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Home Garden Vegetable Production

Bill Hlubik Professor

Agricultural and Resource Management Agent

Rutgers Cooperative Research and Extension

Duck Dynasty Move Over…

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If You Fail to Plan

Then Plan to Fail

Garden Plan

Space / Time

Sunlight

Soil

Water

Protection

N S

E

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Starting a Vegetable Garden

Garden Tips

Be Realistic

Time and ability

Spring Fever- lure of garden catalogues

Garden Tips

Learn from the past

Keep records of varieties, problems, planting and harvest dates, yields, taste, special techniques

Here Comes The Sun !

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Orientation of Sunlight

N

S

W

E

Sunlight

6 to 8 hours full sun

Orientation

Shading

Sunlight

8 to 10 hours

Tomato, Pepper, Eggplant and Cucurbits

Less light yields large plants, less

fruit

Sunlight

5 to 6 hours

Root crops = carrots, radish, onions, leeks, beets

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Sunlight

4 hours

Leafy vegetables = lettuce, endive, spinach, kale

Soil

Soil

Tillable

Drainage

Contamination

Caution with BioSolids

“Sewage Sludge” Products

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Avoid Top Soils with an Amonia Odor

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Headlines

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A Few Questions for You

Genetically engineered foods are as safe as foods developed from agricultural

biotechnology?

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0% 0% 0%0%0%

1. Strongly Agree

2. Agree

3. Neutral

4. Disagree

5. Strongly Disagree

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Traditional food products are the same as organic ?

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0% 0% 0%0%0%

1. Strongly Agree

2. Agree

3. Neutral

4. Disagree

5. Strongly Disagree

Pesticides are used on both organic and traditional food crops?

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0% 0% 0%0%0%

1. Strongly Agree

2. Agree

3. Neutral

4. Disagree

5. Strongly Disagree

I purchase foods directly from local farmers during the growing season ?

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0% 0% 0%0%0%

1. Never

2. Once per month

3. Once per week

4. Twice a week

5. More than once a

week

Found in Earthworms after biosolids applications

pharmaceuticals,

synthetic fragrances,

detergent metabolites,

polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs),

biogenic sterols,

disinfectants, and

pesticides

Bioaccumulation of Pharmaceuticals and Other

Anthropogenic Waste Indicators in Earthworms from

Agricultural Soil Amended With Biosolid or Swine Manure

Environ. Sci. Technol., 2008, 42 (6), pp

1863–1870

DOI: 10.1021/es702304c

Publication Date (Web): February 20, 2008

Copyright © 2008 American Chemical Society

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Natural Soil and Plant Supplements

Backyard compost

Composted manures

Greensand

Kelp meal

Blood meal

Bone meal

Alfalfa pellets

Cottonseed meal

Feather meal

Soybean meal

Fish pellets

Rock Phosphate

Erth Rite

Milorganite

ReVita Compost Plus

Nutrients Guide to the Nutrient Value of Organic Materials

Material % N % P % K Availability

Bone Meal 1 11 0 Slow

Compost 1.5 0.5 1 Slow

Dried Blood 12 1.5 0.5 Rapid

Fish Meal 10 4 0 Slow

Kelp 1 0.5 9 Rapid

Manure-Fresh

Cow 0.25 0.15 0.25 Medium

Horse 0.3 0.15 0.5 Medium

Sheep 0.6 0.33 0.75 Medium

Swine 0.3 0.3 0.3 Medium

Poultry 2 2 1 Rapid

Milorganite 5 2-5 2 Medium

Peat & muck 1.5 0.25 .5 Slow

Rock Phosphate 0 25 0 Slow

Urea 45 0 0 Rapid

Wood Ashes 0 1-2 3-7 Rapid

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Causes of poor growth

Compaction, inadequate soil aeration

moisture,

adverse climate,

improper pH,

nutrient toxicity, deficiencies,

Disease, insects

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Natural Sources of Fertilizer

Composted dehydrated animal manures

Avoid bio-solids

copyright 2002, Hlubik, Rutgers,

The State University of NJ 28

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Composted Cow manure great for soils

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Micro Clover

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Establishing Clover

2 to 8 oz per 1000 sq. ft

use Dutch white clover and not the larger,

forage types such as Ladino white, or

Alsike or Red Clover.

