Information Charts: Appendix B

INFORMATION CHARTS
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gardening 71Planning and Preparing Your Garden
Appendix B:
Chart 1
Amount of Space Needed for Growing Vegetables and Other Important Information
Growing season refers to Northern Hemisphere, Temperate Zone.
Your growing season may be different.
Crop
Beans
Plant
Family
Space
(plants per
square
foot)
Pulse
Bush, 9
Growing Season
SP
SU
Seed to
Feed
Harvest
Time
Seed
Store
Time
Number of
Plants/One
Person/
Year
8 weeks
34 years
89 plants
Pole, 8
Goosefoot
16
8 weeks
45 years
816 plants
Broccoli
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Mustard
16 weeks
56 years
48 plants
Carrots
Parsley
16
10 weeks
34 years
3264
plants
8 weeks
45 years
812 plants
913
weeks
12 years
1224
plants
with
protection
Swiss
Chard
Goosefoot
Corn
Grass
4
with
protection
1
Appendix B: Information Charts
Beets
75
Cucumber
Gourd
9 weeks
56 years
24 plants
Eggplant
Peppers
Nightshade
19 weeks
56 years
24 plants
Lettuce
Composite
7 weeks
56 years
1224
plants
with protection
with
protection
Melons
Gourd
12 weeks
56 years
23 plants
Onions
Lily
1216
20 weeks
12 years
1632
plants
Parsley
Umbellifer
14 weeks
23 years
1 plant
Peas
Pulse
8 (if vine)
10 weeks
34 years
412 plants
Radishes
Mustard
16
4 weeks
56 years
1632
plants
Spinach
Goosefoot
7 weeks
56 years
918 plants
810
weeks
56 years
1 vine or
bush
2 feet
12 weeks
56 years
23 plants
Vine,
17 weeks
45 years
12 plants
Partly
Variety
Summer
Squash
(zucchini,
yellow
crookneck, etc.)
Gourd
Winter
Squash
(banana,
butternut,
etc.)
Gourd
Tomatoes
Nightshade
Vine,
3 per 4 ft.2
with
protection
Bush,
1 per 9 ft.2
1 per 1 ft.2
Bush,
4 per 16 ft.2
Note: The information in the above chart (except for the last columnNumber of Plants/
One Person/Year) is derived from Mel Bartholomews Square Foot Gardening, (1981), Rodale
Press: Emmaus, Pennsylvania.
If a vegetable you are interested in is not listed
above, figure the approximate size of your plant
and compare it to one listed above that is similar in
76
size when full-grown. Dont forget to contact your

extension service in the county in which you live.
They will have similar charts specifically designated for your area.
Use this chart when planning your own garden

and where you want to plant crops. Using the
height and spread rows, you can tell if you should
place the crop in the back of the bed, and how far
apart they will be when fully grown. There are also
some interesting facts about the crops to help you
Asparagus
decide how much sun they require, the pH of the

soil and much more. You will be able to use this
chart to better plan for succession planting and, if
using containers, how large the containers should
be to accommodate the crop. This chart will come
in handy later after planting as well. So, keep it in
mind.
Bean, Lima
Bean, Snap
Height
56 feet
Bush, 1015 inches

Pole, 815 inches
Bush, 1015 inches

Pole, 815 inches
Spread
3 feet
Bush, 48 inches
Pole, 68 inches
Bush, 48 inches
Pole, 68 inches
3648 inches
3648 inches, bush and

pole
Depth of Root
Shade Tolerance
Requires 5 hours of sun/ Requires full sun

day
Requires full sun
Frost Tolerance
Hardy
None
None
Best pH Range
6.07.5
6.07.0
5.86.5
Planting Time in Spring 46 weeks prior to last

spring frost
2 or more weeks after the 12 weeks after the last

last frost
expected frost
12 weeks prior to
expected frost
Planting Time in Fall
Not suitable
12 or more weeks prior

to first expected frost
Succession Plant
None
Every week or two, plant Once a week, plant bush

beans. Plant pole kind
the bush varieties.
once.
Plant pole kind once.
Varieties for Containers Not suitable
Size of Container
Chart 21
Fordhook, Bush Lima,

Bush Baby, Henderson,
Fordhook 242
Contender, Bush
Romano, Tendercrop
Stringless, Provider
Width12 inches
Depth810 inches
Soil amount1.52 qt.
Width8 inches
Depth810 inches
Pole kind needs trellis

77
Beet
Brussel Sprouts
Height
612 inches
18 inches
3648 inches
Spread
48 inches
1534 inches
24 inches
Depth of Root
Most roots to 2 feet,

1836 inches
some may reach down 5
feet
1836 inches
Shade Tolerance
Requires full sun
Requires at least 6 hours

of sun/day
Frost Tolerance
Hardy, can tolerate some Hardy, can tolerate some Hardy, can tolerate some
freezing if it is short term freezing if it is short term freezing if it is short term
Best pH Range
6.07.5

expected frost
Only 5 hours of sun

needed each day
6.07.5
6.07.5
46 weeks prior to last

expected frost

expected frost
810 weeks prior to first

frost
1417 weeks prior to first Plant transplants 17

frost
weeks prior to first frost
Succession Plant
Every 23 weeks, plant

until midsummer
None
If summer temperatures usually 85 degrees
Fahrenheit or less, plant
broccoli again 1 month
after first planting. Otherwise, plant in fall.
Varieties for Containers Spinal Baby Beets and

