Brussels sprouts are a fall vegetable; there is not enough cool spring weather in most regions to bring sprouts to harvest before summer. Brussels sprouts require about 3 months to reach harvest size. Sprouts–buds or heads that resemble miniature cabbage–form in the axils of leaves. Sprouts appear first at the bottom of the stalk and […] More
Most varieties of lettuce require cool weather or slight shading for best growth. Grow lettuce in the cool part of the year, when temperatures range in the 50s and 60sF. You can plant lettuce as soon as the ground can be worked in spring. Grow leafy varieties where the weather is warmer. Lettuce grows well […] More
Grow cabbage as rapidly as possible. Give cabbage plenty of moisture and be sure to feed it through the season–a planting bed amended with aged compost and side dressings of compost tea every two weeks will do the job. Cabbage can be grown in three distinct crops: early, mid-season, and late. Early cabbage can be […] More
Melon plants are vulnerable to a variety of pests and diseases that can affect their growth, yield, and flavor. As an experienced gardener with over 30 years of melon-growing practice, I’ve encountered numerous challenges, from aphids and cucumber beetles to fungal infections like powdery mildew. Properly identifying these pests and diseases early, and knowing how […] More
Grow broccoli as you would cabbage. Grow broccoli as rapidly as possible. Give broccoli plenty of moisture and be sure to feed it through the season–a planting bed amended with aged compost is an important start. While broccoli is hardy at maturity, young plants should not be subjected to frost. Here are common broccoli-growing problems […] More
Onions and their close relatives–chives, garlic, shallots, and leeks–are among the oldest home garden plants. Allium is the genus for these crops. All varieties of Allium require loose, well-drained soil rich in nitrogen.There are hundreds of varieties of onion family plants. All suffer from similar pests, diseases, and cultural problems Good Products for Pest and […] More
Beets grow best in cool weather. For best fresh eating, harvest beats when they are half grown–about six weeks after sowing. Beets will still be good eating when grown to full size. Thinning beets is important: thin first when roots begin to thicken–the tops will be young and tender and can be served fresh in […] More
Carrots and parsnips grow best in loose, sandy, humus-rich soil. Size does not make for more flavorful carrots and parsnips. For the best flavor, lift both crops before they reach maximum size. Carrots and parsnips can be sown thickly; later thin both from 2 to 2½ inches apart or more depending upon the variety. Young […] More
Fresh-picked home-grown green peas are worth the effort. The flavor of fresh-picked peas will far outdistance the flavor of store-bought peas because the flavor of peas dulls quickly after picking as sugar changes to starch. Peas grow best in cool weather, but peas are not limited to spring planting. Late summer and fall planting can […] More
Cauliflower is grown much like cabbage but requires more careful treatment. It is best to start cauliflower indoors where it can be protected from both cold and hot temperatures. Spring-planted cauliflower is likely to face early cold and late heat which will make the effort difficult. Summer-planted cauliflower for fall harvest will be both easier […] More
Artichokes grow best in areas with long mild winters and cool summers. Artichokes do not grow well where the summers are sweltering, and where winters are cold and the ground freezes, artichokes must be replanted each year. Perennial artichokes should be cut back to about 12 inches in winter and the roots and crown heavily […] More
Grow turnip, rutabaga, and kohlrabi in cool-weather. Get these vegetables started early in spring at least two months before the onset of very warm weather, or plant them in late summer so that they come to harvest in the cool days of autumn. Grow turnips, rutabagas, and kohlrabi rapidly–these crops are most flavorful if they […] More
Stephen Albert