor and textureHarvestingIn warm weather, harvest heads after 4 days of being tiedIn cooler weather harvest after 10 days Heads should be tight & fairly regular in shapeCorn, SweetSeed Depth: 1Days to Germinate: 4Sow Outdoors: 1 wk after frostRotation: Plant after peas or beansSpacing: 8Companions: Sunflowers, legumes, potato, parsley, carrotsVarietiesGolden Cross BantamHoney & CreamJubileePeaches & CreamPearl WhiteSilver QueenSundanceCorn, SweetPrepare corn bed in fallApply at least 1 of compost or rotted manure and work into the soilTo ensure good pollination plant each variety in blocks of 4 short rows rather than in a single rowSow new blocks every 2 weeks to lengthen the seasonHeavy feeder of nitrogen. Water regularly and fertilize every 2 weeks with a complete organic fertilizer such as fish emulsionHarvest when you feel the husk to see if seems full and rounded and when the greenish silk turns brown at the very ends.

CucumberSeed Depth: -1Days to Germinate: 3-4Sow Indoors: 3 wks before last frostOutdoors: After last frostRotation: Avoid following gourd familySpacing: 18 trellised or 36 moundsCompanions: Radish & marigoldsVarietiesPickleBush PickleCalypsoBush SlicingBush CropFanfareSalad BushSlicing VineBurplessMarketmoreSliceMasterStraight 8CucumberApply 1 of compost to the bed before planting and work it into the top few inches of soilCucumbers do not like to be transplanted. Sow directly in garden.Fertilize every 2 weeks.Once flowers appear make sure to maintain even soil moisture or misshapen, poor tasting fruits will result.Harvest whenever they are large enough to useEggplantSeed Depth: Days to germinate: 7Sow Indoors: 4-6 wks before last frostOutdoors: Not recommendedRotation: Do not follow tomato; follow bean or peaSpacing: 18Companion: Basil, marigolds, bush bean, pea, pepper VarietiesBlack BeautyBurpee HybridEaster EggLittle FingerIchibanEggplantDislikes being transplanted.Cover with a row cover and mulch to protect from insect damage.Harvest plants after theyve reached half their mature size.GarlicClove Depth: 2Sow Outdoors: Later summer to fallRotation: Do not follow onion, cole crops or legumeSpacing: 6Companion: Carrots, cole cropsVarietiesBogatyrGeorgian CrystalGerman Extra HardyNew York WhiteGarlicPlant cloves in fall and mulch to protect the bulbsRemove mulch in early spring and spread some compost on the bedOnce plants are up use shallow cultivation to keep the weeds under controlHarvest in late summer when the bottom 2 or 3 leaves have turned yellow or the tops fall overBe sure the cure the bulbs. Spread plants on a screen and cure in full sun for 2 weeks or when the skins are dry and the necks are tight. Cover or move if it rains

LettuceSeed Depth: - Days to Germinate: 7-14Sow Indoors: 4 wks before transplantingOutdoors: when soil can be worked, throughout cool seasonRotation: Avoid other leaf lettuce & cabbageSpacing: Leaf , Head Lettuce 8-12Companion: Radish, strawberry, broccoli, bush beans, carrots, cucumber

VarietiesHeadingGreat LakesItchacaSpeckledSummertimeTennis BallGreen LeafBlack-seeded SimpsonGrand RapidsOak LeafRomaineGreen TowersParris Island CosSangriaLettuceSeeds need light to germinate so sow them on top of the soil and cover very lightly with soilKeep bed evenly moistGrows best in cool weatherAdd plenty of compost before planting and again as a sidedressing a week or so after seedlings appear.Give supplemental feedings of compost tea every 2 weeks until harvest

