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ID-128 Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky CHAPTER 20 Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky 20-1 CHAPTER 20 Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky Acknowledgments...

ID-128 Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky CHAPTER 20 Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky 20-1 CHAPTER 20 Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky Acknowledgments Contributors to this publication: Richard Durham Department of Horticulture, Editor Rachel Rudolph Mark Williams Shawn Wright Department of Horticulture Ric Bessin Department of Entomology Brad Lee Department of Plant and Soil Sciences For further information on home vegetable gardening, contact Richard Durham, Department of Horticulture, University of Kentucky. Mention or display of a trademark, proprietary product or firm in text or figures does not constitute an endorsement and does not imply approval to the exclusion of other suitable products or firms. 20-2  Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky CHAPTER 20 Contents Plans and Preparations............................................................................... 05 Before You Begin................................................................................. 05 Choosing a Site.....................................................................................06 Organic Gardening..............................................................................06 Preparing the Soil................................................................................06 Preparing a New Garden Site..........................................................08 Crop Rotation........................................................................................09 Pest Control........................................................................................... 10 Planting.............................................................................................................11 General Considerations......................................................................11 Transplants..............................................................................................11 Growing More with Less Space............................................................... 15 Intensive Gardening........................................................................... 15 Container Gardening.......................................................................... 16 Front cover: Pepper Pot-a-peno F1 is a 2021 Edible-Vegetable Mini-Gardens......................................................................................... 18 Award Winner from All-America Selections (AAS). Pot-a-peno is a One Garden Plot: Three Garden Seasons............................................ 19 jalapeno-type pepper with a compact growth habit of less than 15 inches making it well suited to culture in containers, hanging bas- The Spring Garden.............................................................................. 19 kets, and small urban gardens. The plants are loaded with small, The Summer Garden.......................................................................... 19 3-4 inch peppers with traditional jalapeno spiciness that some in- The Fall Garden..................................................................................... 20 dicate is a little milder than traditional jalapenos. Look for full sized fruit about 45 days after transplanting and red fruit after about 60 Extending the Growing Season...................................................... 20 days. For more information about this and other AAS Winners visit the AAS web site at: www.all-americaselections.org. Caring for Your Vegetables during the Growing Season............... 23 Irrigating................................................................................................. 23 All photos courtesy of All-America Selections Mulching................................................................................................. 25 Fertilizing................................................................................................ 26 Compost................................................................................................. 26 Cover Crops Protect Garden Plots................................................. 28 Diseases, Insects and Weeds.................................................................... 29 Disease Control.................................................................................... 29 Insect Control........................................................................................ 31 Weed Control........................................................................................ 36 Storing Vegetables....................................................................................... 38 What You Should Know about Asparagus through Watermelons.......................................................... 39 Asparagus, Beans................................................................................. 39 Beets, Broccoli.......................................................................................40 Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage............................................................... 41 Carrots, Cauliflower, Chinese Cabbage, Collards..................... 42 Cucumber, Eggplant........................................................................... 43 Garlic, Kale, Leeks................................................................................44 Lettuce, Muskmelons......................................................................... 45 Mustard Greens, Okra, Onions........................................................46 Parsnips, Peas, Peppers..................................................................... 47 Potatoes..................................................................................................48 Pumpkins, Radishes,.......................................................................... 49 Rhubarb, Southern Peas, Spinach, Squash,............................... 50 Sweet Corn............................................................................................. 51 Sweet Potatoes, Swiss Chard, Tomatoes..................................... 52 Turnips, Watermelons........................................................................54 Gardening Resources.................................................................................. 56 20-3 CHAPTER 20 Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky Tables and Figures Plans and Preparations...........................................................................05 Caring for Your Vegetables during the Growing Season...........23 Table 20.1. Average vegetable yields and amounts Table 20.16. Critical times to water vegetables.....................23 to plant per person................................................................05 Figure 20.9. To encourage deep rooting, thoroughly Figure 20. 