Other small-leaf white clover varieties

developed for pastures would also be

suitable 31 32

Recycle Grass Clippings

• Great slow release source of Nitrogen

• Best kept on lawns but also great source of nitrogen for the compost pile

.

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Blood Meal

• dry powder made from blood & used as a high nitrogen fertilizer

• N = 13.25%, P = 1.0%, K = 0.6%. one of the highest non-synthetic sources of nitrogen. A by-product from slaugnterhouse

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Bone Meal 1-11-0

High in P and Calcium

agent Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) (the human form of bovine spongiform encephalopathy “mad cow disease”)

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Seaweeed / Kelp Products 12,000+ var seaweed

minimal bulk but alginate binds soil

Nutrients - 0.3% N, - 0.1%P , - 1.0% K,

trace elements & amino acids & growth regulators,

Salt content , clean source

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Seaweed / Kelp

J Plant Growth Regul (2009) 28:386–399 37

Composts

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Great Veg Gardening works like a Compost Pile

It’s what goes in to the process

Management

Takes time

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Compost Quality and Nutrient Content

Dependent on ingredients

Dependent on the process

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Application of Composts

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Spreaders

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Video Screening & Spreading Compost

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Soil

Soil Test

Improve poor soils with amendments

Cover Crops

Raised Beds

Improve drainage

Reduce Diseases

Water

Water

1 to 1 ½ inches per week

Easy access

Free from contaminates Excess chlorine

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Avoid overhead irrigation

Water early morning

Water Water-Drip Irrigation

Water conservation

Disease control

Liquid fertilization

Space Space Adequate

Manageable

Weeding, pruning

Crop and variety selection

Space between vegetables and rows

Square foot gardening

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Space Variety Selection, Containers

Space

Trellis

Poles, string

Zig Zag Cages

Yields and How Much is Too Much !

Reasons to Extend Season

Stretch invested dollars

Higher yields

Better quality

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Approaches to Extended Market Season

Stagger Production

Grow in the Cold

Row covers

Row tunnels

High tunnels

Transplants

Mulches

Low Tunnels

Often better before or after regular season

Methods to Increase Earliness

Site selection Well drained warm up sooner

Slope of land land sloping 20o towards south 6% warmer land sloping 20o towards north 19% colder

Soil Texture Light soils have greater temp swings (frost prone) Heavy soils more constant temp

Variety selection Early maturity Cold tolerance/germination

Methods to Increase Earliness

Use of windbreaks (50-70 ft apart)

Plant protectors

caps

Row covers

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Methods to Increase Earliness

Plastic Mulch Gain of 1-2 weeks Increase early and total yield

Use of transplants Larger cell size earlier yield Proper transplant age Set at proper time Use starter fertilizer

Pest control Proper Fertilization Timely irrigation

Vegetable Yields

Crop Average Yield/100 ft row

Asparagus 30 lb

Bean, snap 120 lb

Bean, pole 150 lb

Broccoli 100

Cabbage 150

Corn sweet 10 doz

Cucumbers 120 lb

Lettuce, leaf 50 lb

Muskmelon 100

Vegetable Yields Crop Average Yield/100 ft row

Peas, snow 20 lb

Peppers, bell 60 lb

Potatoes, Irish 100 lb

Potatoes, Sweet 100 lb

Pumpkins 600 lb (/1000 sq ft)

Squash, summer 150 lb

Squash, winter 100 lb

Tomatoes 500 lb

Watermelons 50 fruit

Fruit Yields

Crop Average Yield/100 ft row

Apples 20 bu

Blackberries 330 lb

Blueberries 250 lb

Grapes 220 lb

Pears 25 bu

Raspberries 184 lb

Strawberries 150 lb

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Earliest and Latest Vegetable Planting Dates

Crop Earliest Date Latest Date

Beans May 1st July 20th

Cabbage March 25th July 10th

Cucumbers May 10st June 20th

Sweet Corn April 25th July 7th

Muskmelon May 10th June 15th

Peppers May 10th June 15th

Potatoes March 15th June 20th

Sweet Potatoes

May 15th June 10th

Earliest and Latest Vegetable Planting Dates

Crop Earliest Date

Latest Date

Peas Feb 28th No fall crop

Pumpkin May 10th June 20th

Squash Summer

May 15th July 15th

Tomatoes May 10th June 20th

Watermelons May 15th June 15th

Winter Squash

May 10th June 15th

Protection

Protection

Insects

Dogs, Cats

Birds

Woodchucks

Squirrels

Deer

People

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Protection

Fence

Wind block

Afternoon sun (lettuce)

