Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
(most common in Swiss chard). Cut the outer leaves, leaving the
center to produce more leaves; if the roots are not disturbed, the
plant will grow again. A sign that the plant is finished producing is
when the center stalk starts to grow taller and the flowers start to
form. You can pinch off the flower and the leaves can still be eaten;
however, they can start to become bitter once the flower starts
growing.
Smoothie Garden Solution
To keep lettuce longer, moisten a clean kitchen towel and wrap it
around the lettuce. Place this into a plastic bag and put it in the
refrigerator. Do not seal the bag as it will keep better with air cir-
culation. The lettuce will keep for up to two weeks stored this way.
Brassicas
Brassicas, sometimes also known as the cabbage family, include
your cabbages, broccoli, and cauliflower. This family of vegetable
plants usually produces one good-size head. Some will keep produ-
cing smaller heads once the main one has been harvested. These
vegetables can be harvested once the head reaches approximately
four to eight inches in diameter, with the variety, your soil fertility,
and garden conditions often determining the size of the head.
For broccoli you want to harvest the head when it is a bright green
color and still firm. Once it starts to open, it is beginning to flower
and will be less flavorful. Once you cut the center head, broccoli will
produce side shoots off the main stem, and if cut regularly, can pro-
duce more shoots for several weeks. These will be considerably
smaller in size and will go to flower quickly if not cut. Cauliflower will
produce only one head. Make sure the head is filled out and firm
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