Baby Canning
Size of Container
78
Broccoli
Depth612 inches
All varieties
All varieties
Depth20 inches
Width12 inches
Depth12 inches
Carrot
Cauliflower
Height
1215 inches
1218 inches
1824 inches
Spread
23.5 feet
12 feet
22.5 feet
Depth of Root
May go as deep as 36
inches; usually most
stays in upper 12 inches
Most limited to 2 feet
Usually shallow, 1836

inches
Shade Tolerance
Only 5 hours of sun

needed each day.
Only 5 hours of sun

needed each day.
Minimum of 6 hours of
sun
Frost Tolerance
Hardy, can withstand

freezing
Hardy
Half-hardy, some light

freezing
Best pH Range
6.07.5
5.56.5
6.07.5

frost

frost
1314 weeks prior to first 14 weeks prior to first

fall frost
frost

frost
Succession Plant
Plant transplants 8
Start carrots every 23
weeks after first planting weeks all season
and once again in late
summer
None

frost to 23 weeks after
frost
Varieties for Containers Dwarf Morden or Baby

Head
Size of Container
Width810 inches
Depth12 inches
Cabbage
Plant short-rooted vari- None

eties like Baby Finger,
Nantes, Short N Sweet
Depth1012 inches
79
Celery
Corn
Height
16 inches
68 feet
68 inches
Spread
812 inches
1.54 feet
Ground, 1220 square

feet
Trellis, 1215 inches
Depth of Root
Usually shallow
Most are shallow
Most on top 12 inches

with one taproot 2 feet
deep
Shade Tolerance
Only 5 hours of sun

needed each day.
Requires full sun
Only 5 hours of sun

needed each day.
Frost Tolerance
Hardy
Tender, will not tolerate

light frost
Very tender, needs temp

above 70
Best pH Range
6.07.5
5.57.5
6.07.5
From last spring frost

through 23 weeks after
frost
1 week prior to last

spring frost
11.5 weeks prior to first
fall frost

frost
19 weeks prior to fall

frost
None
Succession Plant
Plant every month all

season, use transplants
Do second planting 3
Plant every 2 weeks until
weeks after first one;
midsummer
third planting is 4 weeks
later on
Varieties for Containers Not suitable

Size of Container
80
Cucumber
Varieties that are space

saving
Space-saving varieties,
Patio Pic, Bush Crop
Width21 inches
Depth8 inches
at least 3 plants/container
Width8 inches
Depth2 inches
Lettuce
Okra
Height
24 inches
48 inches
6 feet
Spread
34 feet
612 inches
46 feet
Depth of Root
47 feet
1836 inches, with tap44.5 feet

root could be as long as 5
feet
Shade Tolerance
Requires full sun
Only 5 hours of sun

needed each day.
Requires full sun
Frost Tolerance
Very tender
Hardy
Very tender
Best pH Range
5.56.5
6.07.5
7.07.5
Planting Time in Spring 13 weeks after last

spring frost

Frost-free date through 4
spring frost up through 3 weeks after
weeks after last spring
frost
14 weeks prior to fall

frost

fall frost
None
Succession Plant
None
Plant every 2 weeks
None
All varieties
None
Width8 inches
Depth68 inches
None
Varieties for Containers Space-saving varieties

like Morden Midget,
Dusky
Size of Container
Depth12 inches
Eggplant
81
Onion
Height
2436 inches
Pea
1218 inches
Bush, 24 feet
Pole, 46 feet
Spread
618 inches
1015 inches
Depth of Root
1.53 feet
Parsnips produce a short Up to 8 inches

taproot but the fibrous
roots can grow down 25
feet deep.
Shade Tolerance
Only 5 hours of sun

Only 5 hours of sun
Requires full sun
needed each day; partial needed each day; partial
shade is OK.
shade is OK.
Frost Tolerance
Onions are hardy and

can survive light frosts
Hardy
Very hardy
Best pH Range
6.07.5
6.08.0
6.07.0
Plant as early as 24
weeks prior to and up to
4 weeks after the last
frost.
As early as 46 weeks
prior to the last frost and
up to 3 weeks after the
last frost.
Planting Time in Spring Small onion sets can be

set out as early as 3
weeks prior to and up to
frost, plant seeds after
last frost
610 inches
None
A second crop may be
planted 8 weeks after the
spring planting for fall
scallions.
12 weeks prior to the

first expected fall frost
Succession Plant
None
None
Plant every three weeks

until late spring and
again in late summer
Not suitable
Space-preserving varieties like SugarMel, Sugarbon, Little Marvel, and

Sugar Rae. Pole peas
require a trellis to support the vines. After the
flowers appear, keep the
soil moist. To encourage
production, keep the
peas picked!
Varieties for Containers Any variety. Beltsville

Bunching and White
Pearl are particularly
good for use in small
spaces.
Size of Container
82
Parsnip
Depth1012 inches
Depth12 inches
Potato
Height
1536 inches
1224 inches
1824 inches
Spread
24 inches
24 inches
One plant can spread up

to 100 square feet
Depth of Root
Most go only 810 inches Depending on how deep Most roots go only 12
deep
they were originally
inches deep
planted, they could go
down 2 feet
Shade Tolerance
Requires 6 or more hours Requires full sun

of sun each day
Frost Tolerance
Peppers are very tender Potatoes are very tender Pumpkins are very tenand will not tolerate any and will not tolerate any der and will not tolerate
frost.
frost.
any frost.
Best pH Range
6.07.0
Planting Time in Spring 13 weeks after the

expected frost
Pumpkin
Requires full sun
5.06.5
6.07.0

last frost
Immediately after any

frost danger is past.
Succession Plant
Varieties for Containers Space-preserving variet- Not suitable

