o u t d o o r s
edibles
planning & planting
For a steadier harvest over a longer time,
carefully choose and plant varieties with the
following considerations in mind.
P L A N T FO R T H E S E A S O N S Take advantage
of spring and fall, not just summer. These
illustrations,
right,
show how it can be done.
U SE F E W E R O F M O R E V A R IE T IE S A wider
range of vegetables will spread ripening over a
longer time (and give you a more diverse diet).
S T A G G E R S O W IN G T IM E S Plant crops with
a single harvest, such as corn and beans, with
two or three sowings, two weeks apart.
H A R V E S T EA RLY Pick beans, eggplants,
peppers, and greens before they reach their
maximum, overmature size. You’ll have less
volume, but the vegetables will be much more
tender and tasty.
For buying information see page
259
.
SNAP PEAS
SPINACH
.e t t u c e :
spring
As soon as soil is workable, plant cool-season
crops. Sow radishes between other crops—they’ll be ready
for harvest in about 4 weeks, before other crops fill in.
1 2 2
APRIL 2010 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
►
This is not
homeowners insurance.
This is if-you-fall-off-
your-roof-get-hurt-and-
can’t-work insurance.
©
2010
Aflac Incorporated
ILLUSTRATIONS: GARY PALMER