1. Taking a soil sample...............................................07 water the upper 6 - 8 inches of soil (left). Shallow wa- Table 20.2. Rate (lb/1000 sq ft)1 of agricultural tering (right) promotes shallow development limestone needed to raise soil pH to 6.4........................07 of roots, resulting in poor growth and increased Figure 20.2. Effect of change in pH on the availability risk of injury under severe weather conditions............24 of plant nutrients....................................................................07 Figure 20.10. Trickle system for a garden that is too Table 20.3. Suggested application of ordinary far from a water supply.........................................................24 powdered sulfur to reduce the pH of an 8-inch Figure 20.11. Trickle system for favorite plants layer of soil, as indicated in pt/100 sq ft.1.......................08 (i.e., giant pumpkin, early tomatoes, etc.)......................24 Table 20.4. Phosphate, potash, and nitrogen........................08 Figure 20.12. One trickle line for every two rows.................24 Figure 20.13. Trickle tubes.............................................................25 Planting........................................................................................................ 11 Figure 20.14. Installation of trickle irrigation under Figure 20.3. A large tray can be sectioned into rows us- black plastic mulch.................................................................25 ing a ruler or similar sharp-edged instrument. Once Figure 20.15. Layers for a compost pile....................................26 seeds are sown in the “furrows,” cover the seeds with Table 20.17. Recommended times for sidedressing a growing medium using a blunt instrument or your vegetables.................................................................................26 hand............................................................................................ 11 Figure 20.16. Vegetable crop timetable...................................27 Figure 20.4. Compressed peat pellets make plant growing easy.............................................................................................. 11 Diseases, Insects and Weeds................................................................29 Table 20.5. Use this vegetable planting guide to plant Table 20.18. Fungicides for use in the home vegetable vegetables the right way...................................................... 12 garden.........................................................................................30 Table 20.6. Transplant production data...................................13 Table 20.19. Measuring abbreviations......................................30 Figure 20.5. Cold frame..................................................................13 Table 20.20. Measurement comparisons.................................30 Table 20.21. Powdered pesticide................................................30 Growing More with Less Space...........................................................15 Table 20.22. Liquid pesticide.......................................................30 Figure 20.6. Raised bed.................................................................15 Figure 20.17. Cutworm...................................................................31 Table 20.7. Typical container dimensions, and their corresponding size in gallons.............................................16 Figure 20.18. Root maggot...........................................................32 Table 20.8. Soil mix for container plants.................................16 Figure 20.19. Wireworm.................................................................32 Table 20.9. Types and sizes of growing containers..............16 Figure 20.20. Corn earworm........................................................32 Table 20.10. Container vegetable recommendations......... 17 Figure 20.21. Squash vine borer.................................................32 Figure 20.22. Aphids.......................................................................33 One Garden Plot: Three Garden Seasons.......................................19 Figure 20.23. Mite............................................................................33 Table 20.11. Crops for the spring garden.................................19 Figure 20.24. Leafhopper..............................................................34 Table 20.12. Crops for the summer garden............................19 Figure 20.25. Mexican bean beetle...........................................34 Table 20.13. Crops for the fall garden.......................................20 Figure 20.26. Cucumber beetle..................................................34 Table 20.14. Vegetable gardener’s calendar with Figure 20.27. Japanese beetle.....................................................34 planting dates for Western, Central, and Figure 20.28. Colorado potato beetle......................................34 Eastern Kentucky1................................................................................... 21 Table 20.23. Spray Dilution Chart...............................................35 Figure 20.7. Slitted row cover.......................................................21 Figure 20.29. Flea beetle...............................................................35 Figure 20.8. Average date of last killing frost (36°F) in Figure 20.30. Imported cabbageworm....................................35 spring, plus average number of days between Figure 20.31. Cabbage looper.....................................................35 last frost in spring and first frost in fall............................21 Figure 20.32. Hornworm...............................................................35 Table 20.15. Earliest and latest planting dates in the garden in Kentucky................................................................22 Storing Vegetables...................................................................................38 Table 20.24. Produce storage conditions................................38 Table 20.25. Preservation methods for specific vegetables.................................................................................38 Figure 20.33. Storing vegetables in the ground...................38 20-4  Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky CHAPTER 20 Plans and Preparations Table 20.1. Average vegetable yields and amounts to plant per Before You Begin person. Every aspiring gardener should follow seven steps to have a Yield Planting successful gardening season: per 10 ft Store/Can/ Vegetable of row Fresh Freeze 1. Plan your garden on paper before you begin. Asparagus 3 lb 10-15 ft 10-15 plants 2. Select a good gardening site that is: Beans, snap bush 12 lb 15-16 ft 15-20 ft a. in full sun for at least eight hours each day, Beans, snap pole 15 lb 5-6 ft 8-10 ft b. relatively level, Beans, lima bush 2.5 lb, shelled 10-15 ft 15-20 ft c. well-drained, Beans, lima pole 5 lb, shelled 5-6 ft 8-10 ft d. close to a water source, Beets 15 lb 5-10 ft 10-20 ft e. dries quickly from morning dew. Broccoli 10 lb 3-5 plants 5-6 plants 3. Prepare the soil properly, conduct a soil test, and add fertilizer Brussels sprouts 7.5 lb 2-5 plants 5-8 plants and lime according to U.K. test result recommendations. Cabbage 15 lb 3-4 plants 5-10 plants 4. Plan only as large a garden as you can easily maintain. Begin- Cabbage, Chinese 8 heads 3-10 ft --- ning gardeners often overplant, and then they fail because Carrots 10 lb 5-10 ft 10-15 ft they cannot keep