Row Covers

Raised Beds

Mulch

Mulches

Red Mulch for tomatoes

Increase production 10 to 20%

Crop Selection

Space

Light

Soil and Fertility

Temperature

Days to maturity

Pest Resistance

Rotation

Examples of Planters at EARTH Center

Photo by Howard Katz

Wagon planter Straw bale planter Raised bed

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Crop Selection

Taste

Availability

Storage

Choosing Varieties

‘Celebrity’ Tomato VFFNT, 70 days, All American Winner, mid-season, medium sized fruit, determinate

V=Verticillium wilt

F, FF=Fusarium wilt race 1,2

N=Nematodes

T= Tobacco Mosaic Virus

Starting Seedlings Starting Plants Indoors

Grow Lights

Broad Spectrum Light

Temperature Control

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Starting Seedlings

Right Time

Temperature

Soil Mix

Moisture

Fertility

Seedling Diseases

Damping off disease

Sterile potting mix

Beneficial fungi GL-21

Starting Seedlings

Temperature and light control

Drafts near windows

Temperature change in evening near windows

Keep away from heat vents

Starting Seedlings

Greenhouse production

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Hardening Off Plants Hardening-off Cold frame

Full sunlight

Air movement

Open lid on hot days

Hardening-off Plants - Outdoors

Gradual Increase in light each day

30 minutes to 1 hour increase in light each day

2 week or more process

Planting

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Planting

Stocky green plants

Free of pests/ disease

Remove carefully from pots

Loosen roots

Planting depth

Water in

Light fertilization

Frost Protection

Plastic Covers

‘Wall O Water’

Hot Caps

Remove hot caps and covers with high temperature

Frost Protection

Hot Caps

Remove hot caps and covers with high temperature

Fertilization

Test Soil

Fertilizer additions depend on crop needs, soil conditions, rainfall, temperature

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Fertilization

Absence of a soil test

2 to 4 pounds 5-10-5 per 100 square foot

3 to 5 pounds of limestone every 2 to 3 years

Balanced Fertility

Slow release fertilizers

Organic Soil amendments

Dried manure, dried blood, alfalfa meal, bone meal

Cover crops

Maintain proper pH

Adequate Soil moisture

All leaves, No fruit

Due to flower abortion caused by

Too much nitrogen

Too much moisture

High temperature (above 90 deg)

Low temperature (below 55 deg)

Avoid Fresh Manure and High Nitrogen Fertilizers

All in the family.

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Solanaceous Crops Warm Season Vegetables

Tomatoes Peppers Eggplant Potatoes

Solanaceous Crops

Fertile, well drained soils

Balanced, steady moisture and nutrient supply

Require warm soil and air temperature, Plant after frost, protect transplants

Solanaceous Crops

Raised beds, mulch and drip irrigation

Disease resistant varieties

Disease free seed and transplants

Tomatoes

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Origin of the Tomato

West coast of South America (Peru)

8 species in the tomato genus grow wild in Andes Mountains.

Range of wild tomato relatives – northern tip of Chile in south to Ecuador in the north. 200 miles inland and including the Galapogos Islands.

Tomato Family

Family Solanaceae ( tomato, potato, pepper, eggplant)

Genus Lycopersicon

Wild tomatoes tiny fruits and only red are edible.

Perennials in warmer regions, annuals in colder regions.

What is an Heirloom Tomato ?

An heirloom is generally considered to be a variety that has been passed down, through several generations of a family because of it’s valued characteristics.

Mortgage Lifter

5.6 oz. marketable fruit wt.

Orange /red fruit

Highest yield, 4,578 bx/A,

70% marketable fruit.

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Ramapo

6.2 oz. marketable fruit wt.

Dark red color.

Yield, 2,888 bx/A

76% marketable

Flavor 2.9/4

Sweetness 1.9/3

Yellow Stuffer

3.4 oz. marketable wt.

Yield 2,936 bx/A

64% marketable.

Hollow inside for stuffing.

Garden Peach

1.2 oz. marketable fruit.

Flavor 2.9/4, variety of comments.

