The ultimate Native American crop. All types are grown the same way. At about the time of last frost in spring, direct-seed into the richest soil available, 1-2 inches deep. Whether planted in rows or beds, allow the corn plants up to about one square foot per plant, on average. Ears fill best when dry conditions are not allowed to prevail at tasseling time. Sweet corn is picked when milky juice is contained within the kernels; clear juice is immature, and chewiness means the ear is over-mature. Flour corn is left on the plant until thoroughly dry in the fall.
 

Plant seed about one inch deep, 12 inches apart, in rows 5 feet apart. Or plant in hills, 4-5 seeds per hill, with hills about 5 feet apart. In short-season climates, grow transplants indoors, starting about 1 week before last frost date and set out about 2-3 weeks after sowing; never let transplants become root-bound in their container. Melons may be trellised, but larger-fruited varieties would need a cloth sling to support each fruit. Dry conditions the last week or two before ripening make melons sweeter; too much moisture makes them bland-tasting and prone to rotting in the field. Judging ripeness varies from one variety to another, and may take a bit of trial and error when harvesting an unfamiliar variety. With some, the fruits "slip," or come free from the stem with little effort. Often a color change takes place; fruits will soften noticeably, or become fragrant.
 

Cowpeas are very easy to grow, colorful and tasty. Very popular in the Southern U.S., Africa and Asia. They are great picked young for use as green snap beans, and stir-fried or boiled. A favorite crop here at our farm. They also make a great cover crop, to choke weeds and put nitrogen in the soil.
 

An ancient staple crop grown throughout North and South America. Sow beans 1-2 inches deep in full sun, when danger of frost is past. Soaking for 1-2 hours before planting speeds germination. Beans will rot if soil is cold or very wet. Sow bush types 6-12 inches apart in beds; pole types 6 inches apart in rows. Provide support for pole types. Harvest for snaps when pods are good-sized; keep snaps well-picked, as production slows as seed matures. Strings will develop in over-mature pods in any variety. For dry beans leave pods on the plants until dry, or pick when leathery, and dry indoors.
 

This African native and staple of the Deep South really thrives on heat! Soaking seeds for 24 hours before planting greatly improves germination. Direct-seed when soil is warm (2 weeks after last frost date). Or, start in containers 2-4 weeks before setting out. Plants thrive in rich, moist soil in full sun, but often do surprisingly well in drier or poorer soils. Harvest the pods daily during hot weather, as they grow very quickly past the stage of prime eating. The juicy seeds of slightly over-mature pods are a refreshing snack, and some people use the prickly leaves as greens!
 

Most of our varieties mature around 65-70 days from sowing. Early sowings can be made 2-3 weeks before spring’s last frost date. The tiny seeds should be surface-sown and not covered, or covered only minimally, and kept uniformly moist until seedlings are strong. May be sown throughout spring and summer at 2-3 week intervals, until about a month before first frost in autumn.
 

Grown as a spring or fall crop. Basic culture about the same as broccoli. White varieties are traditionally blanched, by tying the large outer leaves over the developing head, excluding light. This causes the flower buds to develop white, tender, and mild. Self-blanching varieties usually do not require this treatment. Avoid maturing a crop in intense summer heat.
 

Originally an East Indian crop, but spread to other parts of Asia and Europe long ago. Best direct-seeded at about the time of last frost, but can be started earlier as transplants, provided the seedlings are set out before becoming rootbound. Cucumbers are heavy feeders and thrive in rich soil full of organic matter. They can be trellised if desired. A bit of afternoon shade is helpful in very hot summer-areas. Supply abundant moisture and keep mature fruit picked.
 

Beets are a cool-season crop and grow well in the cool temperatures of spring and fall. They do poorly in hot weather. Beets are well suited to large or small home gardens since they require little room. They are grown for both the roots which usually are pickled and the young tops which are used as greens.
 

Eggplant is a cold-sensitive vegetable that requires a long warm season for best yields. The culture of eggplant is similar to that of bell pepper, with transplants being set in the garden after all danger of frost is past. Eggplants are slightly larger plants than peppers and are spaced slightly farther apart. Eggplant requires careful attention for a good harvest. Small-fruited, exotic-colored and ornamental varieties can be grown in containers and used for decorations.
 

Tomatoes are usually easy to grow and a few plants provide an adequate harvest for most families. The quality of fruit picked in the garden when fully ripe far surpasses anything available on the market, even in season. The tomato plant is a tender, warm-season perennial that is grown as an annual in summer gardens all over the continental United States. Spring and fall freezes limit the outdoor growing season.
 

Some say that watermelons are the food of angels, and if you’ve ever tasted a homegrown watermelon you’ll surely agree. Only a fresh, homegrown watermelon would ever be considered heavenly enough for angels, so adding them to your home garden will make for a special treat come summer.