ies like Italian Sweet,
Gypsy Hybrid, Canape,
or any variety of hot
pepper. Requires warm
temperatures, full sun,
and lots of water when
the fruits begin to
appear.
Size of Container
Depth12 inches
Pepper
Not suitable
83
Radish
Spinach
Height
68 inches
46 inches
3040 inches
Spread
6 inches
68 inches
1216 inches
Depth of Root
Within 1 foot
Usually within 1 foot

deep
Usually main roots go

down about 2 feet
Shade Tolerance
Requires at least 6 hours Only 5 hours of sun

Requires full sun
of sun each day (partial needed each day; partial
shade)
shade is okay
Frost Tolerance
Hardy
Very hardy; tolerates

heavy frosts
Is not tolerant of any

cold weather
Best pH Range
5.06.0
6.57.4
6.08.0

last frost
After the last frost and

up to 4 weeks after
Planting Time in Spring 46 weeks prior to the

last frost
7 weeks prior to the first 68 weeks prior to the

frost
first frost

first frost
Succession Plant
Plant about every 10

days up until temperature is over 70 F. In late
summer, plant every 10
days.
None
Plant every 2 weeks up

until the average temp.
gets above 70 F. Start
again in late August or
early September.
All varieties are good.

Varieties for Containers Sparkler, Early Scarlet
Globe, Cherry Belle. Do Spinach needs to have
not try large winter rad- cool and moist soil.
ishes like Daikon. Keep
soil moist, so radishes
wont crack and dry out.
Size of Container
84
Summer Squash
Depth46 inches
Depth46 inches
Scallopine, Parks
Creamy, early Yellow
Summer Crookneck
Depth24 inches
Sweet Potato
Tomato
Height
1215 inches
1012 inches
Determinate, 34 feet
Indeterminate, 715 feet
Spread
1220 square feet
48 inches
2436 inches
Depth of Root
Up to 2 feet deep
Like a potato, it depends Most roots go down

on the planting depth.
about 1 foot.
May go as deep as 2 feet
Shade Tolerance
Requires full sun
Requires full sun
Frost Tolerance
Very tender and will not Very tender and will not Very tender and will not
tolerate cold weather
Best pH Range
6.08.0
Planting Time in Spring 2 weeks after last frost
5.06.9
Requires at least 8 hours

of full sun each day
6.07.0

After last frost, 13
frost
weeks after. May start
early in the house. Start
with a seed potato; allow
the sprouts to develop
until they are about 8
inches tall, with about 5
leaves. Cut each section
with a sprout and plant
in individual containers
until time to place in the
yard.

first frost
None
None
Succession Plant
None
None
None
Not suitable
Pixie, Patio VF, Sweet

100, Tumblin Tom, Toy
Boy, Yellow Pear, and
Small Fry VFN
Varieties for Containers Space-saving bush varieties like Butterbush

work well
Size of Container
Depth24 inches
Winter Squash
Note: Most of the information in the above chart is derived from Jeff Balls Rodales Garden
Problem Solver, (1988), Rodale Press: Emmaus, Pennsylvania.
DepthBetween 612
inches for dwarf size and
2 feet for the larger varieties
85
Chart 22
Locate the item you want to plant in the middle
column. Read the information on the left and right
of that item for information about what to and not
to plant near the vegetable/fruit.
Companion Planting Chart

Do not plant with or near
Dill
Crop to be planted
Do plant with or near
Carrots
Onions, leeks, rosemary, sage, leaf

lettuce, tomatoes, benefit to beans
and peas
Chives, garlic, onions, gladiolus
Beans
Celery (1 every 67 bean plants),

marigolds repel Mexican bean
beetle, benefit corn, cucumbers,
cabbage, strawberries
Tomatoes
Corn
Potatoes, peas, beans, cucumbers, pumpkin, squash, melons,

sunflowers, benefit peas and
beans
Onions, garlic, gladiolus
Peas
Carrots, turnips, radishes, cucumbers, corn, beans, potatoes, aromatic herbs
Pole beans
Beets
Bush beans, onions, kohlrabi, lettuce, cabbage
Strawberries, tomatoes, pole beans
Cabbage, Brussel sprouts, kale,

All like thyme, aromatic plants
kohlrabi, broccoli, collards, rutabaga, like celery, dill, chamomile, sage,
turnip, radishes
peppermint, rosemary, onions,
and potatoes. Rotate these crops

every two years.
Peas and beans
Onions
Asparagus
86
With members of cabbage family,

beets, strawberries, tomatoes, lettuce, summer savory, chamomile
Parsley, basil, tomatoes
Radishes
Sow with spinach, carrots, and

parsnips to mark rows. Beets,
cucumbers, squash, melons,
tomatoes, kohlrabi, bush beans,
pole beans, lettuce
Strawberries, tomatoes, pole beans
Kohlrabi
Onions, beets, aromatic plants,

cucumbers
Kohlrabi, fennel, apricot trees, corn,

potatoes, all members of the Brassica
family such as broccoli, cabbage, etc.
Tomato
Asparagus, chives, onion, parsley,

marigold, nasturtium, carrot, garlic, basil
Cucumbers, squash, pumpkins,

tomatoes, raspberries
Potatoes
Green beans, corn, cabbage, eggplant, marigolds, horseradish
Potatoes, aromatic herbs
Melons
Crop rotation best weapon

against garden pests, early or late
planting to keep seedling stage
away from borers. Plant cucumbers and squash in Aug. for fall
crop, grow with corn and sunflowers.
Cucumbers
Corn, beans, peas, radishes, sunflowers, sow with radish and let
go to seed. Spray with sugar
water to encourage pollination
and prevent nematodes; chive
spray helps against downy mildew.
Squash
Potatoes
Potatoes
Peas, potatoes, pole beans
Pumpkins
Radishes, cucumbers, nasturtiums

