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Okra grows on tall, bushy plants with ornamental leaves and flowers. The red varieties are particularly dramatic in the garden. Both the air temperature and the ground must be warm for this heat lover to thrive. Tall varieties may need to be staked.
Sweet potatoes are grown from ‘slips’, the term for sprouts from a sweet potato. Due to pest quarantines, most nursery companies cannot ship slips to California. But they are easy to grow yourself. Start slip production in February to March. Transplant to garden in May to June.
Radishes are usually grown for their crisp, spicy roots, but the entire plant is also edible. The tops can be eaten like turnip or mustard greens, and some varieties are even grown for edible seed pods.
Watermelon are large vining plants that need lots of sun, water, and room to ramble in full sun. Transplant or direct seed in May to June. For best results, wait until daytime temperatures are regularly over 75°F and soil temperature is over 70°F. If growing your own seedlings, start the seeds 4 weeks before…
Chard is a leafy green that is related to beets. It can be grown year round in Santa Clara County. Direct seed or transplant seedlings in February to May or September to October. Outer leaves can be harvested continuously as soon as the plant is well established. Harvest by cutting or breaking away a few of…
Chard is a leafy green that is related to beets. It can be grown year round in Santa Clara County. Direct seed or transplant seedlings in February to May or September to October. Outer leaves can be harvested continuously as soon as the plant is well established. Harvest by cutting or breaking away a few of…
Chayote, a member of the cucurbit family (along with cucumber, melons, and squash), is a perennial vine which produces edible vegetables used in cooking and used raw in salads and salsas. Plant seed or sprouted fruit in May to September, possibly April or October.
Transplant in May to June, possibly April depending on weather and local conditions. For best results, wait until daytime temperatures are regularly over 70°F. If growing your own seedlings, start the seeds 6 weeks before you want to plant.
Biennial monocot with prominent bulb, hollow cylindrical leaves, and an odor when bruised. Roots shallow, 12 to 18 inches. Has been used for food since very early times; it was eaten in Egypt before 3000 B.C. Also used as flavoring in nearly every current world culture. Botanically, there are three groups…