up with the tasks required. Weeds and pests Cauliflower 10 lb 3-5 plants 8-12 plants must be managed, water applied when needed and harvesting Celeriac 6 lb 5 ft 5 ft done on time. Celery 18 stalks 10 stalks --- 5. Grow vegetables that will produce the maximum amount of Chard, Swiss 7.5 lb 3-5 plants 8-12 plants Collards and Kale 10 lb 5-10 ft 5-10 ft food in the space available. Corn, sweet 1 dozen 10-15 ft 30-50 ft 6. Plant during the correct season for the crop. Cucumbers 12 lb 1-2 hills 3-5 hills 7. Choose varieties recommended for Kentucky. Eggplant 10 lb 2-3 plants 2-3 plants 8. Harvest vegetables at their proper stage of maturity. Store Garlic 4 lb --- 1-5 ft them promptly and properly if you do not use them immedi- Kohlrabi 7.5 lb 3-5 ft 5-10 ft ately. Lettuce, head 10 heads 10 ft --- Lettuce, leaf 5 lb 10 ft --- Planning Your Garden Muskmelons 10 fruits 3-5 hills --- (cantaloupe) A garden plan helps you grow the greatest amount of pro- Mustard 10 lb 5-10 ft 10-15 ft duce with the least amount of effort. To use your plan you must Okra 10 lb 4-6 ft 6-10 ft expect to harvest each crop as soon as it matures. Then put old Onions 10 lb 3-5 ft 30-50 ft plants in the compost pile and plant a new crop. This approach (plants or sets) is called succession planting. Onions (seed) 10 lb 3-5 ft 30-50 ft Grow only those vegetables that your family will eat. A Parsley 3 lb 1-3 ft 1-3 ft well-planned and properly kept garden should produce 600 to Parsnips 10 lb 10 ft 10 ft 700 pounds of produce per 1,000 square feet (Table 20.1) and Peas, English 2 lb 15-20 ft 40-60 ft may include many different crops. Consult Vegetable Cultivars Peas, Snow 2 lb 10-15 ft 30-40 ft for Kentucky Gardens (ID-133) for the latest recommendations Peas, Southern 4 lb 10-15 ft 20-50 ft on home vegetable varieties. Peppers 6 lb 3-5 plants 3-5 plants Potatoes, Irish 10 lb 50-100 ft --- Draw a scale model of your garden space when planning Potatoes, Sweet 10 lb 5-10 plants 10-20 plants where to plant. There are also a number of computer programs Pumpkins 10 lb 1-2 hills 1-2 hills that can be used to plan your garden. Plant perennials like aspar- Radishes 10 bunches 3-5 ft --- agus, rhubarb, chives and horseradish along one side of the gar- Salsify 10 lb 5 ft 5 ft den since they may produce for six to 12 years. Tall plants such Soybeans 2 lb 50 ft 50 ft as sweet corn, tomatoes and pole beans should be planted on Spinach 4-5 lb 5-10 ft 10-15 ft the north or west side of the garden where they will not shade Squash, summer 15 lb 2-3 hills 2-3 hills smaller vegetable crops. However, summer lettuce should be Squash, winter 10 lb 1-3 hills 1-3 hills grown in a partially shaded area if possible. Tomatoes 10 lb 3-5 plants 5-10 plants Turnip greens 5-10 lb 5-10 ft --- Turnip roots 5-10 lb 5-10 ft 5-10 ft Watermelons 4 fruits 2-4 hills --- 20-5 CHAPTER 20 Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky Choosing a Site cavator, laying tile or of building raised Home gardeners will have no need to beds. concern themselves with the many rules Your garden site should provide a sun- Locate your garden away from trees as and requirements that go along with or- ny exposure, adequate moisture and fer- much as possible. Tree roots can com- ganic certification. However garden- tile soil. Because of your property’s limi- pete with your vegetables for water and ing organically in your home garden in tations, however, you may be forced to se- nutrients. Kentucky is just as easy as gardening us- lect a less than ideal location. As much Look for a site which supports lush veg- ing “conventional” techniques and inputs as possible, let the following suggestions etative growth, even if it is dark green, once you master some simple manage- guide you in choosing your garden site: sturdy weeds. Although you can im- ment practices like scouting your garden Avoid putting the garden in a low spot, at prove poor soil over a period of years, often to watch for pest or disease prob- the bottom of a hill or at the foot of a slope bor- you can save much time and work if you lems, choosing plant varieties that will dered by a solid fence. Such areas, where begin with naturally rich soil. thrive under organic management, and frost settles because of lack of air drain- Make sure to use contour rows or ter- paying close attention to soil management age, are slow to warm up in the spring. races for hillside gardens. by adding organic matter to your garden, High ground will enable the vegetables to Avoid windy locations. using compost, practicing crop rotation, escape “borderline” freezes for an earli- and utilizing cover crops. Throughout this er start in the spring and longer harvest in Finally, the closer the vegetable garden is to guide, organic alternatives to certain con- the fall. your back door, the more you will use it. You can ventional practices or inputs are includ- If possible, choose an area with a southern or see when your crops are at their peaks ed to give gardeners a choice in how they southeastern exposure which warms up fast- and can take maximum advantage of their raise vegetables. er in the spring and receives the maxi- freshness. Also, keeping up with planting, mum amount of sunlight throughout the weeding, watering and pest control will Preparing the Soil growing season. Midsummer vegetables, be easier. An ideal garden soil has a 10- to other than lettuce, should not be locat- ed on the north side of a building or on a Organic Gardening 12-inch loamy surface layer overlying a well-drained subsoil. This type of soil northern slope of a hillside. In 1990 Congress passed the Organ- can retain large amounts of water but Plant your vegetables away from buildings, ic Foods Production Act, which mandat- still drains well after a rain. After spring trees and other objects which would shade them. ed the creation of the National Organ- preparation, it stays crumbly and work- Your plants need at least eight hours of di- ic Program (NOP) and the passage of uni- able without becoming hard and crust- rect sunlight each day. You can grow let- form organic standards. This action was ed. It should have enough minerals for op- tuce in the shade if you must locate part of followed by over a decade of public input timum growth, and the pH should be be- your garden in a partially shaded area. and discussion, which resulted in a Na- tween 6.2 and 6.8. Your garden needs water from rainfall or oth- tional Organic Program final rule imple- Few sites available for the home vege- er sources. However, too much water can mented in October 2002. These nation- table garden will match the ideal in all re- be just as damaging as too little. al standards set out the methods, practic- spects. However, most soils can be mod- Examine your garden site to see how es and substances used in producing and ified to provide more favorable grow- it drains and avoid areas that stay sog- handling all certified organic crops and ing conditions. Soil improvement is really gy after a rain. To evaluate how your livestock. The standards include a nation- a long-term process, often taking sever- site drains, dig a small diameter hole al list of approved non-synthetic and pro- al years. The poorer the soil, the longer it to a depth of two feet and look for grey hibited synthetic substances for organic will take to get optimum production