Corn
Strawberries
Peach, apple, fig, orange, other

orchard trees, beans, spinach, lettuce along the borders, marigolds
Raspberries
Do not mix black and red berries.
Rhubarb
Columbines; mix rhubarb leaves

in water, spray on roses and
water Brassica plants with it.
Dahlias
Discourages nematodes; plant

with nematode-susceptible
plants.
Sunflowers
Inhibits nitrogen fixers like peas,

grows well with cucumbers,
needs rich soil.
Marigolds
Discourages nematode growth as

with potatoes, strawberries, and
roses. Plant 23 weeks after other
plants. Plant with tomatoes and
beans.
Zinnias
Broccoli to reduce aphids, potatoes, radishes, cabbage family,

apple trees. Use a spray of nasturtium leaves to reduce aphids,
plant yellow nasturtiums around
trees to prevent aphids.
Nasturtiums
Lamb quarter, cucumbers, melons, and pumpkins
Potatoes
87
Other Information and Odds

and Ends You May Want to
Know:
Grow basil with tomatoes parallel and next to
each other.
Grow chamomile, in a pot, with Matricaria
chamomilla.
Grow sage with cabbage and relatives, carrots,

and rosemary but keep sage away from
cucumbers.
Plant summer savory with onions and beans,
thyme with cabbage and other aromatic herbs,
oregano with broccoli, and parsley with carrot
seed, roses, tomatoes and asparagus.
Sweet potatoes prefer sandy soil.
Put caraway with peas but not near fennel. Do

not put fennel in a vegetable garden!
Put celery with leeks, tomatoes, cauliflower,
cabbage, and bush beans. It is a perennial if
you want it to be, allowing it to come back up
each season.
Grow chives with carrots and columbine with
rhubarb.
One must compost and give manure to both
columbine and rhubarb each year because they
are heavy feeders.
Grow dill with cabbage but not near carrots.
Sow dill after early beets, with lettuce, onions,
and cucumbers. Bees like the blossoms of dill.
Collect the seeds to make the dill for pickles, as
they can be very expensive in the store and so
easy to grow.
Plant lettuce with strawberries, cucumbers,
carrots, onions, and radishes. Put one lettuce
seed in every time you pull an onion.
Plant garlic around your fruit trees and with
tomatoes but not with peas or beans.
Plant geraniums with cabbage, roses, grapes,
and corn.
Place mint with cabbage and tomatoes but keep
the mint in a container! Mint is highly invasive,
growing everywhere in the garden if let to
spread.
88
Plant nasturtiums with squash, broccoli, potatoes, radishes, and cabbage.
Never put sunflowers with pole beans or carrots with dill.
Chart 4
Look at chart 4 starting on the next page. This
chart may have a number of uses.
First, this chart helps you determine how much
water and how often to feed particular crops. You
may wonder what it means by 1 to 1 inches of
water per week. I would suggest, depending on
the type of watering system you are using, you
keep track of how much water is retained in your
soil over a weeks period, how deep the moisture
moves, etc. Keep an eye on the soil and your
plants. One inch of water is quite a lot. If you take a
tin can and set it out in the garden, turn on the
sprinklers and wait until you have one inch deep
water in the can, you will be able to tell how long it
takes to get one inch of water. In some areas that is
a lot, such as in the desert. In other areas it may be
considered a little water. Keep an eye on your
plants. They will let you know if they are getting
their water requirements.
Second, this chart lists tips on harvesting and
storage of vegetables. You will want to use this
chart to help you identify when to pick your crops
and the best ways of storage.
Third, this chart lists recommendations concerning the fertilization of the crops you may
choose. This chart is by no means all inclusive but
will give you somewhere to start. You will find
more information from your personal problem
solving gardening book.
Bean, Lima
Bean, Snap
Water Requirements
11.5 inches of water/

week

week
Feeding Requirements
Heavy feeder, needs lots

of compost or fertilizer
in early spring and light
supplement of fertilizer
every 2 weeks throughout growing season,
keep beds free of weeds.
In early spring, apply

Same as lima beans
compost and slow-acting
fertilizer. Lima beans are
a light feeder, no other
fertilizer necessary.
Harvest
Start after the 3rd year

from planting; gather the
thick, green spears 68
inches tall. Heads ought
to be tight. Snap from the
bottom. May harvest for
longer time period as the
bed ages. Only pick for 2
weeks the 3rd year, 4
weeks the 4th year and
68 weeks after that.
Pick when the pods are

filled and plump and
still bright colored. Pick
for 3 to 4 weeks. If you
plan to dry beans, let the
pods get past the mature
stage and pick when
they are papery and dry.
Bush2 to 3 weeks after

first bloom. Pods should
be slender, long, and velvety and snap readily.
Pick before seeds fill out
pods.
FreshStand straight up FreshRefrigerate

unshelled in plastic bag
in jar of water, cover
with a bag in refrigerator up to 2 weeks.
for 23 days.
Long-termShelled
may be frozen up to 12
Long-termFreeze up
months, dried will last
to 12 months.
for more than 12 months
or may be canned.
FreshKeeps 2 to 5 days
in refrigerator if in plastic bags.
Storage

week. Critical watering
time is throughout pollination and pod development.
Asparagus
Polemature slower but

can be continually
picked up through first
frost. Dont pick when
wet.
Long-termfrozen up to
12 months. Canned,
dried, or pickled last
more than 12 months to
years.
89
Beet
Broccoli
Water Requirements

