Native Americans called it isquoutersquash. The British call it marrow. Squash is the American English term. Zucchini, summer squash, winter squash, and pumpkins grow best once the air temperature averages 65ºF (18ºC). That means squash can be sown in late spring just about everywhere, and if you live in a long-growing season region where the
Papaya fruits ripening on the tree Papaya is a fruit that is often enjoyed by people all over the world. It is known for its sweet and juicy taste, and it can be eaten as is or used in various recipes. One of the great things about papaya is that it is a fairly easy
Dill is an annual herb that is easy to grow. Dill’s delicate leaves are feathery. Mature plants flower in late summer. Flowers are followed by seeds. Dill leaves, flowers and seeds can be used in the kitchen. Dill leaves are an herb. Dill seeds are a spice. Dill grows well in full sun or partial
Cranberry plant at harvest time Cranberries are not hard to grow if you give them the conditions they need. They require cool temperatures, soil rich in organic matter (acidic peat soil is best), and plenty of water. Because cranberries have specific requirements, home gardeners usually have the best success growing cranberries in containers or specifically
Horseradish plant in the garden Horseradish is grown for its pungent roots. Horseradish is a large-leaved perennial plant. The leaves are smooth with wavy edges. The roots grow long and narrow, sometimes to 2 feet (.6m) long. Horseradish is best grown as an annual. In the second year, horseradish’s large roots can become tough and
Sweet corn is a warm-season annual. It is one of the most popular home garden crops and one of the most widely planted commercial crops. Sweet corn is grown for its juicy, plump, sweet-flavored kernels. Corn can be eaten steamed, boiled, or roasted. In addition to sweet corn, other types of corn include popcorn, flint
Kale is a leafy cool-weather crop that requires two months of cool weather to reach harvest. Kale is a biennial plant, a hardy brassica (member of the cabbage/mustard family). Mature kale leaves can be coarse but there are several types that are grown for their tender, palatable young leaves. Kale is an important leaf crop
Bananas are a staple food in most tropical countries. Banana plants have been domesticated plants for thousands of years. Bananas are a staple food in most tropical and many subtropical countries. Edible banana species have been crossed and recrossed for centuries resulting in two main types of banana–the sweet, dessert banana and the starchier, cooking
Spinach is a great-tasting early-season green. Next to the dandelion is the first green that can be harvested in early spring. It is also one of the best fall and winter crops. Spinach is a cool-season annual. Plant spinach before the weather warms in spring and again as the weather cools in early autumn. (When
Leeks are grown for their thick, juicy, long stalks. They are a mild-flavored alternative to the onion. Leeks require a long growing season—up to 170 days. They grow best in cool, mild weather. Leeks belong to the Allium family which includes onions, shallots, scallions, and garlic. Leeks don’t grow from bulbs like other Alliums, they