from colors in the soil. These grey colors in- production. it. However, vegetable crops will tolerate dicate that the soil is poorly drained. Organic production is based on a sys- variable soil conditions and still produce Consider moving the garden to a differ- tem of farming that maintains and replen- fairly well. ent area or installing raised beds. ishes soil fertility without the use of tox- After a fertile garden is established, Avoid heavy clay soils in favor of loamy ic and persistent pesticides and fertiliz- continue amending the soil so that it will soil. ers. Organically produced foods also must stay fertile and workable. Since most gar- Improve sandy soils by adding large be produced without the use of antibiot- dens must be in the same location year af- amounts of organic matter. Adding or- ics, synthetic hormones, genetic engineer- ter year, building up a rich soil is essential. ganic matter can often solve minor ing and other excluded practices, sew- drainage problems; however, if the poor age sludge, or irradiation. National organ- The Soil Test drainage is caused by underlying layers ic standards require that organic growers After deciding on your garden site, of rock or hard clay (hardpan), correct- and handlers be certified by third-party take a soil sample and have it tested, pref- ing the drainage could involve the labor state or private agencies or other organi- erably in October or November. Use the and expense of subsoiling with an ex- zations that are accredited by USDA. soil test as a guide as you try to establish a satisfactory fertility level. The standard 20-6  Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky CHAPTER 20 test measures soil acidity (pH), available Figure 20.1. Taking a soil sample. Figure 20.2. Effect of change in pH on the availability of plant nutrients. phosphorus, potassium and, if requested, calcium, magnesium and zinc. The test re- sults help determine fertilizer and lime re- quirements. To take a soil sample, push a spade 7 inches into the soil and throw the soil aside. Take another 1-inch slice of soil from the back of the hole the full depth of the hole. Remove all the soil but the cen- ter 1- to 2-inch-wide core. Place this core of soil in a clean bucket (Figure 20.1). Repeat the procedure in different spots to get a representative sample of the whole garden and to get about 1 pint of soil. Mix the composite sample well and put it on some paper to dry for about two days at room temperature. Then take it to your county Extension office to submit for analysis. The cost of the soil test, which varies with the number of elements test- ed, will be returned to you many times over in savings of fertilizer and in the pro- duction of high yields and quality pro- duce. Table 20.2. Rate (lb/1000 sq ft)1 of agricultural limestone needed to raise soil pH to 6.4. Soil pH—Why Is It Important? Water pH Buffer pH of Sample If Buffer pH The term pH stands for the relation- of Sample 5.5 5.7 5.9 6.1 6.3 6.5 6.7 6.9 is Unknown ship of hydrogen ions (H+) to hydroxyl 4.5 320 300 280 250 220 180 150 130 180 4.7 320 300 280 240 200 170 140 120 170 ions (OH-). A soil pH reading indicates on 4.9 310 290 260 230 190 150 130 110 160 a logarithmic scale the concentration of 5.1 310 290 260 220 180 130 100 80 150 ions held to soil particles and organic mat- 5.3 300 280 240 210 160 120 90 70 130 ter. A pH scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 5.5 290 270 230 190 140 100 70 60 120 pH 7.0 being neutral. Readings below 7.0 5.7 280 260 220 170 120 90 60 50 100 indicate a soil is “acid,” and readings above 5.9 --- 240 200 150 100 80 50 40 80 7.0 indicate “alkaline” soil conditions. 6.1 --- --- 180 120 80 60 40 40 60 Most of the plants we grow in our home 6.3 --- --- --- 90 60 40 40 30 40 gardens require a soil which is slightly ac- 1 See AGR-1 for limestone rates needed expressed in Tons/Acre. id. The soil’s pH is very important because Autumn is an excellent time to have lomitic limestone (Table 20.2). If the pH it directly affects soil nutrient availabili- your soil tested. You can then make any value is too high, your soil is too alkaline ty (Figure 20.2). Plant roots can only ab- adjustments of pH needed with limestone and you need to add sulfur (Table 20.3). sorb nutrients after they have been bro- or sulfur applications. Also, getting test re- Applying lime or sulfur in the fall before ken down into certain ion forms. Only at sults in the fall helps you plan your fertil- planting is best because you have a lon- certain pH ranges can sufficient amounts izing needs for the coming year’s garden. ger soil reaction time. Lime rates shown of these nutrients be broken into these Contact your Cooperative Extension of- in Table 20.2 are in terms of agricultur- ion forms. When the soil’s pH is out of fice about soil testing. al limestone. By regulation in Kentucky, this range, the nutrients are “tied up in the aglime must have a purity equivalent to soil.” By adjusting the pH, we make sure Adjusting pH 80% or higher pure calcium carbonate. that the plants we grow can use the fertil- If soil test results indicate that your It must be ground finely enough so that izers and available nutrients in the soil to soil’s pH falls out of the ideal range of 6.2 90% will pass through a 10-mesh screen their fullest potential. Most vegetables in to 6.8, you may need to add lime or sul- and 35% will pass through a screen size of a garden prefer growing in soil with a pH fur, depending on your soil’s pH value. If 50-mesh. The purity (% calcium carbon- between 6.2 and 6.8. the pH is too low, then your soil is too acid ate equivalent) is an index of the amount and you should either add calcitic or do- 20-7 CHAPTER 20 Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky Table 20.3. Suggested application of ordinary powdered sulfur to reduce the pH of an Table 20.4. Phosphate, potash, and nitrogen. 8-inch layer of soil, as indicated in pt/100 sq ft.1 Fertilizer Pints of sulfur for 100 sq ft to reach pH of: (lb/1000 sq ft) Original pHof 4.5 5.0 5.5 6.0 6.5 Soil Test Level P205 K 20 Soil2 Sand Loam Sand Loam Sand Loam Sand Loam Sand Loam High (above 60 P, 300 K) 0 0-1 5.0 2⁄3 2 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Medium (60 - 30 P, 300 - 200 K) 1 - 2 1-2 5.5 1 1⁄3 4 2⁄3 2 --- --- --- --- --- --- Low (below 30 P, 200 K) 3-5 3-5 6.0 2 5½ 1 1⁄3 4 2⁄3 2 --- --- --- --- Nitrogen: For a continuously cropped garden 6.5 2½ 8 2 5½ 1 1⁄3 4 2⁄3 2 --- --- where little or no organic matter has been added, apply 2 lb of actual N/1000 sq ft before 7.0 3 10 2½ 8 2 5½ 1 1⁄3 4 2⁄3 2 planting. Following heavy grass sod, apply 3 lb of 1 Although aluminum sulfate often is recommended to gardeners for increasing the acidity of actual N/1000 sq ft before plowing. Where heavy the soil, it has a toxic salt effect on plants if it is used in large amounts. Small amounts are not applications of barnyard manure or compost very effective. About seven pounds of aluminum sulfate are required to accomplish the same have been added, apply no nitrogen. effects as one pound of sulfur. 