Harvest to Table

When you open an ear of corn and some (or most) of the kernels are missing, that means the corn was not pollinated properly. To ensure pollination plant corn in a block, not rows. Corn is wind pollinated. The male flower is the tassel; it forms at the top of the cornstalk and produces pollen. [...]

Tomato, pepper, onion, garlic, and cilantro, basil, or parsley: the basic ingredients of salsa crudas, fresh salsa. Here’s how to make fresh salsa: Core and cut two medium ripe tomatoes, add one clove of garlic minced, add half a white or red onion diced, add a jalapeno, Serrano, or green or red bell pepper chopped [...]

Growing conditions. Plant zucchini in full sun in compost rich, well-drained soil. Zucchini likes to get its start in the spot where it will grow, but if you want to get a jump on the season, start seed indoors 3 to 4 weeks before the last expected frost in 4-inch biodegradable pots (that can be [...]

Choose the carrots you want to grow by the carrot flavor you most enjoy. There are three common carrot flavor descriptors: sugary, pine-parsley, and woody. Carrot flavor is genetically determined—some carrots will simply be sweeter than others. Growing carrots when days are warm and nights cool and growing carrots in loose, organic soil can enhance [...]

A garden site that receives as few as two hours of direct sunlight a day can grow vegetables. A garden that gets only dappled sunlight during the day can grow vegetables. Vegetable grown for their leaves and roots are the best choices for shady gardens. Salad greens such as lettuce, spinach, cabbage, and celery can [...]

Succession cropping is the planting of two or more crops in the same space at different times: a second crop succeeds a first as soon as possible after harvest and in some regions a third crop can succeed the second after harvest. Each crop in succession planting must come to harvest during its optimal harvest [...]

Hardy is a term used to describe a plant’s ability to survive in a specific climate zone—even through the cold of winter. Commonly gardeners use the term “hardy” to describe a plant that can survive a freeze, frost, or a cold snap. Half-hardy is a term used describes plants that can survive only limited or [...]

Long-season vine crops such as melons and squash can be started early in the season if you adequately prepare and warm the soil. The right preparation will ensure even growth and ample yield. Melons, watermelons, winter squashes, and pumpkins can require125 to 160 days from sowing or transplanting to harvest. Getting an early start will [...]

Square foot vegetable gardening gets its name from the number of seeds, transplants, or plants that grow in one square foot of garden space. For example, one square foot of garden will grow one pepper plant or four heads of leaf lettuce eight beets or sixteen radishes. A tomato plant might require 4 or even [...]

Asparagus is among the earliest and tastiest crops each year. Perennial asparagus beds can produce spears for decades and decades with proper care through the years. Plant asparagus where there is plenty of sun in the spring and the soil is rich in organic matter and well drained. As a guide, you will need about [...]