OnionsSeed Depth: 1 for sets & - for seedsDays to germinate: 4-5Sow Indoors: 2 mths before last frostOutdoors: February to MarchRotation: Avoid parsley & legumesSpacing: 400-600 per 100 ft rowCompanion: Carrots, cole cropsVarietiesEbenezerRed BaronSouthport White GlobeChrystal White WaxRed CreoleRed WethersfieldTexas 1015OnionsBefore planting turn in good amounts of compost or well rotted manureDoesnt compete well with weeds and are easily damaged.Mulch to maintain moistureSidedress with compost during late springReady to harvest when most of the tops fall overLeave them to cure in the sun for at least a weekPeppersSeed Depth: Days to Germinate: 6-8Date to sow indoors: 6 wks before last frostSpacing: 12Rotation: Do not follow potato, eggplant or tomatoVarieties:Hot PeppersAnaheimCayenneHabeneroJalapenoSweet PeppersAceAppleCalifornia WonderGypsyBell BoyGolden SummerHungarian Sweet BananaPeppersPeppers love heat. Wait until soil temperatures are 70-85 degreesPeppers like to hold handsPlant close enough so the leaves of the mature plants are barely touchingHarvest so that it can set new fruitsSummer SquashSeed Depth: -1Days to Germinate: 6-10Date to sow indoors: 3-4 wks before frostDate to sow outdoors:When soil temp reaches 70degSpacing: 12-18 moundsRotation: Avoid squash, pumpkin, melon, cucumber & watermelonVarietiesPatty PanPeter PanScallopiniYellowCrookneckEarly Yellow SummerDixieZucchiniAristocrateBlack ZucchiniChefiniGold RushSummer SquashDirect sow when soil reaches 70 degreesSow 3 seeds to a hill and space hills 18 apart and thin to 1 plant per hill when one true leaf is seenFertilize with fish emulsion. Do not over fertilize since it can limit yields.Harvest when young and small and harvest often.TomatoesSeed Depth: Days to germinate: 6-8Date to sow indoors: 6-7 wks before last frostDate to sow outdoors: After last frostSpacing:15 supported bush, 17 unsupported & determinate, 36 unsupported and indeterminateRotation: Avoid potato, pepper, eggplant & tomatoesVarieties:Disease Resistant VarietiesBeefmasterBetter BoyBig BoyCelebrityEarly GirlEnchantmentLemon BoyMountain Gold RomasSupersteakSupersweet

TomatoesPlantingDig a hole a least 6 in diameter and deep enough so that only about 4 of the plant will be above the soilSet plant in hole and fill with soil and firm. Water well with a dilute solution of fish emulsion or compost tea.Fertilize every 2 to 3 weeks with the compost tea or fish emulsionMulch to keep weeds down and keep soil moist

How to Read a Seed PacketBig Beef (F1): 73 Days(V,FF,N,T,As,L)A beefsteak-type tomato with meaty, tasty fruit and an old time tomato flavor. Early maturity and superior disease tolerance. Large (avg. 8-10oz), mostly blemish-free globe-shaped red fruit. Produces well, even under adverse conditions. Indeterminate.Pkt $2.20; 1/16 oz. $9.90Big Beef (F1): 73 Days

(F1): F1 versus OP

F1 is when 2 genetically dissimilar but related plants are crossed. F1 hybrid seed produces vigorous, high yielding plants. The downside to this is that it lasts for only 1 generation.

OP means it is open pollinated. The seed collected from these plants will produce offspring the same as its parents. Heirloom varieties are open pollinate.Big Beef (F1): 73 days

Days to Maturity lets you know how long it takes from sowing the seed to harvesting the vegetable.

Remember the date is an educated guess. Some factors that can effect the date is type of growing season and soil fertility.

Big Beef (F1): 73 days(V,FF,N,T,)

Diseases Resistance. Each catalog provides a key to the disease-resistant qualities each plant/seed has.

V=Verticillium Wilt DiseaseFF=Fusarium WiltN=Root-Knot NematodesT=Tobacco Mosaic VirusBig Beef (F1): 73 days(V,FF,N,T,As,L)

A beefsteak type tomato with meaty, tasty fruit and an old time tomato flavor.

Description. Big Beef (F1): 73 days(V,FF,N,T,As,L)

A big beefsteak type tomato with meaty, tasty fruit and an old time tomato flavor. Early maturity and superior disease tolerance. Large (avg. 8-10 oz)

Vegetable size. Big Beef (F1): 73 days(V,FF,N,T,As,L)

A beefsteak type tomato with meaty, tasty fruit and an old time tomato flavor. Early maturity and superior disease tolerance. Large (avg. 8-10)oz. Mostly blemish free globe shaped red fruit. Produces well, even under adverse conditions.

Weather tolerance. This may include frost tolerance or resistance to bolting in hot weather.FertilizationVegetable gardens require a complete fertilizer such as 6-12-12, 10-10-10, 13-13-13 or 15-15-15The first number is the percentage of nitrogenPromotes leaves and vegetation The second & third is phosphate & potassiumPhosphate promotes rootsPotassium promotes flowering and fruitingManure can be used as a supplement to the chemical fertilizerApply fertilizer in the spring before planting and work into the soil

Now You are Ready to Plant

Seed SowingMake sure that the seedbed is smooth and levelMakes it easier to place seeds at same depthRemove pebbles or large bits of soilMake a furrow to the depth needed.After sowing fill the furrow and gently pat the soil to make sure it makes contact with the seed.Label the rowWater the bed very gently and evenly. Check the moisture daily and water when necessary. Remember the bed needs to be moist, but not soggy.