2 Based on water pH value. of active ingredient per unit weight, while Preparing a New Garden Site creasing the moisture-holding ability of particle size of the liming material is an in- very light, sandy soils. As soon as the soil is workable in the dex of how rapidly the material will dis- Besides helping the soil structurally, or- spring, turn over the sod of a new garden solve when mixed with soil. The more ganic matter favors a buildup of organ- site by plowing, rototilling or hand spad- finely ground the liming material, the fast- isms which in turn helps make available ing. Prepare the soil at least 8 inches deep. er it dissolves. nutrients that were previously held in the Increase this depth each year until you soil in unusable forms. The organic matter Use of Wood Ashes reach 10 to 12 inches. Do not work the itself provides nitrogen and other nutri- Wood ashes have some use as a lim- soil when it is very wet because you can ents as it decays. ing material, although they are relatively damage its structure by compacting it. If The type of organic matter you should scarce. Their rather low neutralizing val- the soil crumbles readily rather than stick- add will depend on what materials are ue ranges from 30% to 70%, expressed as ing together, you can proceed safely. most available. Some sources are manure, calcium carbonate. The ash of hardwoods, Continue to work the plot until the composted leaf mold, grass clippings and such as maple, elm, oak and beech, con- coarse, lumpy texture is replaced with pine bark humus. Caution: Do not apply tains about one-third more calcium main- a fine, granular one suitable for a seed- fresh manure with a high nitrogen con- ly as the oxide, but, on exposure to mois- bed. Do not overwork the soil to a pow- tent in the spring. Rabbit, chicken and ture, they are largely in the carbonate dery fine condition which will cause sur- sheep manure should be applied in the fall form by the time they are applied to soil. face crusting. After you have appropriate- or composted before they are used on the Coal ash has little or no liming val- ly tilled the soil, add organic material and garden. Fresh manure may also contain ue. Do not use it on garden soils because fertilizer as recommended. bacteria that are harmful to humans. it contains a fairly high concentration of If you want raised beds, throw the Use of manure in organic systems is al- heavy metals and other toxic compounds soil from the paths into 3- to 4-foot-wide lowed with major limitations. Raw ma- which may be taken up by the plants. beds after adding organic matter and the nure must always be incorporated in- For organic gardeners, only powdered recommended fertilizer. This extra soil to the soil immediately following applica- or prilled elemental sulfur can be used plus the added organic matter will raise tion and it must be applied 120 days be- for lowering pH, while aluminum sulfate, the beds a few inches higher. If you like, fore harvest for all crops. Though the use a synthetic product, is not allowed. Pow- boards or stones can hold the soil in place. of raw manure is allowed in organic sys- dered sulfur should take at least one year For the last preparation step, rake the soil tems, it is far preferable to properly com- to oxidize and reduce soil pH, and prilled surface smooth and lay off rows. Now you post the manure before using it as a soil sulfur will take slightly longer. Organic are ready to plant seeds or set transplants. amendment or fertilizer source. growers should be conservative in the ap- Organic Matter plication of soil sulfur by splitting the total Conventional Fertilizers Add organic matter to the soil each application between the fall and spring as A continuous supply of nutrients is im- spring and fall. You can also add it as sulfur has both fungicidal and insecticidal portant for producing high yields of qual- mulch during the growing season and as a action and can detrimentally affect soil bi- ity vegetables. Conventional fertilizers green manure or cover crop during or af- ology if overused. Organic gardeners can are a convenient and economical way of ter the growing season. Adding organic use any type of agricultural limestone to supplying these nutrients. However, they matter is the most beneficial treatment for increase pH. must be used properly since plants can be improving and maintaining your garden damaged by their improper application or soil. It loosens and improves the drainage excessive use. and aeration of heavy clay soils while in- 20-8  Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky CHAPTER 20 Any fertilizer’s value can be deter- Example 1: The size of your garden is 800 sq ft, and you intend to use 5-10-10 fertilizer: mined by its analysis in percentage of ni- trogen, phosphorus and potassium. Ap- Step 1: Determine the formula: desired rate: plying fertilizer according to soil test re- amount of nitrogen needed garden size 1,000 x 2 lb = actual N sults allows less chance of under- or over- for an 800 sq ft garden. (sq ft) ÷ sq ft needed (lb) fertilization (Table 20.4). Desired rate: 2 lb of nitrogen per 1,000 sq ft. 800 ÷ 1,000 x 2 = 1.6 lb Sometimes simple calculations must be made to determine how much fertiliz- Step 2: Determine the formula: er to add to a garden. These examples use amount of 5-10-10 fertilizer N available chosen complete fertilizers. If your soil test indi- needed to supply the nitro- actual N ÷ in chosen = fertilizer gen calculated above (1.6 lb). needed (lb) cates only a need for nitrogen, use a high fertilizer (%) needed (lb) 5-10-10 fertilizer contains 5% nitrogen fertilizer such as 44-0-0 or 33- actual N. Convert 5% to 0.05, 1.6 ÷ 0.05 = 32 lb 0-0 instead of a complete fertilizer such and solve: as 5-10-10 or 12-12-12 which will supply more nutrients that you actually need in Example 2: the garden. Follow the steps in the exam- The size of your garden is 1,475 sq ft, and you intend to use 12-12-12 fertilizer: ples on page 9, Examples 1 and 2. Apply the recommended amounts of Step 1: Determine the formula: desired rate: fertilizer in the spring. Spread the fertil- amount of nitrogen needed garden size 1,000 x 2 lb = actual N for an 1,475 sq ft garden. ÷ izer evenly over the garden area before (sq ft) sq ft needed (lb) Desired rate: 2 lb of nitrogen plowing or spading, or after plowing and per 1,000 sq ft. 1,475 ÷ 1,000 x 2 = 2.95 lb before rototilling or hoeing in preparation for planting. Step 2: Determine the formula: If you did not have your soil tested (i.e., amount of 12-12-12 fertil- N available chosen izer needed to supply the ni- actual N if you have a very limited garden area), the ÷ in chosen = fertilizer trogen calculated above (2.95 needed (lb) fertilizer (%) needed (lb) following amounts may be applied: lb). 