Fruits And Vegetables

About Carrots, Parsnips and RadishesCarrots are native to Eurasia, with the typical orange variety coming from east Asia.  Parsnips are native to the eastern Mediterranean and north to the Caucus Mountains. Beets also are from the Mediterranean region usually along the sandy coast.  Lastly radishes…

About OnionsOnions grown in the Tahoe/Truckee area do not typically achieve the size found in the markets.Onions are defined as short day, long day and intermediate day onions. Intermediate day onions may do best in our area. Tahoe is on the demarcation line for the limits of long-day and short-day onions…

Growing SquashSquash have separate male and female flowers (monoecious).Flowers are edibleCompanion plantings include corn, lettuce, onions and radishesAvoid planting with potatoes, tomatoes and eggplantsMany varieties have tendrils that help the plant climb and hold fruit off groundSquash can be grown in…

Types of BeansSnap beans – Beans and pods eatenFilet or French Green Bean – more slenderShelled beans – Only the bean is eatenDry Beans – Beans typically dried prior to rehydrating and eaten (pinto)Bean Growth ClassificationPole – Requiring support, Longer production periodBush – Not requiring support,…

SoilPepper plants grow best in warm well drained soil. Ideal soil Ph is 6.0 to 6.8 range. A soil enriched with plenty of compost and organic material will require less fertilizer. Fertilizers of a 1-2-2 ratio are often used for growing peppers.ConditionsPeppers love the warm temperatures. They need 6-8 hrs…

Tomato SoilpH 6.2-6.8 (Tahoe/Truckee native soil) is best. Prep area by mixing in 10-10-10 fertilizer and organic matter to improve moisture-holding capacity. Plants are thirsty and hungry.Planting TomatoesTomatoes can be grown on native soils, raised beds or containers. Container growing is most successful…

Nitrogen Fixation in PeasAtmospheric nitrogen (N2) is not in a usable form for most plants. For legumes like beans and peas a symbiotic relationship exists with a type of nitrogen fixing bacteria (Rhizobia spp.). The bacteria “infects” the root system obtaining essential nutrition, while providing the plant…

Potato Seed PreparationPotato 'seeds' are actually bits of potatoes with at least a couple eyes, from which the plants develop. Larger seed potatoes can be cut if they include at least 2 eyes each, just be sure to allow 24 hours to dry or become callused before planting. Potatoes will tolerate light…

Growing Kale and Collard Greens in the GroundChange planting location, no replanting for 2-4 years Full sun spring/fall, shade in summer Make sure seedling and planting location are moist and fertile before transplantingGently massage roots of kale before planting but gentle root care for the…

Lightweight garden infrastructure projects can give you a headstart Too early to plant? Consider taking on these lightweight garden infrastructure projects! Use cold frames, raised beds, and other season extenders to get a head-start on planting outdoors.As we look at sunny skies and longer days in May,…