week
Minimum11.5 inches 11.5 inches of water/

of water/week. Broccoli week
uses lots of water, critical
to water during head
development and early
in season.
In spring use compost or

slow-acting fertilizer,
supplement with light
feeding throughout
growing season. Heavy
feeders, supplement
every 2 weeks for max.
production
Heavy feeders, needs

lots of compost or fertilizer in early spring and
light supplement of fertilizer every 2 weeks
throughout growing season; keep beds free of
weeds.
Heavy feeders, needs

lots of compost or fertilizer in early spring and
light supplement of fertilizer every 2 weeks
throughout growing season; keep beds free of
weeds.
Harvest
Harvest when 12 inches

in diameter. Larger beets
may be sweeter, but are
tougher and woodier.
Beets should be a deep
red color. They should
have a slender taproot
and be round, firm, and
smooth. Pick for 4 to 6
weeks; after this they
will become too woody.
Cut central head while

buds (side shoots) are
compact and there isnt
any yellow color; cut
main stem near bottom
at an angle to prevent
rotting. More side shoots
form after central head is
cut; Will get continual
production, cut when
tight and firm for best
flavor.
Harvest when an inch or

so in diameter, bright,
green, compact, and
firm. Gather the lowest
sprouts first; frost
improves flavor. May
pick sprouts as long as
10 weeks after harvesting started.
Storage
FreshCut off tops,

leaving 2 inches above
the beet. Refrigerate in
plastic bags (keeps for 1
to 2 weeks).
FreshSoak briefly in
cold salted water in case
worms are hiding in the
head. Put trimmed broccoli in a glass of water in
refrigerator, or rinse
broccoli and store it in
clear plastic bag for up to
14 days.
FreshRefrigerate in
plastic bag; keeps up to 5
weeks.
Long-termStore in
damp sand in cool,
humid place for 2 to 5
months or keep in garden 3 to 4 months under Long-termfrozen up to
1 foot or more of mulch. 12 months or pickled.
May can (lasts more than
12 months), freeze (lasts
8 months), or pickle.
90
Brussels Sprouts
Long-termFreeze up
to 12 months or pickle.
Carrot
Cauliflower
Water Requirements

week. Critical time is
during head development, but too much
water later on in head
development causes
heads to split.

Uniformly 11.5 inches
of water/week. Decrease week. Critical periods
are early in season.
water when carrots are
3/4 their final size to
reduce likelihood of
splitting.
Same as beets
In spring use compost or Same as beets

slow-acting general fertilizer. Light feederno
supplemental fertilizers
needed.
Harvest
Harvest when heads are

hard, compact, greenishwhite in color or reddish-purple, depending
on variety. Savory varietyharvest when
leaves are crumpled and
dark green. Harvest can
last 46 weeks (depending on variety).
Fall carrots taste best.

Sugar content is greater
in mature roots. Tenderer if picked while
they are small (up to 1.5
inches in diameter), firm
and nice color. Harvest
lasts about 6 to 8 weeks.
They are sweeter after a
good ground frost.
When the curd is 23

inches in diameter, tie
outer leaves together
over the head. Check
every few days; pick
head when white and
firm. Harvest lasts only 1
to 2 weeks depending on
variety. Harvest as soon
as ready, do not wait.
Storage
FreshRefrigerate in
plastic bags; keeps 12
weeks.
FreshCut off tops.

Wash and refrigerate in
plastic bags for up to 4
weeks.
FreshRefrigerate in
plastic bags up to 10
days.
Long-termStore in root
cellar with roots up and
heads down or buried
under straw or leaves for
up to 4 months. May
pickle as sauerkraut.
Long-termDont wash
carrots. Cut tops from
1/2 to 2 inches. Store in
dry straw, dry sawdust,
moist peat moss or moist
sand in cool temp.,
humidity about 90% up
to 6 months. May be frozen for up to 8 months.
Can be left in garden
under mulch during
winter.
Cabbage
Long-termFrozen will
keep 12 months. Can be
stored with roots intact
in moist, cold cellar or
pit. May also be pickled.
91
92
Celery
Corn
Cucumber
Water Requirements
11 1/2 inches of water/ 11 1/2 inches of water/

week
during silking, tasseling
and ear developments.
11 1/2 inches of water/

throughout flowering
and fruit development.

slow-acting fertilizer,
then supplemental feedings monthly. A heavy
feeder. Critical time to
feed is three weeks after
setting plants out and
then six weeks later.
Corn is a heavy feeder.

Besides fertilizing in
early spring, supplement
every two weeks during
growing season.

slow-acting general fertilizer, then supplemental feedings monthly.
Cucumbers are heavy
feeders. Critical time is
when vines start to run
and, also, when blossoms set.
Harvest
Celery should be crisp,

glossy, tightly packed,
and rigid. Can pick a few
stalks from the plants
outside (when needed),
or cut it off at the roots,
below the crown. Harvest lasts six to eight
weeks. You can have a
second crop if you cut it
off instead of pulling it
from the roots. New
stumps will grow.
Look for dry and brown

silks from ears. Husks
should be green and
moist and kernels plump
and bright. When a fingernail is pressed into a
kernel, a milky juice
should come out. If the
juice is watery, the corn
is immature. If it looks
like toothpaste, corn is
too old. For best flavor,
pick during late afternoon. Harvest for one to
two weeks. For best flavor, keep ears cool and
cook
immediately.
Harvest when they are