12-12-12 fertilizer contains small garden: 4 lb 33-0-0 or 3 lb 44-0- 12% actual N. Convert 12% to 2.95 ÷ 0.12 = 24.5 lb 0.12, and solve: 0/1,000 sq ft smaller garden: 0.4 lbs (~1/2 cup) 33-0- 0 or 3 lb (1/4 cup) 44-0-0/100 sq ft commercial organic fertilizers, preferably word “organic.” Only fertilizer labels that from a local source, could be used to “fill include the words “certified organic” or For container gardens use a complete the gap” between what has been provided those fertilizers tested and labeled by the fertilizer (5-10-10 or 10-10-10) at a rate of and what a future crop may need. Organic Materials Review Institute (OM- 1 oz/bushel (or 2 Tbs/bushel). There are many classes of organic fer- RI) are truly allowed for use on a certified This is a modest recommendation and tilizers ranging from concentrated plant organic farm or garden. assumes the presence of some available nitrogen in the soil for plant growth. If material (alfalfa meal, soybean meal), an- Crop Rotation you use the same soil or area the next year, imal slaughter by-products (blood meal, As you continue your vegetable gar- you should have the soil tested to prevent bone meal), fish by-products (liquid fish den from year to year, try to avoid plant- under- or over-fertilization. emulsion), concentrated animal manures ing the same or closely related crops in ex- (bird guano), rock minerals, and many mi- Organic Fertilizers cro-nutrient sources. The majority of or- actly the same spot more than once every Organic fertilizers are just as effective three years. Rotation helps prevent insect ganic fertilizers are not as soluble in wa- and disease buildups. The vegetables list- as conventional fertilizers in supplying ter as conventional fertilizers, and thus necessary plant nutrients though they are ed together below are subject to the same are not as immediately available for plant disease and insect problems. often more expensive, harder to find and uptake. Instead, microorganisms found often act more slowly than conventional chives, garlic, leeks, onions, shallots in the soil must break down or decom- beets, Swiss chard, spinach fertilizers. The preferred manner for certi- pose the organic fertilizer before it be- fied organic growers to address plant nu- cabbage, cauliflower, kale, collards, comes completely available to plants. The Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kohlrabi, tur- trition is to start with a soil management use of the word “organic” on a fertiliz- plan that includes the extensive use of nips, rutabaga, Chinese cabbage, mus- er label does not always mean the fertiliz- tard compost, crop rotation and cover crop- er is allowed for certified organic growing ping (see pages 25-28). Once the nutri- peas, broad beans, snap beans, lima purposes due to differing state and fed- beans ent contributions of applied compost and eral regulations relating to the use of the turned in cover crops are calculated, then carrots, parsley, celery, celeriac, parsnip 20-9 CHAPTER 20 Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky potatoes, eggplant, tomatoes, peppers netic resistance to specific pests, can be ered in the first part of this publication. pumpkins, squash, watermelons, cu- found in ID-133, Vegetable Cultivars for Also ensure that you clean up the garden cumbers, muskmelons Kentucky Gardens (http://www2.ca.uky. once a crop has finished or the season had endive, salsify, lettuce edu/agc/pubs/id/id133/id133.pdf ). The ended. Many pests overwinter or contin- gardener should be aware that there ue their lifecycles on residue from the pre- In addition, root and bulb crops are are no “super” cultivars able to resist all vious crop. Destroy or thoroughly com- susceptible to many of the same soil pests known pests and that some pest control post (better to destroy if a pest infesta- so try to rotate these every year. may still be needed to ensure a harvest. tion is evident) crop residue once harvest Pest Control But using resistant cultivars should lessen is complete. Also consider rotating crops The goal of many home gardeners is to the need for pesticides. that may be susceptible to soil-borne apply few or no pesticides. This philoso- Spacing and sun exposure—Avoid crowd- pests—see “Crop Rotation” on page 9. phy often results in unacceptable harvests ing plants together in the garden. Crowd- Scout for problems—Spy before you spray! because the gardener is often faced with ed plants grow poorly and may become Most home gardeners are keenly aware a dilemma of either applying pesticides more susceptible to pests. There is al- of what’s going on in their gardens. As or experiencing a significant or total crop so less air movement through crowded you check germination of newly plant- loss. While it is difficult to achieve consis- plants that may result in increased prob- ed seeds, monitor development of vegeta- tent harvests from your garden without lems with disease. Garden plants are gen- bles, and harvest ripe fruit, look for prob- some strategy for pest control, the follow- erally adapted to growth in full sun. Try- lems. If you do see problems, are you con- ing principles may help you use pesticides ing to garden in a shady backyard may re- fident in your ability to diagnose them more sparingly and still achieve accept- sult in weak, unproductive plants that are correctly? For help with diagnosis, consult able results. more susceptible to pests. Try to ensure other parts of this publication, garden- Pest-resistant crops—Cultivars of some that your garden receives at least six hours ing books, or your local county extension vegetable crops are genetically resistant of direct sunlight each day. office (detailed photos or samples of the to certain pests. By choosing these culti- Cultural practices—Make sure plants have problem will aid the diagnosis). A correct vars, the gardener increases their chances adequate water and nutrition. Both over- diagnosis is key to successful pest man- of avoiding problems with specific pests. and under-watering or fertilizing plants agement or control. An extensive list of vegetable cultivars, in- may enhance pest problems. Proper wa- cluding information regarding their ge- tering and fertilizing techniques were cov- 20-10  Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky CHAPTER 20 Planting General Considerations Thinning Buying Seed After germination, you’ll need to Buy fresh, high quality seed from a lo- thin the seedlings to correct their spac- cal seed store, garden center or mail order ing. When your plants have two or three seed catalog for your vegetable garden. leaves, pull up the weakest ones or pinch Using seed from the previous year’s plants off the tops, leaving the rest of the plants is generally not recommended for the be- spaced correctly (Table 20.5). ginning gardener since such seed may not The soil should be moist when you thin germinate well or may not breed true. You so you do not injure the remaining plants can refrigerate commercial seed in a glass in the process. Do not wait for the plants jar with something to dry it (for instance, to become overcrowded before thinning. powdered milk). The seed can then be With some vegetables, thinning can be at used later. harvest. Beet and turnip thinnings make excellent greens. Radishes, onions and let- Figure 20.3. A large tray can be sectioned Planting into rows using a ruler or similar sharp-edged tuce can be left to thin until some are big instrument. Once seeds are sown in the The soil should be moist at planting enough to eat. “furrows,” cover the seeds with a growing time but not overly wet. To test for mois- medium using a blunt instrument or your ture content, squeeze together a handful Transplants hand. of soil. If it crumbles readily rather than Why Grow Your Own Transplants? sticking together, proceed with plant- Having the varieties you want when concentrate on a few popular varieties ing. Drop vegetable seed into furrows in you want to plant them—that’s the great of each crop. Seed catalogs offer a much continuous rows. To make straight rows, advantage of growing your own trans- wider selection. drive stakes at each end of the garden and