Sweetness 1.9/3

Yield – 3,065 bx/A.

86% marketable.

Green Zebra

2.5 oz. marketable fruit wt.

Flavor 3.1/4

Appearance 3.7/4

Sweetness 1.9/3

Acidity 2.8/3

Yield 2,197 bx/A.

59% marketable

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Aunt Ruby's German Green

80 days, Indeterminate.

Beefsteak fruits are 5 to 6 inches in diameter and weigh one pound or more.

Sweet juicy flesh, refreshing spicy flavor. Thick green slices are great in sandwiches.

Produces fruit in late season and in cooler climates.

Brandywine, Pink (SUDDUTH/QUISENBERRY STRAIN)

80 days Indeterminate. Legendary Amish heirloom from the

1880's and the most popular. Prized for it's distinctively flavored

fruit. Dark reddish, pink, large 1-2 lb. fruit.

Grow on vigorous potato leaf plants.

Little disease resistance. "As fine a tasting tomato as ever was

grown," said tomato guru Ben Quisenberry who got the seed from Mrs. Sudduth. It had been in her family over 100 yrs.

Winner of taste tests around the country..

Tomato Culture Sow seeds 6 weeks before last

frost date

Can Sow early w inc. light (greenhouse)

Starter mix temp. 75 to 90 deg.

As 1st true leaves develop transplant to 2-3” pots or cell containers

Use 4 “ pots for stocky transplants

Tomato Culture

Transplant development 60 to 70 deg. Best

Water lightly to keep mix from drying

Fertilize w fish emulsion or soluble complete fertilizer

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Tomato Culture

Determinate varieties plant 12” to 24” apart

Indeterminate varieties 24” to 36” apart

Staking 14” to 20” up

Cages – depends on cage width, 24” or more

Tomato Pruning / Staking

Determinate (bush) varieties little to no pruning, grow with or w/out support

Indeterminate (climbing) varieties best if staked, trellised or caged – prune for best results

Tomatoes

Size

Days to maturity

Cold tolerance

Disease resistance

Tomato Staking

Double weave

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Tomato Cages

Large openings

Secure stakes

Rust resistant

Tips for early Tomatoes

Cold tolerant variety

Short season, determinate

Protection from frost

Healthy Plants

Warm Soils, Black Plastic

Lay Plastic in the Fall

Peppers

Peppers

Sow seeds late March or 8 weeks prior transplant

Maintain soil temp. above 80 deg

1st true leaves spot plants 2-3”apart, cells or flats, 2”or larger pots give arger plants and better roots,

Grow plants 70 deg day and 60 deg night

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Peppers Cold Treatment

Cold treatment – increases number of flowers and fruits

When third true leaf apopears, grow plants at min night of 53-55 deg for 4 weeks, then adjust to 70 deg day and night

Sow seeds 1 to 2 weeks earlier than usual with this technique

Peppers

Sensitive to cold temperatures- transplant into warm soil after danger of frost

Seedlings should have buds but no open flowers

Plant 12” to 18” apart with rows 24” to 36” apart

Well drained soils, disease - Phytopthora

Peppers

Water in transplants with high Phosphorus water solution

Plastic Mulch and Row Covers can encourage early crop

Pepper – Bell

‘Oritani’

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Hot Peppers

Habanero – 100,000 Scoville units Eggplant

Eggplant Culture

Very sensitive to cold temperatures

Sow 8 weeks or more prior to planting

80 to 90 soil temp to emergence then 70 deg

Eggplant Culture

Harden – reduce water and temp to 60 deg 1 week before transplanting

Transplant in June

Use Row Covers

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Eggplant

Burpee Hybrid, 70d, vigorous, drought tolerant,, medium size dark fruits

Eggplant

Millionare Hybrid, 55d, Japanese Type, Long and slender, oriental dishes, extra early

Potatoes Potatoes

Fertile soils, well drained

Grown in hills

Plant seed pieces with one “eye”

Plant within a few days of receipt of seed pieces or refrigerate

Plant early to mid-spring 2-3” deep, 1 foot apart, rows 30 to 36” apart

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Potatoes

Plants emerge 2 to 3 weeks after planting seed pieces

Hilling Plants- Plants at 1 foot tall, hill with 6 to 8” soil mound with hoe, 2 to 3 weeks later hill again – prevents greening of potatoes