Planting with TransplantsA week before you decide to plant prepare your bed and add any soil amendments. This will give the soil time to settle.On planting day water your transplants thoroughly and let them stand for about an hour.Make sure the bed is smooth. Remove any stones, sticks or other debris.Remove the seedling from its containerMake a hole about 1 times the size of the root ballGently put the transplant into the hole and firm the soil around the base of the plant, but dont pack it.Water it in.

Protective CoversProtects from cold weather and can extend growing seasonsEncourages plants to grow faster & produce earlyWhat can be used?For individual plantsBucketsOld blanketsMilk jugsCut out the bottom and remove cap and push into the groundFor several rows of plantsSpun bonded or plastic floating row coversShould be removed once plants have flowers so that pollination can happenCovers must be removed once the temperatures moderate

WateringIrrigationBest to irrigate with soaker hose or drip irrigationIf using overhead sprinkler system only 1 to 1.5 of water should be applied at one timeLet the water soak in for several days to a week before watering againLess likely to increase plant diseasesPlants will be less dependent on frequent wateringGravity Drip Irrigation SystemSomething to Consider

Uses water efficiently/not wasted

Water is given directly to the roots

Help reduce standing water on foliage, reduces disease

Saves you time-can fill bucket- walk away

Fertigation! Why??

Elevated PedestalDrip TapeSupply LinesHeader Tape

www.chapinlivingwaters.org When first installed, run 2-3 times to create a wet spot on ground and cater your plant spacing to where there is a drip outlet

5 gallon bucket 40 above soil level can provide enough pressure to irrigate two rows of 50 ft. in length

Can also be used for four rows at 25 ft. in length or 6 rows at 12.5 ft. in lengthPlan Your Garden Accordingly Drip tape should be installed with the outlets facing up to allow foreign particles to filter to the bottom of the line where they can be flushed out the endRemember

Pest ManagementCommon methods of controlCompanion PlantingIntercroppingTiming PlantingMulchesPesticideNatural protective substances

Pest ManagementCompanion PlantingPlants that assist each other to grow wellPeas & beans help corn by restoring to the soil nitrogen that the corn used upPlants that repel insectsOnions, leeks, rosemary and sage repel the carrot fly, whose maggot or larva attacks the rootlets of carrotsPlants that repel other plantsFennel has inhibiting effect on bush beans and tomatoes

Pest ManagementIntercroppingRaising two or more crops in the same area at the same timeInsects are deterred because they recognize large area of single vegetables instead of crops that are interplantedPlant light feeders, like carrots, with heavy feeders, like tomatoesMatch deep rooted plants, like parsnip, with shallow rooted plants, like onion.Plants that prefer cooler temperatures, like lettuce, can benefit from the partial shade of tall companions, like pole beans.Pest ManagementConventional ControlsPesticidesNot selectiveWill eliminate your beneficial insects such as beesUse non-chemical means of insect controlSanitationBarriersRepellentsTraps & baitsEncourage beneficial insects and birdsRemove insects by handUse the least toxic recommended control measureInsecticidal soapsBt

Pest ManagementWeedsWeeds compete with vegetable plants for water, nutrients and sunlightWeeds serve as a refuge for insectsControlPrevent weeds to develop mature seedsEasiest to remove when they are smallHoe or till frequently, but shallowly so not to cut vegetables rootsUse mulchesHerbicidesAre not recommended to home vegetable gardenersDifficult to useNot effectiveUniform application is difficultExpensive

Pest ManagementMulching2 to 3 layer of organic mulch can Conserve waterRegulate soil temperatureSuppress weedsProvides organic material as it breaks downExamples of organic mulch areFinely shredded or chipped hardwood barkCompostPine StrawNewspaper

Pest ManagementDisease ControlBegin control with sanitation Remove insect or disease infested plant residues from the garden plotDo not save seed from diseased plantsSupport tall-growing, non-supporting vegetables such as tomatoes and cucumbersSpace rows and plants within rows for the air to flow freelyTime plantings to avoid the worst pest problems whenever possibleRotate cropsGrow disease resistant varietiesFrequent observation of the garden

REFERENCESUtextension.tennessee.edu/publicationsThe Vegetable Gardeners BibleEdward C. SmithThe Organic Gardeners Handbook of Natural Insect and Disease ControlEdited by Barbara W. Ellis and Fern Marshall Bradleywcmastergardener.orgQUESTIONS