firm, dark green and
medium size, about 8''
long. The Armenian and
Japanese types grow up
to 20'', Lemon cukes not
much over 3'' long. Overripe fruit is tough and
yellow. Picking increases
yield. Harvest period
lasts 46 weeks.
Storage
FreshRefrigerate in
plastic bags for two to
four weeks.
FreshShould be eaten
fresh. Otherwise, husk
corn and refrigerate in
tightly sealed plastic
bags for up to one week.
FreshKeep in moist,
cool area, 40 to 50 F at
95% humidity. Refrigerate in plastic bags; keeps
five to ten days.
Long-termCorn can be
frozen, pickled, or
canned (lasts 12 months).
May also be dried (lasts
longer than 12 months).
Long-termPickled,
sweet when 2''3'' long,
dill pickled when 5''6''
long.
Lettuce
Okra
Water Requirements
11 1/2 inches of water/

during flowering
through harvest time.
1/2 to 1 inch of water/

week. Critical time during head development
but should be consistently watered throughout season.
Needs 1 inch of water

every week.

slow-acting general fertilizer, supplement with
light feedings through
feeder, supplement
every two weeks for
max. production.

slow-acting general fertilizer, supplement w/
light feedings through
feeder, supplement
every two weeks for
max. production.

slow-acting general fertilizer and supplement
light feedings monthly
throughout the season.
Harvest
Bigger is not better when

it comes to eggplant.
Pick it when it is 46
inches in diameter and
35 inches long. The skin
should be dark purple
and shiny. Harvest until
the first frost.
Harvest as soon as heads

are formed. Harvest the
entire head or a few
leaves as they grow to a
usable size. Continue
until it gets too hot and a
seed stalk develops.
Harvest when pods are

bright green or white in
color, depending on variety, less than five inches
long.
Storage
Does not store well. Eat

soon after picking.
Refrigerate up to two
days. Freeze or dry
sliced. May pull more
water out by salting it
first.
Freshrefrigerate in a
Freshstore in damp,
lidded container or plas- cool place or refrigerate
tic bag; keeps for a week. in perforated plastic
bags up to four days.
Eggplant
Long-termfreeze or
pickle.
93
94
Onion
Parsnip
Pea
Water Requirements

every week.
every week. Critical
when the bulbs enlarge.
Quit watering when tops
tip over.
1/2 to 1 inch per week of

water. Critical watering
times are flowering, seed
enlargement, and pod
development.

slow-acting general fertilizer and light feedings
monthly.

monthly.

monthly.
Harvest
For scallions, pick when

bulbs are 1/45/8 inch
diameter. For pickling or
boiling purposes, pick
when bulbs are 11 1/2
inches in diam.; for storage, pick when tops turn
brown and tip over. Help
mature by pushing tops
over with rake. After 3
weeks, lay onions on
newspaper in shade and
dry for 10 days, trim and
store.
Harvest after few hard

frosts. Pull when roots
are smooth, clean, white,
firm, and tapered, about
1 inch in diameter.
Harvest when pods are

bright green and fairly
well filled. Pick lower
pods first; peas should
taste sweet. Regular
picking increases yield.
Harvest up to 2 weeks
after picking begins.
Storage
Freshstore in net bag

in dry, cool, dark place
for 1 month.
FreshBest to use
Freshrefrigerate in
plastic bags, keeps up to immediately after harvesting. Refrigerate in
4 weeks.
plastic bags up to 4 days.
Long-termstore in root
Long-termMay be
canned, dried or pickled. cellar or leave in ground Long-termfreeze, can,
or dry to keep for up to
under mulch. Keep in
Lasts for 12 months.
garden for 4 to 5 months. 12 months.
Potato
Pumpkin
Water Requirements
Need 1 inch of water

every week. Regular
watering is critical for
flowering through harvest and fruit development.
Need 11 1/2 inches of

water every week. Potatoes need lots of water,
especially for tuber set
and enlargement.
Need 1 to 1 1/2 inches

water per week.

monthly.

slow-acting general fertilizer. No need to supplement except perhaps
as flowers begin to
bloom.

every 2 weeks throughout growing season.
Harvest
Skins on peppers should

be shiny and firm. Green
color early, turning yellow or red when mature.
Hot peppers do not get
hotter the longer on the
plant.
Harvest 12 weeks after

blooming for new potatoes. For storage, wait to
dig up potatoes until
after the tops have died
down but do not delay
harvest too long. Throw
away any green tubers.
Pick when pumpkins

have a uniform orange
color. When hit with
knuckles, ripe pumpkin
gives a solid thud.
Unless hard frost threatens, wait to pick until
vines die.
Storage
Freshrefrigerate in
plastic bags to keep for 1
to 2 weeks. Peppers like
cool, humid conditions.
Store in cool, dark, dry

area. They keep up to 2
months if temp. kept to
40 F.
Freshcure in warm,
well-aired room for 12
weeks, After curing,
store in dry, cool place
for several months.
Long-termcan, dry, or
pickle peppers to keep
for 12 months.
Long-termmay store
in root cellar for up to 6 Long-termfreeze, can,
months. Be sure good air or dry for 12 months.
circulation.
Pepper
95
Radish
Spinach
Similar to lettuce, only
needs 1/2 to 1 inch of
water every week.
Water Requirements

every week.
Light feeder; in spring

use compost or slow-act- of compost or fertilizer
ing general fertilizer.
Critical to feed when
plants are about half
grown.