Potato Harvest

Harvest- new potatoes harvest 7 to 8 weeks after planting, scratch some potatoes out on side of hill as needed, In the fall,after foliage is dry or when tubers reach full size dig out entire crop

Allow newly dug potatoes to dry before storing in cool, dark place (ideally 35 to 45 deg)

Potatoes

Flowering

Once primary crop in New Jersey- esp Middlesex County

Potatoes

Unusual varieties have tremendous flavor

Fresh Potatoes are the absolute best

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Cucurbits Warm Season Vegetables

Cucumbers

Squash

Watermelons

Cantaloupe

Pumpkins

Cucurbits

Adequate space

Well drained soil, high O.M. pH 7

Loose soils

Warm Soil and air temperature

Elevated mounds

Consistent moisture at pollination

Pollinators

Cucumbers

Cucumbers

Good drainage

Pollinators

Balanced Nutrients

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Cucumbers

Well drained, rich, alkaline soils, warm soils

Sow indoors 2 to 4 seeds in 2 “ cell containers or pots, 4 to 5 weeks before last frost or direct seed once soil is warm (70 deg) approx 1 week after frost date

Direct seed 2 “ apart, ½ “ deep rows 5 to 6 ft apart – no germ below 50 deg, thin plants to 8” apart

DIVA- AAS 2002, JSS,

58d, smooth, thin no peel

skin, tender, crisp,

bitterfree, seedless, need

no pollination-

pathenocarpic, tolerant

mildew, scab, not attractive

to cucumber beetles bec

non-bitter

Cucumbers

Plastic mulch with row covers encourages earlier and heavier yields

Train to a trellis to save space

Pick Daily

Cucumbers

“Big Burpless Hybrid”

Burpee Seed Company

55days,

12 – 14”

Sweet, non bitter

Seedless if grown away from other cukes

Summer Squash

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Summer Squash Culture

Sow indoors 3 to 4 weeks before transplanting, after frost free date,

Direct seed after frost (70 deg soil temp)

Avoid cool, wet soils

4” apart, ½ to 1” deep rows 4 to 5 ‘ apart, thin to 1 ‘ between plants

1 week before planting, reduce water and temps

Adequate balanced fertility

Zucchini Squash

Easy to grow

Harvest small 4” to 8 “ long and Harvest often

Prolific on black plastic

Bush types, little space great yields

Squash Varieties

“Born Free Hybrid’

Spineless

Squash Diseases / Problems

Mosaic Virus – control Aphids and Rotate crops

Early fruit wrinkles and rots – lack of pollination, remedied w male flowers and pollinators

Downy or Powdery Mildew – keep leaves dry and fertility balanced.

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Emphasis on Nutrition

Zucchini Squash – Raven 48d, JSS, Dark Green skin, high levels Lutein (highly effective antioxidant) contains 4 times as much lutein as standard lighter green varieties

Tomato- ‘Health Kick’ Burpee, 75d, det., 4 oz, sweet deep red, 50% more lycopene (antioxidant) than standard varieties.

Beans

Bean Culture

Well –drained soil with pH above 6

Seed after frost date 2 “ apart, 1“ deep, rows 20” to 36” apart

Don’t presoak seed

Do not thin

Bean Culture

Seed every 2 to 3 weeks through mid-summer

Ideal soil temp. for germ. 70 to90 deg.

Daytime temp at 60 deg for untreated seed

Inoculant can increase yields

Harvest regularly

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Bean Types- Bush Beans

Easy to grow

No staking needed

High, early yields

Successive plantings for continual harvest

Height 15” to 24 “

Burpee’s Stringless Green Pod, 50d, meaty,

brittle, juicy, slight curve, productive

Bean Types- Filet

Bush Type

Pencil thin

Extra flavor for gourmet cooking

Harvest early and often for best flavor

‘French Filet’ – 56d, 5-7” Burpee, abundant,

mouthwatering, thin straight pods

Bean Types- Pole Beans

Require support from a pole or fence

High continuous yields all season

Height average 8 feet

Peas

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Pea Culture

Cool weather crop

Well drained soil

pH above 6, abundant Phosphorus and Potash ( add limestone or wood ashes)

