Vegetable-growing 281 



Many vegetables are often better adapted to the soil and 

 climatic condition of other regions than the ones in which 

 they are usually grown. 



Hardy vegetables like onions, peas, beets, lettuce, and 

 radishes should be planted early in order that fresh vegetables 

 may be obtained early in the year. These hardy crops will 

 stand considerable cold and, even if some are killed by frost, 

 it is comparatively inexpensive to replant the seeds. Half- 

 hardy and tender crops as cucumbers, melons, and the like, 

 should not be planted until the ground is fairly warm. 



Some vegetables remain in good condition for table use only 

 a short time after coming to maturity, while others continue 

 bearing over a relatively long season. Peas, beans, radishes, 

 lettuce, and sweet corn are examples of the former, and to- 

 matoes, cucumbers, and melons of the latter. In the case 

 of the crops that last only a short period, it is well to have a 

 succession of plantings. To plant peas and beans, for ex- 

 ample, once a week for four weeks will very much extend the 

 season during which this vegetable is available for use. Sweet 

 corn under New Jersey conditions may be planted from April 

 15 to July 15, and if several plantings were made during this 

 time, farmers could have fresh sweet corn for a long time 

 during the summer and fall. Those vegetables that remain 

 in good condition for a considerable period do not need to 

 be planted in succession. Another way to extend the season 

 for vegetables is to plant in the late summer those spring- 

 grown crops that will make a growth in the fall. Peas, spring 

 beans, lettuce, carrots, and beets are examples. None of these 

 crops will grow, however, if planted in midsummer. In the 

 South the fall garden can be made very important and by 

 the use of coldframes the season for fresh vegetables can be 

 extended well into the winter. 



Certain perennial crops should always be found in the farm- 

 garden. These should include bush-fruits and strawberries 

 as well as asparagus, rhubarb, and horse-radish. They should 