plants are 6 inches high
and when in bloom.
Harvest
Pick after they grow to a Once leaves large

useful size. Should be
enough to use, pick
firm, round and smooth. outer ones a few at a
time. For maximum
nutrient levels, pick
leaves during early
morning. Harvest up to 2
weeks, depending on
variety.
Tastes best when tender,

young and about 8
inches long (before fully
mature). Fruit should be
glossy and firm, with a
tender rind that is dark
green or bright yellow.
Patty Pan variety should
be up to 4 inches in
diameter and a light yellow.
Storage
Freshrefrigerate in
plastic bag up to 2
weeks.
Needs 1 to 1 1/2 inch of

water every week. Critical during bud development and flowering.
Freshrefrigerate in
Freshrefrigerate in
plastic bags to keep up to plastic bags to keep for 5
to 10 days.
2 weeks.
Long termmay pickle Long-termcan or

radishes; keeps for years. freeze for up to 12
months.
96
Summer Squash
Long-termmay be
pickled.
Sweet Potato
Tomato
Water Requirements
Needs 1 to 1 1/2 inch of

water every week. Critical during bud development and flowering.

every week.
Tomatoes like lots of

water, 1 to 1 1/2 inches
every week. Watering
regularly is critical during flowering through
harvest.

start getting vines and
when blooms.
Light feeder; in early

spring use compost or
slow-acting general fertilizer.

Critical to feed 2 to 3
weeks after transplant,
before first harvesting
and 2 weeks after first
harvesting. Nitrogen use
should be light.
Harvest
Wait until the stem starts

to shrivel and appears
grayish. Pick prior to
first hard frost. Cure
before storing by putting in the sun for at least
3 days; turn squash each
day.
Pick after vines killed by

frost. Tubers ought to be
smooth, medium-sized,
and firm. Do not wash
ones you plan on storing. Cure by placing
them in a heated room
(85 to 90 F) for 7 to 10
days.
Ripe fruit feels firm and

has rich color. Best taste
comes from vine-ripened
fruit. Tomatoes will still
ripen after being picked
if you pick them after the
night temperature drops
below 55 F and put
them on the kitchen
counter.
Storage
Store in a dry, cool

(4555 F), place; keeps
over 5 months.
Freshstore in a dry,
cool place for up to 4
months, and do not let
them touch each other.
Freshkeep unripened
fruit out of sun and at
room temp. Refrigerate
ripe fruit for up to one
week.
Long-termfrozen for
up to 6 months or
canned for over 1 year.
Winter Squash
Long-termfrozen,
canned, or dried to keep
from 8 to 12 mo.
Note: Most of the information in the above chart is derived from Jeff Balls Rodales Garden
Problem Solver (1998), Rodale Press: Emmaus, Pennsylvania.
97
98
Chart 5
Chart 5 has designated four categories of information that will be important during and after the
growth of your fruit plants. Listed across the top
are some common fruits you may choose. Listed
down the left side are the categories.
Apple
Apricot
Blueberry
Water Requirements
Young trees need at least

one inch per week,
mature trees only need
water if it is generally
very dry.

each week, regular
watering is critical in hot
part of summer and in
fall for next years buds
to set.

each week and 1 to 1 1/2
inches every week when
fruit is being produced.
In spring, use slow-acting fertilizer before the

leaves start popping out
and spray with general
fertilizer 23 times
within the growing season. Prefers pH 6.06.5

leaves start to pop out,
fertilizer 23 times during growing season. Prefers pH 6.06.5

leaves start to pop out
fertilizer 23 times
within the growing season. Requires low pH
4.05.2
Seasonal Growth and

Container Possibility
A standard tree should

grow 815 inches if the
nitrogen is sufficient.
Dwarf varieties like
Garden Delicious
grow well in a container
that is 24 inches or
deeper.
All varieties can be

grown in a container that
is 24 inches or deeper.
Dwarf varieties like
Garden Annie may be
grown in a container that
is 24 inches or deeper.
Storage
Store in a cool, very

humid place. Long-term,
slice and dry to last for 6
to 12 months or make
apple sauce or canned
apples.
Harvest when fully colored and slightly soft.

They do not store well
except if they are canned
or dried.
Refrigerate ripe berries

in a covered container to
last 1 to 2 weeks or
freeze for 6 months or
make jams, jellies, and
preserves.
Peach
Pear
Water Requirements

each week, regular
to set.

each week, regular
to set.

each week, regular
to set.
In spring, use slow-acting fertilizer before fruit

is produced and again in
the fall. Spray with general fertilizer 23 times
within the growing season. Prefers pH 6.06.5
In spring, use slow-acting fertilizer before

leaves bud out. Spray
with general fertilizer
23 times during growing season. Prefers pH
6.06.5
In spring, use slow-acting fertilizer. Go easy on

the nitrogen. Spray with
general fertilizer 23
times during growing to
help supply the boron
that pears need. Prefers
pH 6.06.5
Seasonal Growth and


Many varieties are possible in a container that is
24 inches or deeper.

Many dwarf varieties are
possible in a container
deeper.

Many dwarf varieties are
possible in a container
deeper.
Storage
Refrigerate in tightly
closed containers of 1 to
2 weeks or freeze up to
12 months or can.
Peaches keep up through

2 weeks in a cool place or
root cellar. Dry them and
they keep for 6 months
at 70 F and up through 2
years at 52 F. Canning
and freezing is also
good.
For 1 month, store pears

just above freezing; then
store at room temperature so they will ripen.
They will last for about 3
months in cold temps.
Pears may be canned to
store for up to 12 months
or dried for up to 6
months.
Cherry
99
100
Plum
Raspberry
Rhubarb
Water Requirements
Young trees need 1 1/2

inches per week through
the first growth year.
Mature trees need 1 inch
every week. Regular
part of summer and later
in the season for good
bud set.

each week and after
plants start producing
fruit, provide 1 to 1 1/2
inches of water every
week.
Needs about 1 inch of

water each week.
In spring, use slow-acting fertilizer. Spray with

general fertilizer or seaweed extract 23 times
throughout growing season. Prefers pH 6.08.0
In spring, use slowacting fertilizer before

leaves bud out. Spray
with general fertilizer
or seaweed extract 23
times during growing
season. Prefers pH
5.57.0
In spring, use slowacting fertilizer. Go easy

on the nitrogen. Spray
with seaweed extract or
general fertilizer 23
times throughout growing season. Prefers pH
5.56.8
Seasonal Growth and


grow up to 12 inches if
there is enough nitrogen.
Dwarf varieties are good
container trees if it is 24
inches or deeper.
Not a container plant.