Inoculate Seed

Pea Culture

Sow early spring as soon as soil can be prepared

Hoe wide furrow sow seeds 1-1 1/2 “ apart in a 3 “ band, cover w ½ to 1” soil

Rows 12 to 18” apart or 4 to 6 ‘ apart if using trellis

Fence or trellis with thin supports for tendrils – best yields, easier harvest

Sow 2 months before frost for fall crop (need PM resistant varieties in fall)

Pea Types

Snow

Oriental and gourmet cooking

Flat shape, edible pod

Snow Snap

Cross of snap and snow

Sweet w edible pod, no string

Pea Types Snap

Sweetest, most flavorful

Eat raw or cooked,

Edible Pods

Garden – ‘Classic Pea’ Cook to eat

Best for Freezing and canning

Pods inedible

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Sugar Snap Pea

‘Super Sugar Snap’ 64d, 5 to 6’, 2 ½ to 3”, round, plump pods, sweet, early, productive, disease resistant,

start outdoors after heavy frost

Lettuce

Lettuce Culture

Hardy- plant as early as soil can be worked

Best growth at temperatures 60 to 65 deg.

Sow every 3 weeks for continuous supply

Select heat tolerant varieties for later crops

Lettuce Culture

Lettuce dormant at high temps. Sow seed at 68 deg or lower

Transplanting- sow flats 4 seed/inch, 3 to 4 weeks before transplanting outdoors

Shade flats on sunny warm days- keep soil surface cool below 75 deg until germination

2 weeks later move 1-2” apart to flats, cells, pots

Harden – reduce water and temp 2 to 3 days before transplanting outdoors (hardened plants can survive at 20 deg)

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Lettuce Culture

Direct Seeding- sow early spring 1 “ apart, rows 12 to 18” apart, cover 1/8 inch soil firm soil gently

Seeds can germinate at 40 deg soil temp

Even moisture for germination

Continuous plantings 2 to 3 weeks

Kale and Collards

Kale / Collard Culture

Direct seed 3 months before expected fall frost

Sow seeds 1 “ apart, ¼ to ½”deep rows 18 to 30 “ apart, thin to 8 to 12 “ between plants

Can grow from transplants as well

Kale / Collard Culture

Harvest 2 months after planting, individual leaves

Cold Temps in fall increase sweetness

Very hardy, use row cover or cold frame for severe cold temps and harvest into winter

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Kale / Collards Pests

Few problems

Cabbage Worms-

Row Covers

Dipel

Cole Crops- Cabbage Family

Brassica Family Cabbage Broccoli

Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts,

Broccoli Raab Chinese Cabbage

Cabbage Family

Fertile, Humus Rich Loams

pH above 6

Heavy Feeders

Adequate moisture throughout season

Spring or Fall Crops

Cabbage Culture

Seed soil temp over 75 deg until germination

After germination reduce air temp. to 60 deg.

Direct seed or transplant

Direct light to prevent leggy plants

Transplant outdoors plants 4 to 6 weeks old, 12 to 18 “ apart in rows 18 to 34” apart

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Cabbage Family Diseases

Numerous

Crop Rotations

Clean potting mixes and seedbeds outdoors

Disease free seed- black rot, black leg and alternaria can be seed-borne, Hot water treat to eliminate black rot

Interesting Plants to Try

Celeriac

Popular in Europe, hearty, delicious root vegetable is rare hard to come by in the United States.

Great alternative to potato in the winter,

Excellent source of dietary fiber.

Contains very little starch. So you can still enjoy all those "potato snacks" by replacing the potato with celeriac.

Kai-Lan

Referred to as "Chinese broccoli" on menus

Nutritous leafy green vegetable common in Cantonese cuisine.

Leaves make a delicious complement in any salad, and it can be served in any meal that might otherwise include broccoli.

The hybrid vegetable broccolini is a cross between broccoli and kai-lan

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Sunchoke

The sunchoke is sometimes called the "Jerusalem artichoke" though it has no specific relation to Jerusalem or even that part of the world. In fact, the sunchoke is native to North America, so it's a local "exotic" vegetable. It can be used as a low-starch substitute for potatoes and is remarkably easy to grow. It also has great potential for use in the making of alcoholic beverages, as the alcohol fermented

Yardlong

Misleadingly named after their length (they rarely grow much longer than half a yard, truth be told), these green bean pods native to Southeast Asia are the perfect complement to any stir-fry. What really sets them apart as a crop is how fast they grow: Cultivators will notice significant growth on a daily basis. They are also known as Chinese long beans. You can prepare them in pretty much all the same ways as most other bean pods, and the flavors will be similar, but they really help to make your Asian stir-fry more authentic. They are a great source of fiber and vitamins C and A.

