Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Root Vegetables
Root veggies are the plants that can be left in the ground such as
carrots and beets. The advantage to growing root crops is that you
can harvest as you need them rather than having to eat them up as
soon as they mature. Carrots, beets, rutabaga, and potatoes can be
harvested as small as you want them to be. Pulling baby carrots or
beets helps to make room in the row for the rest of the plants to
grow larger. Baby veggies are often sweeter tasting; however, the
flavor of root crops usually does not change that much as they
mature; they will just grow bigger. Most root crops can be left in the
ground over winter so long as the soil does not get too wet and the
plants are well mulched so they do not freeze.
Heat-Loving Vegetables
Heat-loving veggies such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and corn all
have specific indicators that tell if the vegetable is ready for picking
or not. Peppers can be harvested at pretty much any size, usually
when they are three inches or so in diameter. They also start out as
green and are very often harvested at this stage; however, if they
are left on the plant, they will turn red, orange, or yellow depending
on the variety. For them to change color, you have to be patient. It
can take several weeks once the green pepper is at its full size
before it will have fully changed color.
Smoothie Garden Solution
The secret to a healthy pepper with good color and flavor is
adequate water and fertilizer! The pepper plant does not need a lot
of nitrogen-this will promote leaf growth but not fruits. Keep the
plants mulched with grass clippings to keep the soil moist and
weed-free.
