Vegetable Culture A Comprehensive Guide to Growing Beans and Cabbage
Vegetable Culture A Comprehensive Guide to Growing Beans and Cabbage
Vegetable Culture A Comprehensive Guide to Growing Beans and Cabbage - When it comes to growing beans, many gardeners prefer bush beans over pole beans due to their ease of cultivation. While pole beans may require poles or trellises for support, bush beans can be grown along old fences or tall sunflowers with minimal effort. In fact, bush beans can even add an ornamental touch to your garden if you plant them at the rear end of each vegetable row and create arches with supple tree limbs for them to climb over, forming beautiful terminus points.
In order to cultivate beans successfully, it's important to provide them with rich, warm, sandy soil. Be sure to dig deeply and work the soil thoroughly before planting. Avoid planting beans too early in the season when the soil is still cold, as they prefer warmer temperatures. Early digging of the soil can also help bring insect eggs and larvae to the surface, providing a food source for birds that can help control pests. Adding a little lime to the soil can also be beneficial for bean cultivation.
When planting bush beans, space them about eighteen inches apart in rows, while pole bean rows should be three feet apart. For bush lima beans, which are a type of dwarf bean, consider spacing the rows even further apart, around three feet, to allow for easy cultivation with a hoe. If the running beans climb too high, simply pinch off the growing tips to hold back their upward growth.
There are several types of bush beans to choose from, including dwarf snap or string beans, wax beans, and bush lima beans. Pole beans, on the other hand, include pole lima beans, wax beans, and scarlet runner beans. The scarlet runner bean is particularly known for its decorative effects, with its vibrant red flowers adding beauty to any garden or fence. It can also serve as a dual-purpose plant, providing both a vegetable harvest and a screen for privacy.
When planting beans, remember to plant them in the soil with the eye of the bean facing downwards. This will ensure proper germination and growth.
When it comes to growing beets, they also prefer rich, sandy loam soil. However, fresh manure should be avoided, as it can be harmful to the delicate beet roots. If fresh manure is the only option available, it can be incorporated into the soil carefully and thoroughly, or alternatively, a trench can be dug about a foot deep, a thin layer of manure can be spread in it, covered with soil, and the beets can be planted above this layer. By the time the beet roots reach the manure layer, any potential harm would have been minimized. Beets should not be transplanted, and spacing the rows about one foot apart should provide ample space for cultivation.
When handling beets, care should be taken to avoid cutting off the tip of the root and the tops, as this can cause bleeding and result in loss of valuable material. Pinching off the tops with fingers, leaving a small margin above the beet itself, is the proper method of handling.
In addition to beets, there are other members of the beet and cabbage families that can be grown in the vegetable garden. Mangel wurzel and ruta baga, which are big and coarse, are often grown as feed for cattle in some regions.
The cabbage family is a diverse group that includes various types of cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, and kohlrabi. Cauliflower is a more refined and delicate cousin of cabbage that requires slightly richer soil and cannot tolerate frost. Regular watering with manure water can provide the extra nutrients and moisture that cauliflower needs. Bending over the outer leaves of the cauliflower plant, similar to young cabbage, can help promote the
Beans, beets, and cabbage are popular and nutritious vegetables that can be grown in your backyard garden. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this article will provide you with valuable information on how to cultivate these vegetables successfully.
FAQ:
Q: Should I choose bush beans or pole beans for my garden?
A: Both bush beans and pole beans have their advantages. Bush beans are compact and do not require support, making them suitable for smaller gardens or container gardening. On the other hand, pole beans require trellises or poles for support but tend to yield a larger harvest in a smaller space. Consider the size of your garden and your gardening preferences when choosing between bush beans and pole beans.
Q: How should I prepare the soil for bean cultivation?
A: Beans prefer rich, warm, sandy soil. It's important to dig deeply and work the soil thoroughly before planting beans. Avoid planting beans before the soil has warmed up from spring chills. Early digging of the soil can also help bring insects to the surface, providing a food source for birds that can help control pests. Adding a little lime to the soil can also be beneficial for bean cultivation.
Q: Can I plant beets in soil with fresh manure?
A: Beets prefer sandy loam soil and are sensitive to fresh manure. If fresh manure is the only option, it's best to work it into the soil with care and thoroughness to avoid direct contact with beet roots. Alternatively, you can create a trench about a foot deep, spread a thin layer of manure in the trench, cover it with soil, and plant the beet seeds above the manure layer. This allows the beet roots to grow past the manure layer, minimizing the risk of damage.
Q: When is the best time to plant cabbage family vegetables?
A: Cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, and kohlrabi are members of the cabbage family and have different planting requirements. Cauliflower is more delicate and requires a richer soil than cabbage, and it cannot tolerate frost. It's important to water cauliflower regularly with manure water for extra nutrients. Kale is hardier and can tolerate frost, making it suitable for early spring or late fall planting. Brussels sprouts should be planted in May and transplanted into rich soil in late July. Kohlrabi can be planted in spring or fall and prefers well-drained soil.
Tips:
Provide support for pole beans: If you choose to grow pole beans, make sure to provide trellises, poles, or other supports for the beans to climb on. This will help them grow vertically and save space in your garden.
Pinch off growing tips of pole beans: If pole beans grow too tall, you can pinch off the growing tips to encourage bushier growth and prevent them from becoming too top-heavy.
Water consistently: Beans, beets, and cabbage family vegetables all require consistent watering to ensure healthy growth. Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry periods, and avoid over-watering or allowing the soil to dry out completely.
Mulch to retain moisture: Mulching around your bean, beet, and cabbage plants can help retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Use organic mulch, such as straw or shredded leaves, for best results.
Practice crop rotation: To prevent diseases and pests from building up in the soil, practice crop rotation by planting beans, beets, and cabbage family vegetables in different areas of your garden each year. This can help maintain soil fertility and reduce the risk of plant diseases.
Monitor for pests and diseases: Keep an eye out for common pests and diseases