plants. If you plant the seeds at the appropri- pull a string taut between them. Then The flip side of that coin is quality. If ate time and the seedlings grow well for draw a hoe or rake handle along the string you can’t provide good growing condi- you, you can have transplants that are just to make a shallow 1⁄2-inch furrow for fine tions, particularly plenty of bright light the right size for planting in the garden at seed. Use the corner of the hoe blade to for growing seedlings, the quality of your just the right time (Table 20.6). You can make a deeper 1-inch furrow for larg- homegrown plants may not be all you de- have cool-weather crops like broccoli and er seed. Measure the distances between sire. kohlrabi to plant early in the spring and rows with a yardstick. The big advantage of growing trans- again in midsummer for a fall crop. And Empty seeds into your hand and drop plants yourself is the wide choice of va- you can have warm-weather crops like to- them from between your fingers. Mix dry, rieties available in seed. People who pro- matoes for planting after the danger of pulverized soil or sand with very small duce transplants commercially tend to frost is past. seeds to make even distribution easier. Plant the seed more thickly than needed in case some do not germinate. Cover the Figure 20.4. Compressed peat pellets make plant growing seeds and firm the soil lightly over them easy. After you add water to the compressed pellet, it will expand up to seven times its original size. using the bottom of a hoe blade. Place seed into the open end for germination. Some seeds, like carrot and parsley, The pellet can be placed directly into the planting hole. take a long time to germinate—often three to four weeks. If the seeds dry out dur- ing germination the seedlings will die, so be sure to keep these rows moistened. You can also put a board or a strip of plastic or burlap over the row to give the seedlings a warm, moist greenhouse environment. Remove this cover just after the seedlings emerge. 20-11 CHAPTER 20 Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky Materials Table 20.5. Use this vegetable planting guide to plant vegetables the right way. You can successfully grow vegetable transplants in- Distance Between: doors or outdoors if you use a suitable growing struc- Plants When Number of Thinned or Planting ture. While a greenhouse is not essential, being able to Transplants or Transplanted Rows Depth control temperature, light, moisture and ventilation is Vegetable Seeds per ft (in) (in) (in) crucial. Day temperatures should be between 60° to Asparagus 1 crown 18 30 6-8 65°F for warm-season crops. Keep the soil moist but not Beans, bush, lima 6-8 seeds 4-5 30 1-1 ½ soggy. Beans, bush, snap 8 seeds 2-3 30 1-1 ½ You can buy all the materials you need for starting Beets 10 seeds 2-3 18 ¼-½ transplants under different brand names from local gar- Broccoli 1 transplant 14-18 30 Brussels sprouts 1 transplant per 2 ft 24 36 den supply centers or through seed and garden supply Cabbage 1 transplant 9-18 30 catalogs. Plant starting kits containing all the necessary Carrots 15-20 seeds 2-3 18 ¼ equipment are also available. Some have the seed al- Cauliflower 1 transplant 16-18 30 ready planted; you only need to add water and put them Celery 2 transplants 6-8 30 in a suitable growing area. Chard 8-10 seeds 6-8 30 ¼-½ Fertilize the plants when the second true leaves ap- Chinese cabbage 4-6 seeds 12-15 24-30 ¼-½ pear. Use a liquid fertilizer, such as 20-20-20 or liquid Collards 8-10 seeds 2-4 24 ¼-½ fish emulsion, at rates recommended on the package. Cucumbers 4-5 seeds 24-36 30 ½-1 Fertilize again in another week or two. Eggplant 1 transplant 18 30 Pots made of peat are good for growing transplants, Endive 4-6 seeds 9-12 18-30 ½ because plant roots can easily grow through the sides. Garlic, from cloves 1 clove 6 12-18 1½ Do not remove the peat pot when you transplant, and Horseradish 1 root 18 30 2 it will gradually decompose. Keeping the plants in the Kale 4-6 seeds 8-12 24-30 ¼-½ same container reduces transplant shock and helps pro- Kohlrabi 6-8 seeds 3-6 18-30 ¼-½ duce crops a few days earlier than scheduled. You can Leeks 10-15 seeds 3-4 20 ½ Lettuce, head 1 transplant 12-18 20 ¼ use egg cartons and paper cups, but be sure to punch Lettuce, leaf 20-30 seeds ½ 8-12 ¼ holes in the bottoms for good water drainage. Also, cut Muskmelons 2-3 seeds 24-36 60 ½-¾ away these containers before transplanting. Put individ- Mustard 20 seeds 3 18 ¼ ual pots in plastic, metal or wooden trays for growing New Zealand spinach 4-6 seeds 12 30 ½ and for convenience when you water and handle them. Okra 3 seeds 12 30 1 Growing Transplants Indoors Onions, from seed 10-15 seeds 4 12-18 ¼-½ For indoor growing, sow seeds in a plant tray con- Onions 3-6 sets 4 12-18 1-2 taining an artificial growing medium of peat moss and Parsley 10-15 seeds 4-6 12-18 ¼-½ perlite available at garden centers. Adding compost to Parsnips 12 seeds 2-3 18 ½-¾ Peas 15 seeds Do not thin 30-48 1 the potting media at up to 25% of total volume can re- Peppers 1 transplant 14-18 30-36 duce the need for fertilizers later and potentially en- Potatoes 1 seed piece 10-12 36 3-5 courage seed germination. Enclose the seeded trays in Pumpkins 1-2 seeds 4 ft 8-12 ft 1 a plastic bag and keep them at room temperature until Radishes, spring 10-15 seeds 2-3 12 ¼ seedlings begin to emerge. Then, remove the plastic and Radishes, winter 10-15 seeds 2-4 12 ¼ transfer the trays to suitable growing areas. Rhubarb 1 crown per 2 ft 36 4-5 ft The average windowsill is one location for grow- Rutabaga 4-6 seeds 6-8 18-30 ½ ing plants, but it usually does not get enough light. Southern pea 3-4 seeds 2-3 30 So, you have to use artificial light to supplement. Use Spinach 6 seeds 4-6 12-18 ¼ cool white fluorescent lamps alone, a mixture of cool Squash, summer 2-3 seeds in hill 24 48 1 white and warm white fluorescent lamps, or a mixture Squash, winter 1-2 seeds 48 6-8 ft 1 of cool white and plant growth fluorescent lamps. Lo- Sweet corn 2 seeds 8-10 30 1-2 cate the lamps 5 to 10 inches from the foliage and oper- Sweet potatoes 1 slip 15 36 ate them 12 to 18 hours/day. Be sure to keep seedlings Tomatoes 1 transplant per 2 ft 24 36 cool enough (60° to 65°F) for strong, sturdy growth after Turnips (roots) 6-8 seeds 3-4 12-15 ½ they germinate. Turnips (greens) 10-12 seeds 2-3 12-15 ½ Watermelons 2-3 seeds in hill 6-8 ft 72 1 Plants should be “hardened off ” about two weeks be- fore planting them in the garden. That is, you toughen 20-12  Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky CHAPTER 20 Table 20.6. Transplant production data. Soil Temp. Satisfactory Growth Weeks from Seed Seed Spacing (°F) Needed Average Temp. Seeding to Average Depth Seeds/ Rows for Seeds to Days to Crop Transplanting4 Seedling Date (in) in Apart (in) Germinate Emerge Day (°F) Night (°F) Cool Season1 Broccoli2 5-7 Feb 5, July 1 ¼ 8 2 80 4-6 65 60 Brussels Sprouts 5-7 Feb. 5, July 1 ¼ 8 2 80 4-6 65 60 Cabbage 5-7 Jan. 20, July 1 ¼ 10 2 85 3-5 55 50 Cauliflower2 5-7 Jan. 25, July 1 ¼ 8 2 80 4-6 65 60 Lettuce 5-7 ¼ -- 2 75 2-3 60 50 Onion 10-12 ¼ -- 2 75 4-5 65 55 Warm Season Cucumber3 3-4 April 1 1 2 seeds 95 3-6 75 70 Muskmelon3 3-4 April 1 1 per 4” x 4” pot, 90 4-6 75 70 thinned to 1 Squash3 3-4 April 1 1 95 5-7 75 70 Watermelon3 (seeded) 4-6 Mar. 25 1 85 4-6 75 70 Watermelon3 (seedless) 4-6 Mar. 25 1 90 4-6 75 70 Tomato 4-7 Mar. 15 ½ 10 2 80 7-9 70 60 Eggplant 6-8 Mar. 10 ¼ 10 3 80 7-9 75 70 Pepper 6-8 Mar. 10 ¼ 10 2 80 8-10 70 65 1 Cool-season crops are frost tolerant and can be set in the garden before the last frost. Warm-season crops are susceptible to frost and should not be set until the danger of the last frost is past. 2 Do not allow broccoli or cauliflower to become deficient in nitrogen or water or exposed to cold temperatures when they are small. 