Kohlrabi

Relative of wild cabbage,

One of the healthiest foods , commonly consumed in India

Most of the plant is edible.

Fry up the root for some kohlrabi fries, toss the leaves in a salad, or chomp on the crisp, juicy stems for a low-calorie snack.

Romanesco broccoflower

Fractal attractive head

Closer relation to cauliflower

Milder than broccoli

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Oca

Colorful root vegetable was originally cultivated in the Andes of South America

Called the "New Zealand yam" due to its popularity there after being introduced in the mid-1800s.

Oca can be difficult to find in North America, but in many parts of South America it is second to potato in popularity and acreage

Excellent source of vitamin C, potassium and iron.

Many varieties of oca, so the flavors can vary. Tangier and sweeter than potatoes, and can range from starchy to almost fruitlike. In fact, the apricot vatiety grown in New Zealand tastes much like its namesake fruit.

Mouse Melons or

Mexican Sour Gherkins Plant grows as a

vigorous vine

In the melon family, not a true cucumber

Needs full sun and a place to climb like a fence or trellis

Can be used in cooking like a cucumber.

Cardoon

Biennial related to artichokes, favored by Mediterranean countries.

Stems are eaten raw or boiled, then sautéed with garlic. Grows four feet tall by about four feet wide. Striking gray leaves. Good accent plant in the garden

Swiss Chard

Spinach substitute for summer harvesting

Bright neon colors as well as white varieties

Can be used cooked or raw when young

In the beet family

Looks good in the vegetable or flower border.

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Hopi Blue Corn

Beautiful ancient corn

Young ears can be boiled and eaten

Dried, use for flour to make blue corn meal or for fall displays

Full sun, drought tolerant; plant 3-5 plants together in a block

Hyacinth Bean

Beautiful pink to purple flowers on vigorous vines

Beans can be eaten when young, but usually grown for ornamental value

Good to cover fences or arbors

Full sun preferred

African Horned Melon

Very vigorous vine

Sharp thorns on fruit and vines are barbed

Fruit tastes like a mix of citrus and kiwi, used in drinks

Takes a long time to set fruit; worth the wait

Cotton

Not common in New Jersey, but a beautiful ornamental shrub about 4 feet tall

Bolls develop late in the season

Tall plant with white and pink flowers

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Calabaza Winter Squash

This variety is “La Estrella” and is similar to a pumpkin in taste

Very large fruit, size of a basketball

Vines can reach 12 feet, needs lots of room for heavy squashes to grow

Full sun

Roselle

Related to okra and hibiscus

Fruits are used to make jellies

Of African descent

Shrubby growth habit

Needs full sun and long growing season

Nice ornamental plant

Hot Biscuit Amaranth

Tall plant, about 4-5 feet

Seed heads are used for amaranth flour

Needs 6-8 hours of sun

Drought tolerant

May self-sow and become invasive

Pumpkin Pepper Eggplant

Looks like a tiny pumpkin, but is really an eggplant.

Used when dried for fall arrangements

Edible while still green

Bushy plant needs full sun

photo courtesy of Lisa at Amishland Heirloom Seeds

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Bitter Melon

Grows on vigorous vines, full sun

Best eaten when tiny size

Favorite of Asian and Indian cuisine

Many different varieties and colors

Luffa Gourd

Edible, though bitter when very small

Dry out completely, then soak and remove outer skin to make sponges

Vines are very fast growing and need something to climb on

Full sun

Pumpkins and Gourds

Wonderful for children

Give plenty of room to grow along with water and sunlight

Try just one along a fence, trellis, or arbor

If space is limited, there are bush varieties available

Pineapple Sage

Flowers and leaves smell like pineapple

Good plant for flower border as well as herb bed

Full sun and good drainage needed

Attracts bees and butterflies

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Hungarian Broom Corn

Not a true corn, it does not produce ears

Tops are harvested for use as corn brooms or dried flower arrangements

Grows 8 feet or taller, good accent plant

Thanks ! Questions ?

copyright 2002, Hlubik, Rutgers,

The State University of NJ 194