Garden Crops Grown for Their Fruits 275 

 PEPPERS 



Peppers are tender plants requiring quite the same 

 temperature conditions as the tomato. They are slower 

 in growth and need a longer growing period. In the 

 northern states only one crop can be grown, and this by 

 the transplanting method. A few plants will usually 

 supply the needs of a family; the plants may stand 

 from i to 2 feet apart in rows. The large-fruited and 

 sweet varieties are best. The smaller sorts are more 

 " peppery " in taste. 



EGGPLANTS 



The eggplant needs a rich, warm soil, for it is a tender 

 plant and grows slowly. A period of 8 or 9 weeks of 

 proper forcing under glass is necessary to bring the 

 plants to good size for transplanting to the garden. The 

 beginner is advised to try one of the early small-fruited 

 sorts and to rear or purchase well-grown plants for plant- 

 ing. Fortunately the fleshy and almost solid fruits are 

 used before they are fully ripe, and for this reason the crop 

 may be grown where the season is too short to bring the 

 fruits to full maturity. In the extreme North, however, 

 the growing season is rather too short to bring the plants 

 to full production. 



Questions 



What are the main differences between the smooth-seeded 

 varieties and the wrinkled varieties of garden peas ? How should 

 peas be planted? How do string beans and Lima beans differ 

 in their requirements ? Describe the proper method of planting 

 Lima beans. 