3 Seed into individual containers (peat) that may be placed directly into the soil, because these crops will not tolerate root disturbance. 4 Allow an extra two weeks growing time if grown in plant beds. the plants so that they can withstand the compost as a base. If electricity is the heat outside environment. To do so, begin ex- source, only a few inches of sand are re- posing them to lower temperatures. One quired for a base, and transplants like cab- way is to take your transplants outside in bage, cauliflower, broccoli and lettuce may the daytime and bring them in at night. be sown directly in the composted soil However, don’t let them get caught in a base. frost. Reduce your watering and fertiliz- Buying Healthy Transplants— ing of transplants to help “hardening off ” A Good Investment about one week before transplanting. Do Sometimes what appears to be a good not let them dry out and wilt, however. buy because it’s inexpensive may turn out Figure 20.5. Cold frame. Scrap lumber can Growing Transplants Outdoors to be a poor investment in transplants. be used to build the basic frame. The hinged top can be made from old windows or a Structures used for growing trans- Transplants which were seeded at the frame covered with clear plastic. plants outdoors may or may not be artifi- right time and were grown at the right cially heated. temperature, in abundant light and ad- The cold frame for housing transplants equate moisture, will be compact, with are clipped before shipping to reduce the receives no artificial heat. Use the sun to the distance between leaves very small. amount of top growth. This is a poor prac- its greatest advantage by locating these The stems will be pencil thick and rigid. tice since it not only induces transplant structures on the south side of a build- Leaves will be dark green, large and up- shock and delays fruiting but spreads dis- ing (Figure 20.5). Cold frames are used for right with no tendency to droop. Trans- ease as well. holding or “hardening off ” transplants. plants that are trying to produce flowers When purchasing transplants, be sure The hotbed is a cold frame structure or fruit are not as desirable as those which to ask whether the plants have been hard- which includes an additional source of are strictly vegetative. Plants trying to pro- ened off. If not, it is important to place heat. Heat may be supplied from ferment- duce fruit are slow to develop good root them in a cool spot and reduce water for ing horse manure, electric cable or light systems to support later fruit production. a couple of days to acclimate the plants to bulbs. Transplants are usually grown in Bare root plants will be slower to es- outside conditions. pots set over a 2- to 4-inch layer of com- tablish than transplants grown in cell Moving Transplants to the Garden posted soil or sand. If horse manure is packs or containers. Sometimes, plants Whether you buy plants or grow your used or if plants are grown in the bed are packed in large bundles and shipped own, the time comes to plant them out- rather than in pots, use a 4-inch layer of great distances. To save space, these plants side. 20-13 CHAPTER 20 Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky Transplanting gives a plant more space 3. Handle the plants carefully. Avoid dis- 6. Put more soil around each plant, but to develop, but it will temporarily check turbing the roots. leave a slight depression for water to growth, not stimulate it. Therefore, for 4. Dig a hole large enough to hold the collect. Break off any exposed parts of successful transplanting, try to interrupt roots. Set the plants to the lowest leaf at peat pots so that they will not act as plant growth as little as possible. In doing recommended spacings. Press soil firm- wicks and pull water out of the soil. so, peat pots give you an advantage, even ly around the roots. 7. Shade the plants for a few days after though they are expensive, because they 5. Pour 1 cup of starter solution in the transplanting on a very hot day by put- do not have to be removed. Follow these hole around the plant. Starter solutions ting newspapers or cardboard on their eight steps when transplanting: are high analysis fertilizer solutions for south sides. 1. Transplant on a shady day in late af- rapid transplant root development. To 8. Water the plants once or twice during ternoon or in early evening to prevent prepare, mix plant food with 15-30-15, the next week. wilting. 10-53-17 or 20-20-20 analysis at the 2. Soak transplants’ roots thoroughly an rate of 2 Tbs/gallon of water. Any liq- hour or two before setting them in the uid organic fertilizer, like fish emulsion, garden. can also be used as a started solution by following the recommendations on the package. 20-14  Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky CHAPTER 20 Growing More with Less Space paths between the beds, you no longer dis- turb the soil. Combining raised beds with other intensive practices such as wide-row planting, intercropping or succession planting gives the greatest yields in a gar- den. In addition, the excellent drainage in raised beds often permits early planting, though raised beds also will dry out faster than level ground later in the season. Use mulches to retain moisture in your raised beds. Intercropping Intercropping involves planting dif- ferent vegetables side by side to take ad- vantage of the different times of maturity, heights, spreads or rooting depths. A classic example of intercropping in- volves corn, beans and squash. A few weeks after sowing corn seeds, you plant pole beans close to the corn rows to use the corn stalks for support. As another example, you can set tomato transplants between lettuce plants; the lettuce matures and is harvested before the tomato plants grow very large. Figure 20.6. Raised bed. Also, try sowing radish seeds with car- rot seeds. The radishes germinate Intensive Gardening In wide-row planting, vegetables are quickly, marking the row of slowly planted in wide rows between narrow Conventional gardens, planted in rows sprouting carrots. Radishes are harvest- pathways as opposed to single rows with about 3 feet apart, have been popular for ed within a few weeks, long before they wide spaces between the rows. The veg- many years because they can be plant- interfere with the carrots. etables are spaced so that they will just ed and easily cultivated with a farm trac- touch one another at maturity. This meth- Many other intercropping ideas will tor or a rototiller. However, because of the od of gardening may reduce weed prob- develop from your own gardening expe- wide spaces between rows, such gardens lems, although hand weeding will be rience. Remember, however, that yields of are not very space efficient. Gardeners more difficult. Since less soil remains bar