Old canes are pruned
down each early spring,
berries grow on oneyear-old canes.
Each spring the old

growth should be
removed. New leaves
begin to emerge from the
ground. All varieties can
be grown in containers
that are 24 inches or
deeper.
Storage
Refrigerate for 1 to 2
weeks or can, use in
jellies, jams, or dried
(prunes). Good prune
varieties are Stanley,
Aldrich, and
Earliblue.
Refrigerate about 4 days

but do not wash them or
they will get mushy.
Raspberries are great frozen for about 6 months
or make jams, preserves,
and jellies from them.
Refrigerate up to 3
weeks. Best cooked and
then frozen to keep up to
1 year. *Pull stalks at the
base, separating from the
crown, rather than cutting them. This prevents
disease and insect attack.
Grapes
Water only during
drought but be sure
vines get enough moisture when the grapes
begin to mature.
Melons (annual)
each week, do not overwater or flavor may be
reduced. Reduce water
about 4 weeks before
harvest. Stop watering
after the first melon is
picked.
Water Requirements

each week and after
plants start producing
fruits, give them 1 to
1 1/2 inches of water
every week.
In spring, use slow-act- Feed each spring with an

ing fertilizer. Spray with all-purpose food. Do not
general fertilizer or sea- over fertilize!
weed extract 23 times
In spring, use slow-acting fertilizer. Spray with

general fertilizer or seaweed extract 23 times
Seasonal Growth and

Continual runners will

grow out from the original plant. Keep the runners contained and
carefully remove old,
mother crown at the end
of the season. Many varieties are great for containers 12 inches or
deeper. A 5-gallon pail
works fine.
If possible, plant on
fence or trellis running
east to west. They are not
a good container plant
but do not take up room
except along a fence so
can be planted along the
edge of a yard. Prune
each late fall or winter.
The Sugar Baby variety can be grown in containers at least 24 inches

deep. Watermelons cannot be grown in a greenhouse.
Storage
Refrigerate in closed
container up to a week.
Do not wash until ready
to eat. Store as jams, preserves, and jellies or frozen, with sugar, up to 6
months.
Let taste, not color, be

your guide to harvesting. Best grapes are after
the first frost! Cut off, do
not pull. Vines begin to
bear after 2 to 3 years
from planting. Refrigerate in container up to 2
weeks for juice, jams,
jelly, or dry for raisins.
Pick when the tendrils

nearest stem are brown
and dry. Some melons
store best in the refrig.
But Sugar Baby and
New Hampshire store
best in warmer temps.
with higher humidity.
May be frozen as melon
balls and stored up to 4
months.
Note: Most of the information in the above chart is derived from Jeff Ballss Rodales Garden Problem Solver (1988), Rodale Press: Emmaus, Pennsylvania.
Strawberry
101
102

Information Charts: Appendix B

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INFORMATION CHARTS

Gardening 71Planning and Preparing Your Garden

Appendix B: Information Charts

Gardening 71Planning and Preparing Your Garden

size when full-grown. Dont forget to contact your

Use this chart when planning your own garden

decide how much sun they require, the pH of the

Bush, 1015 inches

Bush, 1015 inches

3648 inches, bush and

Requires 5 hours of sun/ Requires full sun

Requires full sun

Planting Time in Spring 46 weeks prior to last

2 or more weeks after the 12 weeks after the last

Planting Time in Fall

12 or more weeks prior

Every week or two, plant Once a week, plant bush

Varieties for Containers Not suitable

Gardening 71Planning and Preparing Your Garden

Fordhook, Bush Lima,

Pole kind needs trellis

Gardening 71Planning and Preparing Your Garden

Most roots to 2 feet,

Requires full sun

Requires at least 6 hours

Planting Time in Spring 24 weeks prior to last

Only 5 hours of sun

46 weeks prior to last

46 weeks prior to last

Planting Time in Fall

810 weeks prior to first

1417 weeks prior to first Plant transplants 17

Every 23 weeks, plant

Varieties for Containers Spinal Baby Beets and

Most limited to 2 feet

Usually shallow, 1836

Only 5 hours of sun

Only 5 hours of sun

Hardy, can withstand

Half-hardy, some light

24 weeks prior to last

23 weeks prior to last

Planting Time in Fall

1314 weeks prior to first 14 weeks prior to first

14 weeks prior to first

Planting Time in Spring 46 weeks prior to last

Varieties for Containers Dwarf Morden or Baby

Gardening 71Planning and Preparing Your Garden

Plant short-rooted vari- None

Appendix B: Information Charts

Gardening 71Planning and Preparing Your Garden

Ground, 1220 square

Most are shallow

Most on top 12 inches

Only 5 hours of sun

Requires full sun

Only 5 hours of sun

Tender, will not tolerate

Very tender, needs temp

From last spring frost

1 week prior to last

Planting Time in Spring 23 weeks prior to last

19 weeks prior to fall